'Delve Deeper'
Ohio Wesleyan Sophomore Explores E-Cigarette Use, Plans Future Oral Cancer Research
Name: Ian Sander '27
Hometown: Pemberville, Ohio
High School: Eastwood High School
Majors: Microbiology, Pre-Dentistry, and Psychology
Minor: Chemistry
OWU Connection Experience: Completing nicotine-related research through the Ohio 5 Summer Undergraduate Research Experience Program (OH5SURE)
Sander spent the summer researching the implications of e-cigarette use and producing informational videos on the topic. He worked under the mentorship of Dr. Ahmad El Hellani and Professor Marielle C. Brinkman at The Ohio State University's Tobacco Center for Regulatory Science (TCORS) and College of Public Health.
"I knew that conducting research at an R1 institution was an amazing opportunity to collaborate with the leading professionals in the field and gain firsthand knowledge that I can use to both better the health of others in my community and in my future career," Sander says.
Meaningful Research
"In the Brinkman & El Hellani Labs, we are working on TCORS Project 1: Manipulating E-cigarette Nicotine to Promote Public Health. By examining the various dimensions of nicotine, we can assess the effect of nicotine on the appeal, addictiveness, user behavior, and toxicity of e-cigarettes among cigarette smokers and e-cigarette users."
Foundational Knowledge
"As part of the Ohio 5 Summer Undergraduate Research Experience, I investigated the most popularly used e-cigarette brands in the United States. I conducted comprehensive device characterization by analyzing design characteristics and nicotine dimensions (concentration, form, isomer) in each product through chemical methods including pH measurement, proton nuclear magnetic resonance, gas chromatography tandem mass spectrometry, and high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. …
"A substantial amount of my research and advocacy efforts involved producing several public service announcement videos discussing the risks of drug use, the challenges linked to addiction, and the actual components of nicotine products including cigarettes, vapes, and electronic cigarettes. …
"The foundational knowledge and research skills I developed through my work at The Ohio State University Tobacco Center for Regulatory Science will be crucial as I aim to delve deeper into the study of the oral microbiome and oral cancer."
Healthy Priorities
"From a young age, I have consistently been passionate about prioritizing good health. My dedication to promoting good health became especially apparent during my participation in 4-H, where I engaged in projects centered on health-related topics. Specifically, I dedicated a significant amount of time to researching and presenting information on the contents of tobacco products."
Why I Chose Ohio Wesleyan
"During my college search, I quickly discovered that the OWU Connection is what sets Ohio Wesleyan apart from other liberal arts institutions. I loved the opportunity to customize my OWU Connection pathway, allowing me to make the most of my college experience to best prepare me for my academic and professional goals and create meaningful connections that will have an impact for a lifetime."
I plan to pursue a dual degree DDS/Ph.D. in graduate school to continue research in both the field of dentistry and public health.
My Plans After Graduation
"I plan to pursue a dual degree DDS/Ph.D. in graduate school to continue research in both the field of dentistry and public health. This summer research experience has reinforced my love of learning and my desire to answer complex questions. My experience in examining the health effects of e-cigarettes has highlighted the importance of regulatory science in public health, especially within the dental field."