Cell Biology, Neurobiology & Anatomy

Research Area: Synaptic plasticity and AMPAR trafficking

Upon entering the Medical College of Wisconsin through the Interdisciplinary Program, I was exposed to a wide variety of research techniques and interesting topics. With a training background in microbiology, I had no idea how intriguing and challenging it was to study the human brain. After my rotation in Dr. Gerges’ lab, I became interested in understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying synaptic plasticity. The Gerges’ lab is interested in different aspects of the brain including learning, memory, and neurodegenerative diseases. I am currently investigating how AMPAR trafficking is regulated in the CA1 hippocampal neuron using patch clamp technique, in hope of obtaining a better understanding of processes such as long-term potentiation and long-term depression. I am excited to learn more about the brain and to also use biochemical techniques, as well as confocal imaging and electron microscopy, to study the cell at different levels.