Major: Biology Research Department: Radiology Graduation Date: December 2020
Abstract: The Dallas Heart and Mind Study began as a longitudinal study including comprehensive imaging studies. The addition of novel neuroimaging through MEG is used to investigate somatosensory gating in the brain. Magnetoencephalography (MEG) is a noninvasive functional neuroimaging method that offers both high temporal and spatial resolution by measuring magnetic fields present with the electrical currents produced by brain activity. When two identical stimuli are presented in relatively rapid temporal succession, the neural response to the second stimulation is generally weaker than that observed for the first. The attenuated response to the second stimulus is a neurophysiological process often referred to as sensory gating. Such gating is observed across multiple sensory modalities and is modulated by age, but the mechanisms involved are not understood.The purpose of this experiment is to determine the link between DHMS information, such as aging, mild cognitive impairment, and pain perception, on gamma-frequency somatosensory responses and sensory gating in the somatosensory system by using magnetoencephalography (MEG). Email:[email protected]
What does research mean to you? The idea of discovering an ounce of science’s unknown resulted in my interest in research. Being able to learn scientific concepts from a textbook is completely different than understanding the intricacies of how and why. Medicine and research exist in a symbiotic relationship- as a new concept is discovered and understood more, new treatment methods are formulated; these treatment methods are used in the medical field to treat patients. Without research, medicine would not be able to make the tremendous progress it has within the last century. Tell us about your journey. My first research experience was at the Hill Molecular Biology Lab at UT Southwestern. As an intern, I was given a subsection of my mentor’s research project. Specifically, I was investigating the effects of upregulating or downregulating Calcineurin signaling in Farnesoid X Receptor affluent cells and its role in Cardiac Hypertrophy. My interest in research bloomed once I ran my first successful experiment. After analyzing the results, I realized that these results could be part of discovering something new, a concept completely unthought of, a discovery completely unknown. My zeal for research continued through my sophomore year of college as I became a Research Assistant in an Advanced Aging Lab. The lab already had a few studies being conducted, but I had an interest in clinical studies within my native population. I manifested the idea into a new study that aimed to analyze common themes in illness narratives of the elderly Urdu speaking population to improve the patient-physician relationship. During the Green Fellowship experience I wanted to get a taste of a new speciality. Stu matched me with the Advanced Neuroscience Imaging Research (ANSIR) Lab, which dealt with the clinical population as well as doing computational work. By experiencing both clinical and bench research, I hold research in high regard as something I want to continue discovering, and the Green Fellowship was the perfect opportunity to continue exploring my interests.
How did the pandemic affect me? The Green Fellows Research Program is a prime example of experiencing a real life research career. As someone who truly enjoys research, this program has been invaluable to immersing myself in a neuroscience and radiology research experience that I would not have been able to do otherwise. It took a while to get access to data and be taught a lot of the basics, and about a month in I was taught different techniques from the numerous projects going on in the lab. Although two of my projects were canceled due to COVID-19, the perk of being in a dry lab was the ability to work remotely to continue my main project. Thanks to my lab and mentors Lizz, Amy, and James, I was able to transition smoothly. By participating in this program, I have developed a thinking style that incorporates both research and clinical environments, been able to critically analyze new information and see how it is pertinent to the situation at hand, and have formalized new research investigations using radiology technology and software. The development of these skills during the program’s duration provides a foundation to build upon throughout my college experience and future career. This experience made my zeal for research even greater and solidified the idea of being involved in research at some capacity in my future career.
Where am I now? Currently working as a medical assistant, planning to pursue an MD. I'll hopefully have a new update once I hear back from master's programs and other schools next year!!
Advice for Future Green Fellows
Don’t be afraid to ask a Green Fellow alum or Stu for advice or help!! We all want to see you succeed in your research endeavors. While in the lab, don’t be deterred if it takes a long time to get into the swing of things, before you know it your days will be packed. Best advice is to write everything down, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to pitch an idea- maybe it’ll lead to a new project for you.