Since December of 2023, I have had the opportunity to further my research career as an undergraduate at the prestigious Center of Translational Research on Neurodegenerative Diseases at the UF College Of Medicine under the guidance of neuroscientist and senior researcher Dr. Paramita Chakrabarty. This experience has been most significant towards my development as a scientist and as a researcher.
A Journey of Discovery and Growth
Since joining Dr. Chakrabarty's team in December of 2023, I have delved into a wonderful learning environment under the guidance of graduate students such as Jose Torellas and postdoctorate researchers such as Dr. Parul Bali as I strive to master techniques like immunohistochemistry (IHC), western blotting, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) that serve as indispensable tools in unraveling the mysteries of neurodegenerative diseases. Through meticulous experimentation and analysis, I have had the privilege to explore the APOE phenotypes of mice, dissecting their role in the pathology of conditions like Alzheimer's disease.
Navigating the Pathways of Pathology
The lab's primarily goal is to understand the roles played by TAU and amyloid beta in the progression of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease. Our work is unique in that we corporate wet and dry laboratory techniques to treat, isolate, and stain mouse tissue and then analyze slides that have been cut via computer programs such as ImageJ and Aperio ImageScope.
Previous work done by our lab can be found here
The University Scholar's Program
Becoming part of the USP Scholar Program has been my most favorite achievement, offering not just recognition but also a platform to showcase the diligent work undertaken at CTRND. The upcoming UF Spring Symposium presents an exciting opportunity to present findings, exchange insights with fellow scholars, and contribute to the collective pool of knowledge. I am truly grateful for the opportunities this program has provided me with in terms of furthering my professional development and recognizing the importance of a career in research.
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