Major: Psychology & Child Learning and Development
Research Department: Neuroscience
Graduation Date: May 2021
Abstract: The cerebellum in humans is responsible for coordinating motor movements and balance. It takes sensory feedback and compares it to feedforward models of motor output. It adjusts these models to eliminate the difference between the expected and actual sensory feedback. The cerebellum is also majorly responsible for language production in humans. In our lab, we use the zebra finch animal model due to zebra finches learning their songs similarly to how humans learn speech. Although the cerebellum plays a massive role in human speech, we know very little about the role that the cerebellum plays in zebra finch “speech” or song production. What we do know is that there are deep cerebellar nuclei (DCN) that get input from different lobules of the brain and project out to different targets, however, we do not know where in the cerebellum this computation is happening. We aimed to lesion the cerebellum in adult zebra finches and see where this computation occurs in the cerebellar cortex and assess what role the cerebellum plays in the song circuit.
What Does Research Mean To You? Research was a means of gaining experience in a scientific field that I had yet to explore. I was eager to participate in the growing scientific conversation that leads to important medical advancements. I got the opportunity to experience the hard work behind the scenes that could potentially lead to significant scientific discoveries. Actually applying the knowledge I learned in my science classes increased my passion and interest in science and medicine in general.
Tell Us About Your Journey I had always known that I wanted to be a doctor and go to medical school. However, when I reached college, I realized that there are so many other careers in the medical field I had zero exposure to. The one that especially intrigued me was a career in research, but I had minimal experience. I started to think about possibly obtaining an MD/Ph.D. instead of an MD. Then, I was introduced to the Green Fellowship. At first, I was hesitant because I believed you needed prior experience to be a Green Fellow, but I was mistaken. I decided to apply, and it was one of the best decisions I have ever made. When I was choosing the research labs I wanted to be in, I decided to step out of my comfort zone and select a lab that was different from my major: Neuroscience. I am so glad that I decided to do that because I fell in love with my research lab. I was devastated when my time was cut short by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, I was fortunate enough to get hired at my lab and plan on working there as long as I can. Research will continue to be a significant part of my career, and I thank myself and those who convinced me to apply for the Green Fellowship every day for opening my eyes to such a life-changing experience.
How Did the Pandemic Affect Me? My time working hands-on in the lab was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and I was devastated. However, I took advantage of our technology to continue my project remotely, while bridging any gaps in my knowledge via the plethora of online resources including reading papers. After the Green Fellowship ended, I was hired at my lab. Once I was hired, I had to change my project completely because my previous project needed to be put on hold. However, my new project gave me the opportunity to work from home and be involved technologically. I learned new online programs that I implemented in my research. I am grateful to live in a digital age where I could continue my research during a crisis. I wish to continue finding innovative ways to add to the scientific conversation in this unpredictable world.
Where am I now? Medical Student at TTUHSC Paul L. Foster School of Medicine in El Paso, TX.
Advice for Future Green Fellows
Step out of your comfort zone. As cliché as it sounds, the Green Fellowship experience is what you make of it. You’re going to have to read many, many papers and work hard to learn new techniques and skills you’ve never done before, but in the end, it is all worth it. Ask many questions! Don’t be afraid to talk to your PI and the members in your lab. Use the environment that surrounds you to your advantage to learn as much as you can. Most importantly, have fun and good luck! If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach me at [email protected].