Empowering Discovery, Delivering Hope
Our Mission
At the Niagara University BioMedical Research Institute, our mission is clear: to drive advancements in basic and clinical research, with a focus on discovering and applying a groundbreaking general anti-viral therapeutic. We achieve this through the development of an innovative drug delivery system called Cholestosome, aimed at enhancing health and wellness.
In pursuit of our mission, we provide invaluable opportunities for undergraduate students to engage in high-level research and collaborate with esteemed healthcare professionals. By doing so, we not only contribute to the field of biomedical research but also align with Niagara University’s commitment to education and training. Our ultimate goal is to nurture and train the next generation of scientists, empowering them to make significant contributions to the scientific community and beyond. Together, we are shaping a brighter future for healthcare and scientific discovery.
Confidence. Clarity. Purpose.
At Niagara University, we foster a spirit of inquiry and problem-solving. Our dedicated faculty provides strong guidance and mentorship to students, instilling them with confidence and empowering them to tackle complex challenges.
At the core of our mission is the transmission of knowledge which comes to life through the meaningful interactions between faculty and students. These transformative relationships cultivate individuals who possess confidence, a clear sense of direction, and a deep sense of purpose.
Through our commitment to teaching, scholarship, and service, Niagara University prepares students for impactful roles in their chosen professions and society as a whole. Programs, such as the ones offered through the BioMedical Research Institute, aim to ignite a passion for learning within our students, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to make a difference.
Niagara University
BioMedical Research Institute
An extension of the B. Thomas Gallisano Center for Integrated Sciences at Niagara University, the BioMedical Research Institute is a leading hub for biomedical research, offering undergraduate students unparalleled opportunities to contribute to the field of healthcare. Led by Dr. Mary McCourt, our lab is located on the esteemed Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, providing students with a cutting-edge facility for hands-on research and collaboration. Supported by a $750,000 federal grant secured by Congressman Brian Higgins, as well as funding from NYS ESD and the Dr. Lawrence Jacobs Foundation, our state-of-the-art lab is equipped with advanced instrumentation and specialized spaces.
Dr. Mary P. McCourt
Michael J., ’60 and Aimee Rusinko Kakos Endowed Chair of Chemistry
Dr. Mary P. McCourt’s journey in science is deeply personal. Many years ago, the loss of a brother to a brain tumor ignited a fire within her. Vowing to help others battling similar challenges, Dr. McCourt embarked on a path of scientific discovery, earning her Ph.D. in Chemistry and becoming a respected senior scientist.
Throughout her career, Dr. McCourt’s research has been driven by a singular goal: finding ways to deliver drugs more effectively, particularly to the brain. This enduring pursuit has led her to explore cutting-edge advancements, including the development of Cholestosome technology. This innovative approach holds immense promise for targeted drug delivery, potentially revolutionizing treatment for a wide range of diseases, including brain tumors.
Dr. McCourt’s expertise extends beyond the research lab. She played a pivotal role in designing and implementing the university’s state-of-the-art computational drug design laboratory and analytical instrumentation facilities. This hands-on experience allows her to create a dynamic learning environment where students can engage with the very tools and technologies shaping the future of medicine.
Whether teaching physical and computational chemistry, chemistry for nurses, or general chemistry labs, Dr. McCourt fosters a love of science in her students. Her diverse background in history allows her to weave the historical context of scientific discoveries into her teaching, making the subject even more engaging.
Buffalo native Rob Tober, administrative liaison for Niagara University’s Biomedical Research Institute, is your bridge to groundbreaking science and research opportunities. A Niagara University alumnus (B.A. in History/Political Science), Rob’s path to the institute wasn’t linear. After dedicating nine years to the Erie County Board of Elections, his interest in global affairs led him to Norwich University to pursue an M.A. in International Relations with a concentration in International Security. While enrolled in a Ph.D. program in History, the opportunity to work at the institute ignited a new flame. Now, Rob is responsible for connecting high school and undergraduate students with the exciting world of biomedical research. Whether you’re a teacher seeking to participate in the NUSTEP program, a student interested in a lab visit, or someone curious about research collaborations, Rob is here to help. He manages the institute’s website, coordinates student visits, and facilitates meetings with scientists and industry partners. Rob’s diverse background and dedication ensure the smooth operation of the lab and empower the next generation of scientific minds.
In his current role, Brandon is responsible for developing formulation protocols for the innovative cholestosome Zinc technology, ensuring the efficacy and safety of the formulations. Additionally, he oversees the maintenance of all analytical instrumentation, playing a crucial role in supporting the laboratory’s research initiatives and ensuring the highest standards of scientific integrity.
Yinka gained valuable hands-on experience through a neurosurgery preceptorship at Ochsner Medical Center in New Orleans, where she interned. She further developed her skills by collaborating with the neurosurgery team at Tulane University School of Medicine, working on critical projects aimed at preventing the formation and rupture of cerebral aneurysms, both in-vivo and in-vitro. A highlight of her academic journey was studying abroad for a semester at the University of Strasbourg, France, where she earned a diploma in French studies, enriching her global perspective.
As the Institute’s research cell technologist, Yinka is responsible for all experiments involving cell culture and viral growth work.