# Administrative Diversity Supplement for Ta-Tyonna Buck.

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA · 2023 · $76,583

## Abstract

Project Summary: Cranial dura mater is disrupted during invasive brain surgeries, resulting
in major post-surgical complications that may be fatal if left untreated. Commercial dura grafts
perform sub-optimally, creating a critical need for a dura graft substitute that maintains
structural integrity and reintegrates with minimal inflammation and post-surgical
complications. The parent grant will pursue specific aims to evaluate the effectiveness of
dura graft substitutes for dura graft replacement. Here we propose supplemental aims to
investigate the role of astrocytes in healing following dura graft reintegration. The experiments
and goals of the supplemental project will be incorporated into the parent grant’s methods to
advance our understanding of the necessary qualities of dura graft substitutes for effective
reintegration.
The overall goal is for Ms. Ta-Tyonna Buck to investigate the role of astrocytes and
the contributions they have to neural healing. In Supplemental Aim 1, Ta-Tyonna will utilize
an in vitro model to assess the molecular mechanisms of astrocytes on the dura graft
substitutes via a 3D co-culture system. In Supplemental Aim 2, she will assess the role of
astrocytes in an in vivo model to measure the impact and reactivity of astrocytes following dura
graft reintegration.
Ta-Tyonna will gain an extensive skillset in biomedical imaging and microscopy, all of which are
needed to progress in the proposed goals. Ta-Tyonna will meet weekly with Dr. Williams and
the Williams lab for mentoring, research updates, feedback, and reviewing updated
literature. Additionally, Ta-Tyonna will meet monthly with the parent grant investigator team for
mentoring and updates on all studies. She will participate in workshops for research and writing
success at UF, attend national conferences to present her work, and mentor undergraduates
conducting research in the Williams Lab. Furthermore, she will attend professional development
activities at conferences and research symposia to take advantage of their many networking
and learning opportunities. The combined research and learning activities have been
strategically outlined to support Ta-Tyonna’s progress throughout her Ph.D. and as she pursues
a career in research.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10841785
- **Project number:** 3R01NS122939-02S1
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA
- **Principal Investigator:** Lakiesha Nicole Williams
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2023
- **Award amount:** $76,583
- **Award type:** 3
- **Project period:** 2022-09-01 → 2027-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10841785

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10841785, Administrative Diversity Supplement for Ta-Tyonna Buck. (3R01NS122939-02S1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-26 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10841785. Licensed CC0.

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