Short-term Projects (2012-2013)

Independent research and summer fellowships

@Brandeis University, The Ohio State University, Harvard University

Garrity Lab (Brandeis University): 2012-2013

In Dr. Paul Garrity’s lab, I studied ion channels critical for temperature sensation and thermotaxis in Drosophila. I acquired electrical engineering skills in the course of building a novel temperature gradient apparatus. This helped characterize the functional role of transient receptor potential and ionotropic channels in detecting hot and cold temperatures respectively.

Godbout Lab (The Ohio State University): Summer 2013

In Dr. Jonathan Godbout’s lab at the Ohio State University, I investigated the role of inflammatory cytokines in age-related neurobehavioral deficits. I demonstrated that aging impairs TGF-β regulation, which in turn primes microglia to increase expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines. This decreases the rate of Amyloidβ phagocytosis by microglial cells, as well as impairing cognition and increasing susceptibility to depression.

Funding:

SUCCESS Summer Program - The Ohio State University

Spelke Lab (Harvard University): Summer 2012

In Dr. Elizabeth Spelke’s Laboratory for Developmental Studies at Harvard University, I researched moral factors that underlie decision making in children (6- to 8-year olds). We found that unlike adults, children expect individuals to become "nicer" following punishment regardless of the severity (i.e. time-out vs incarceration).

Funding:

Spelke Lab