rachel Prutzman

ABOUT THE RESEARCHER:

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

I am working in Dr. Melissa Manners’ lab, and our goal is to elucidate the role of stress and inflammation on depression. My specific project involves analyzing brain samples from mice treated with inflammatory stimuli and observing how areas of the brain associated with depression are affected. This will hopefully shine new light on the underlying mechanisms of major depressive disorder!

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

 For me, the most fascinating aspect of my research is being able to quantify and analyze complicated processes in the brain. While there is no way to understand what another person – or in this case, mouse – is experiencing, I can at least begin to understand on a cellular level. On the other hand, the artistic side of me is most fascinated with simply seeing the brain images – they all look like works of art!

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

 Through my USURF experience, I have begun to develop skills that are necessary in a career path I plan on pursuing pertaining to cytotechnology. Whether it involves genotyping, slicing and mounting samples, or using imaging software, I feel as though I am gaining a lot of knowledge for my future. Not only this, but I feel as though this research project has sharpened my inquisitive spirit!

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

 Perhaps the most challenging part of my research is accepting the fact that not every experiment will yield the expected result, and that it is far easier to run into errors than success. It has taught me not only to remain cautious in my work, but also to remain diligent and know that disappointments are not the end of the world.

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

 Through this USURF experience, I have gained a greater appreciation for neuroscience as a field. The brain is a “final frontier” of sorts, despite being a part of our bodies. Through neuroscience research, there is so much we can learn to improve lives, whether it’s in our lab investigating major depressive disorder, or in other labs with equally important missions.

 6. Tell us something interesting about yourself.

 I am a huge concert fanatic! This past year, I have seen some pretty incredible shows, including but not limited to shows by Glass Animals, Oliver Tree, Kali Uchis, Kenny G, Mxmtoon, Coldplay, Frankie and the Witch Fingers, and my two personal favorites, Tame Impala and Tyler the Creator. I’m looking forward to going to the Made in America festival this September!