"In the lab, I have learned to listen to the Holy Spirit, and when I conduct scientific investigations, I consider it an act of worship unto the Lord.”
Oral Roberts University (ORU) biology student, Natalia Ramirez-Sotelo, earned first place at the Research Day at the Capitol, a statewide competition showcasing undergraduate research to Oklahoma’s legislators. ORU took first place in the competition, competing against a rigorous selection of 25 students representing 18 Oklahoma colleges and universities. Natalia’s research focused on testing the cancer-fighting properties of Hericium erinaceus, commonly known as Lion’s Mane mushroom, against glioblastoma, one of the most aggressive forms of brain cancer.
“I was curious,” said Natalia, “to discover whether secretions from Lion’s Mane mushroom could selectively eliminate glioblastoma cells while leaving healthy cells unharmed. Conventional cancer therapies, such as radiation therapy and chemotherapy, operate by systemic toxicity—they eliminate cancer, but also exhibit off-target effects on nearby healthy tissues and organs. For this reason, cancer patients would greatly benefit from a natural alternative to modern-day cancer therapies.”
The project, conducted under the mentorship of Dr. William Ranahan, Professor of Biology at ORU, demonstrated results consisting of a specific fraction of the mushroom’s secretions which not only reduced the viability of glioblastoma cells by 10% but also increased the viability of healthy cells by 120%—a significant indicator of selective toxicity and potential for targeted cancer therapies.
“Dr. Ranahan’s mentorship has been invaluable,” said Natalia. “If it wasn’t for the one-on-one training I received at ORU, I would not have been equipped to participate in this event. In the lab, I have learned to listen to the Holy Spirit, and when I conduct scientific investigations, I consider it an act of worship unto the Lord.”
Dr. Ranahan, who guided Natalia through her multi-year research journey at ORU, reflected on her achievement and the deeper purpose behind their work:
“While maintaining top grades in a very challenging major,” said Dr. Ranahan, “Natalia has developed into an astute, compassionate, and disciplined leader. Her research has earned her top recognition at every competition she has entered. Her leadership in the lab has helped train future research students to model excellence and humility. Her ability to communicate complex scientific discoveries truly sets her apart. Natalia is a whole leader whose life will impact the whole world.”
“Research at the Capitol was an unforgettable experience to culminate my four years at ORU,” said Natalia. “I am grateful for the opportunity to have been able to share ORU’s cancer research with Oklahoma’s legislators. I feel very honored to represent my University and to see the product of my hard work in research over the years!”
ORU is a Christian, Spirit-empowered, interdenominational university in Tulsa, Oklahoma, with 16 years of consecutive enrollment growth. Regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, ORU offers over 150 majors, minors, concentrations, and pre-professional programs at the bachelor’s level, ranging from business and engineering to nursing, ministry, and more. Under the leadership of President Dr. William Wilson, ORU is preparing students from all 50 states and 165 nations in the last 5 years to be whole leaders for the whole world