Chesney Birshing
University: Duke Kunshan University, China; Class of 2025
Major: Behavioral Science Neuroscience
Mentor: Ornit Chiba-Falek, PhD
Project Title: In Vivo Validation of an α-synuclein-targeted Epigenome Therapy for Parkinson’s Disease
Project Summary: Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most prevalent neurodegenerative disorder globally, and there are currently no available treatments that can effectively prevent the onset or halt the progression of PD. PD is characterized by the loss/degeneration of dopaminergic neurons, and accumulation of α-synuclein (SNCA) in the substantia nigra (SN). Elevated levels of alpha-synuclein is known to be causative in the pathogenesis of PD. Our study uses an all-in-one lentiviral vector (LV) carrying deactivated CRISPR/(d)Cas9 and synthetic repressor molecules, to repress the expression of SNCA in the SN in a mouse model of PD. By exploring this innovative approach, this research could offer new possibilities for developing effective treatments for Parkinson's disease
Sirena D'Orazio
University: Brown University; Class of 2026
Major: Pre Med with a concentration in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mentor: Lawrence David, PhD
Project Title: Expanding Reference Database for DNA Metabarcoding
Project Summary: Due to various reporting biases and human error, it is difficult to determine everything individuals have consumed from self-reported surveys. The David lab developed a novel method for diet research utilizing DNA metabarcoding to cross reference DNA sequences found in human stool samples with known crop DNA. This method allows for accurate tracking of the foods that are consumed. My project involves expanding our reference DNA database by extracting and sequencing the DNA of 24 major crops. Additionally, I will conduct qualitative analysis on audio files of interviews in order to find the best way to structure reports of the information we gather from individuals’ stool samples. Our goal is to provide these individuals meaningful feedback about their dietary patterns.
Salim Hasanin
University: Duke University; Class of 2026
Major: Biology & Chemistry
Mentor: Lana Wahid, MD
Project Title: Dalbavancin as an Option for Treatment of Staphylococcus aureus Bacteremia
Project Summary: In the Wahid research group, we do clinical research involving human subjects. I am exploring a 2-dose course of the antibiotic Dalbavancin as a treatment option for the bacteremia Staphylococcus aureus, which causes bloodstream infection. We aim to use these findings to inform the potential cost savings for both health systems and patients with this alternative treatment with fewer side effects.
Riley Heeb
University: Meredith College; Class of 2026
Major: Biology & Psychology
Mentor: Hiro Matsunami, PhD
Project Title: Identifying Ligands for Odorant Receptors
Project Summary: How do multiple odorant receptors in our nose interact with thousands of chemicals from the outside world and decipher them into distinct scents? This is the question at the center of what we study in the Matsunami Lab, focusing on the biochemical and pharmacological aspects of odorant receptors. My project will center on finding ligands for odorant receptors that are activated by carboxylic acids and dicarboxylic acids. My project will help us understand how we perceive the scents of various chemicals, including Valeric Acid, which is responsible for the characteristic odor of moldy cheese.
Lanna Lewis
University: University of Michigan - Ann Arbor; Class of 2026
Major: Biochemistry and Business Administration
Mentor: Lana Wahid, MD
Project Title: DReAMS
Project Summary: The Wahid research group focuses on clinical research specifically, clinical trials with human participants. I am working on a cohort study named Discharge, Readmissions, Analysis, Management in Sepsis (DReAMS) where I'll be looking at social determinants of health. We aim to correlate how these social factors could affect the likelihood of contracting sepsis and therefore being readmitted to the hospital
Nolyn Mjema
University: Yale University; Class of 2026
Major: Molecular Biophysics & Biochemistry
Mentor: Anne West, MD, PhD
Project Title: Bidirectional Regulation of Arc using epigenome editing tools
Project Summary: In the West lab, we study the epigenetic regulation of genes in the brain upon addiction using dCas9-based epigenome editing tools. My project aims to develop tools to bidirectionally regulate Arc an Immediate Early Gene (IEG) essential in neuronal plasticity. The tools developed will be tested in cultured neurons where we have more environmental control to study the regulation of activity-induced expression of Arc at a cellular level.