Current Trainees

Aldair Acosta

Prep program entry year: 2023

Undergraduate:  Oregon State University - Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Psychology

Mentor: Elizabeth Norton

Research Project Description:

As part of NUIN-PREP, I'm participating in the HBCD study at the LEARN Lab, which focuses on researching the early brain and child development. I aim to use neuroimaging techniques like Electroencephalography (EEG) to explore the relationship between irritability and different auditory event-related potentials like the Mismatch Responses (MMRs) in infants. I hope that through the analysis of the MMRs, we can begin to understand how MMR signals relate to high irritability scores and potentially lead to the identification of a neurophysiological biomarker for early detection of irritability. This could enable earlier identification of high-risk children and more effective clinical interventions.

Laura Arroyo

Prep program entry year: 2024

Undergraduate:  University of Wisconsin Madison - Microbiology

Mentor: Pablo Penaloza-MacMaster

Research Project Description:

My lab's primary focus is enhancing vaccines to improve their effectiveness against various infections. Diseases like HIV are highly heterogeneous, making a single vaccine ineffective against ongoing infections. In my project, I will assess the immune response in mice induced by an HIV cocktail (multiple vaccines in one shot) to determine the potential for a robust, HIV-specific response following multiple boosters.

Jenna Goldberg

Prep program entry year: 2024

Undergraduate:  University of Colorado Boulder - Psychology

Mentor: Luis Rosas-Vidal

Research Project Description:

I am interested in studying neuronal components underlying psychiatric conditions. For my current project, I use a combination of behavioral assays and optogenetic techniques to investigate how projections from the BNST mediate avoidance generalization in mouse models.

Why did I choose NUIN for my studies?

I chose NUIN for my post-baccalaureate studies due to the welcoming nature of the program leaders and their emphasis on holistic scientific development. NUIN PREP bolsters my confidence as a scientist by offering opportunities to work in cutting-edge research laboratories that align with my professional goals, hone my scientific communication skills through presentations, and receive tailored mentoring to prepare for a doctoral program.

Santiago Guardo Maya

Prep program entry year: 2024

Undergraduate:  Universidad del Rosario - Medicine - concentration in Neuroscience

Mentor: Greg Schwartz

Research Project Description:

As part of Schwartz's lab, I study the biophysics of retinal computation. I'm exploring how retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) regulate their glucose-uptake in response to light and the functional consequences of this process. Additionally, we are studying the activity-dependent regulation of RGC excitability and its role in sensory processing, particularly if the electrogenic nature of Na/K-ATPase plays a role in spike-frequency adaptation and whether this is related to the statistics of the visual world.

Why did I choose NUIN for my studies?

I chose NU PREP for my post-baccalaureate studies because of NUIN's interdisciplinary nature and collaborative environment. This allows us to be exposed to several areas and methods in neuroscience. Additionally, the PREP program's holistic approach to science knowledge and communication, as well as the individual mentorship is incredibly helpful for a career in science and Graduate School applications.

Jessica Howard

Prep program entry year: 2024

Undergraduate:  Concordia College Moorhead - B.A. in Psychology and Neuroscience

Mentor: Julia Cox

Research Project Description:

I am interested in studying the neuroscience behind mental health and neurodegenerative disorders. For my project I will be looking at how opioid addiction affects decision making and motivation in mouse models. Specifically, how opioid withdrawal affects motivation for drug vs. non-drug reward.

Anagha Kangovi

Prep program entry year: 2024

Undergraduate:  Emory University - Neuroscience & Behavioral Biology

Mentor: Hao Li

Research Project Description:

I am highly interested in the neural circuits underlying emotions and motivated behaviors as well as the role these circuits play in mediating various mental disorders. As an undergraduate, I studied the lateral septum’s role in reward-related behaviors. Currently, I am investigating the interactions between physiological and behavioral responses to different stressful situations and how these can change over time.

Andela Savic

Prep program entry year: 2024

Undergraduate:  Roosevelt University - Biochemistry and Computer Science

Mentor: Lisandra Vila Ellis

Research Project Description:

Medical research is something I am very passionate about, working in the medical field and helping people.