Peripheral nerve regeneration biomaterial focus of Mason Cosmos Scholar Grant recipient
Peripheral nerves send messages from the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body, controlling muscle movement and involuntary functions like heartbeat and breathing. Although these nerves can repair themselves from minor injuries, more traumatic damage requires medical intervention.
Mason Neuroscience PhD student Dylan Scarton received a 2023 Cosmos Scholar Grant to support research aimed at developing a biomaterial for peripheral nerve regeneration. Working under Remi Veneziano, Assistant Professor in the Bioengineering Department, this study looks at novel DNA-based conductive hydrogels with finely controlled mechanical and electrical properties that can match those of natural nerve tissue.
“We already know that nerves communicate electrically, and research has shown that it's important for the material used to regrow these damaged nerves to be conductive as well," Scarton said.
The Cosmos Scholar Grant awards $5,000 to research needs not supported by other funds. The grant will specifically support the study’s ability to test different conductive polymers and DNA strands. Scarton said findings could lead to optimized recovery outcomes and reduced healing time for those suffering from more severe peripheral nerve damage.
Scarton said one of the biggest takeaways leading up to his time at Mason, and reinforced as a doctoral student, is the powerful impact of interdisciplinary collaboration. “I had never taken an engineering class before joining the lab, but the study I'm working on now has a neuroscience application,” he said. “My experience reinforced how rich and rewarding it can be to take a chance on opportunities that may not initially seem as relevant.”
In addition to his work with Veneziano, Scarton currently serves on a team of students using smart technology to help those who struggle with, or are recovering from, substance use disorder (SUD). The Good Troublers, as they call themselves, are developing an app called iCONNECT intended to help peer support specialists, individuals in recovery from SUD, and their families connect with the specific resources needed to sustain recovery.
Scarton earned his BS in interdisciplinary studies with a concentration in neuroscience from William & Mary with plans to enter the medical field. After working for a short period of time as a clinical allergy specialist, he studied molecular biotechnology at the University of Houston – Clear Lake in their master’s program, where he also volunteered in their site labs to support psychology research. While finishing his own master’s thesis, he worked at M.D. Anderson on immunotherapy for prostate cancer. The experience inspired a new career path, one that still involved medicine, but not necessarily medical school. Scarton’s interests now lay in taking scientific discoveries in the lab and figuring out how to bring those findings to the marketplace.
“At this point, I’ve experienced the pipeline of research—the different points in the process.” Scarton said. “I’m mostly interested in translational science—bringing ideas to application.” He added that he is most interested in researching regenerative medicine and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Huntington’s disease.
Scarton previously participated in the National Science Foundation Research Traineeship Fellowship through the Center for Adaptive Systems of Brain-Body Interactions and later served as their interim program coordinator. He is currently a member of the Graduate Association for Bioengineering Students at George Mason, a mentor with the Society for Neuroscience Mentoring Program (D.C. Metro Area chapter), and an ambassador with the Early Career Policy Ambassador Program in the Society for Neuroscience.
