Written by Hanna Jachna, BA candidate, Washington University in St. Louis, and participant in the 2024 Institute for Public health Summer Research Program
This summer, as part of the Institute for Public Health’s Summer Research Program in Aging and Neurological Diseases, I had the privilege of joining Yao Chen’s lab in the Neuroscience Research Building (NRB). The experience was an invaluable introduction to neuroscience research; I was able to take on a research project, attend weekly lab meetings, receive mentoring, participate in journal club, and learn from the other undergraduate and graduate students. My summer research was focused on the role of D1 and D2 dopamine receptors on goal-memory formation in rapid spatial learning. In lab, I conducted behavioral experiments, analyzed data using python, and gained other skills such as giving IP injections and referring to prior literature to support thoughtful experiment decision-making. Outside of time spent on experiments, our lab often shared deep conversations during communal lunches as well as attended seminars from visiting scientists.
One aspect of the summer program that I found particularly beneficial was the Tuesday and Thursday seminars held at the Institute for Public Health which broadened my perspective on the field of aging. A couple seminars that particularity interested me were “Stroke Neurology” presented by Mohammad Khasawneh, MD and “Intro to Alzheimer’s Disease” presented by Justin Long, MD, PhD. I also enjoyed attending the Wednesday Summer Science Seminar Series where researchers presented about their work in a variety of scientific fields as well as provided helpful information about graduate school and medical school. These seminars were also fun as they were open to all undergraduate students participating in summer research on the medical campus which helped to foster a sense of community.
Overall, the Institute for Public Health Summer Research Program exceeded my expectations, providing a wide variety of opportunities especially in terms of exposing me to various fields of research. When I reflect on this summer, what stands out to me the most is the welcoming community I encountered within science, as well as the excitement and creativity of lab work. I now understand the importance of being thoughtful about experiments and asking questions, and I find it fascinating that there will always be more to learn. I am excited to be entering science and incredibly grateful for the experience this summer.