What is the focus of your project (i.e. the question you are asking or exploring)?

My Laidlaw project this summer is about mitochondrial protein expression in parvalbumin-positive interneurons, or PV-INs. The proteins I’m looking at are part of the electron transport chain, which is crucial for helping these neurons meet their high energy demands. I have been using RNAscope, a technology to detect levels of messenger RNA, to determine whether processes like transcription or translation are altered depending on the neurons’ activity. 

How did you become interested in this topic?

I wanted to do research in Alzheimer’s disease, not only to continue some of my work from high school but also because of my experience as a volunteer with student organizations like Brain Exercise Initiative. Working with patients there showed me the devastating effects of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia on their memories and even their sense of self. 

Please also discuss the purpose or significance of your research. In other words, why should other people, both within and outside of your field, be interested or excited by your research?

My research significant because, in Alzheimer’s disease, PV-INs are much less active than in healthy individuals. Answering these questions can help us develop targeted treatments that focus on the exact processes that are affected when activity of these neurons decreases. Because PV-INs are some of the first neurons to fail in Alzheimer’s disease, developing treatments for these cells would be especially impactful for patients because they would take action early in the disease, when we have the most power to intervene. 

Finally, consider the leadership portions of your training, and how they informed your research this summer, or possibly your plans for next summer.

One of my favorite parts about Laidlaw is that it not only gives us the opportunity to do research for a summer but also empowers us to become better leaders for life. The leadership workshops I attended this summer, combined with my growing experience in the lab, helped me become more confident, communicate more effectively with my other lab members, and realize my own power in the lab, even though I’m still in undergrad. Next summer, I’m looking forward to taking my leadership skills abroad for my Leadership in Action project. Even though it’s far outside my comfort zone, I’m excited to immerse myself in a new community and country, leading from behind, beside, in front, and within. Thank you!