Dr. Fadipe participated in the National Science Foundation-funded GeneBIORETS program at LSU Health Sciences Center, where she worked in the laboratory of Dr. Omeed Moaven at the Louisiana Cancer Research Center. Her research focused on pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, examining oncolytic virotherapy and Daraxonrasib as potential therapeutic approaches. Through the program, she gained hands-on experience in cell culture, high-throughput RNA extraction, qPCR, Western blotting and immunofluorescence staining, and presented her findings at the GeneBIORETS symposium, where her work was well received.

 

Dr. Fadipe also credited the program with strengthening her connections to fellow educators, noting that shared teaching strategies and classroom resources will help her create more research-driven learning experiences for LSMSA students in biology, genetics, and molecular biotechnology. With continued support from GeneBIORETS funding, she will lead two laboratory sessions in SDS-PAGE and cell signaling during the 2026-2027 school year.

 

 

With support from the LSMSA Foundation and school administration through the Richard G. Brown Fund for Faculty and Staff Advancement, Dr. Fadipe also attended the New England Biolabs Molecular Biology Summer Workshop at Quinnipiac University, where she received intensive hands-on experience in modern molecular biology techniques relevant to genetics, omics, and biotechnology.

 

During the workshop, Dr. Fadipe received the "Most Inquisitive Participant" award after instructors noted she asked more questions than the combined total of the other 18 participants.

 

"This recognition was meaningful because curiosity is central to how I approach science and education. Asking questions, challenging assumptions, and exploring the 'why' behind experimental approaches are fundamental to scientific discovery," Fadipe said. "A learning environment where questions are welcomed can transform education into an active process of scientific inquiry."

 

The workshop also gave Dr. Fadipe the opportunity to meet Professor Carl Wittwer, a pioneer in the development of rapid and real-time polymerase chain reaction technology.

 

"I am immensely grateful to the LSMSA Foundation and school administration for supporting my participation in this workshop through the Richard G. Brown Fund," Fadipe said. "This opportunity has been invaluable to my professional growth. Thank you for investing in educators and education."

 

Dr. Fadipe said both experiences will directly support her teaching in molecular biotechnology and genetics, as well as the development of future genomics and bioinformatics courses at LSMSA.

LSMSA is Louisiana’s preeminent state-supported residential high school with competitive admissions for high-achieving, highly motivated sophomores, juniors, and seniors. As a public school, there is no tuition to attend, and assistance from the LSMSA Foundation ensures that the program is accessible to all qualifying students regardless of financial circumstances. For more information about LSMSA, or to apply for the fall 2027 academic year, visit www.lsmsa.edu.