jenna Hunt

ABOUT THE RESEARCHER:

1.     Who are you doing research with this summer and what kind of research project are you doing?

I am doing research with Dr. Maggie Pearce in her lab studying the mechanisms of neurodegenerative disease using fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster). We are investigating the mechanisms by which aggregates of certain inherited neurodegenerative diseases spread in the brain. My project intends to explore the mechanisms by which tau (a protein implicated in Alzheimer’s Disease) propagates between neurons in the Drosophila brain.

2. What do you find fascinating in the research you’re doing?

I find it incredible to be conducting research that explores the underlying mechanisms of one of the most devastating diseases in this era. Basic cell and molecular biology is what sets the stage for mammalian model research and eventually therapeutic techniques that may someday help cure neurodegenerative disease.

3. What skills are you learning through the USURF experience?

This experience has allowed me to develop technical skills such as fruit fly-keeping, genetic manipulation, microscopy and image analysis, and other cell and molecular biology techniques. Along with technical skills, this opportunity is also improving my soft skills such as communication, project management, and problem solving. These hard and soft skills will all be necessary in my future graduate school education and beyond.

4. What are the challenges you’re encountering in your research?

Before conducting research, I was not used to disappointment and failure. Therefore, this experience is forcing me to confront mistakes and setbacks while still pushing forward with a positive attitude. These challenges will be essential in preparing me for my career as a scientist.

5. How is your USURF experience impacting the way you view your field?

This experience truly has made me appreciate the perseverance of all research scientists and the dedication it takes to gather meaningful data, interpret it in an unbiased manner, and communicate the findings to a broader audience. I can also appreciate the infinite complexity of both cell/molecular biology and neuroscience, as well as the generations of scientists that dedicate their lives to further our understanding about how our bodies function.

6. Tell us something interesting about yourself.

I own 55 houseplants!I