Research and Projects
Research
Eye Model
The anatomy of the brain--and the Central Nervous System (CNS) in general--is a relatively under-researched field compared to other systems in the body. However, with recent advancements in technology, we are able to explore previously unknown territory both around the spine and the brain.
In June, 2018, I began work at the Neurophysiological Imaging and Modelling Lab (NIML) with Dr. Bryn Martin to assist with research within the CNS. I completed a project with the NASA team at our lab where I helped build a 3-D model of an eyeball to assist with testing methods of research applied to previous data.
CSF Modeling
I recently finished a project assisting PhD student, Lucas Sass, with research of the Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) which surrounds both the spine and the brain. The CSF is one of our best tools in transporting medicine to the brain, as blood flow is very limited due to the blood-brain barrier. Due to the novelty of this research, much testing on the fluid flow dynamics of the CSF is performed on non human primate (or monkeys) today.
CSF Model-Cynomolgus Monkey
My part of this project was to build a 3-D geometry of the CSF system of a non human primate-Cynomolgus Monkey- in hopes to eventually test it against existing human models. The eventual goal of this project is to verify the similarities we have (until this point) assumed in CSF geometries of monkeys and humans. Some of the funding I received from the project was awarded to me by the Grand Challenge Scholars Program in 2018 and 2019.
CSF Model-Rhesus Monkey
Since finishing the Cynomolgus model, I began working on a Rhesus CSF model, for the same reasons as the previous model. I am currently still working with Lucas Sass to build an optimized version of an adults Rhesus Maccaca's spinal system.
3-D Geometry Testing
With the first 3-D model completed, we plan on using it to compare the similarities and differences between the human model and the monkey. As I have completed the construction of the first model, testing has already begun. This experimentation will include comparing CSF flow of cynomolgus monkey and human being through 3-D printed models. We will also be modelling intrathecal drug flow through these models and watch how the NHP compares with the human. Watching for any significant differences in flow that could potentially affect current research work being performed on monkeys. The photo on the right demonstrates a set up of a human model ready for testing. This will be replicated on a smaller scale for future NHP models.
INBRE
The IDeA Network (of) Biomedical Research Excellence or INBRE, is a program that sponsors undergraduate biomedical research opportunities across Idaho. I was accepted into this program for the summer of 2021 as an Industry intern to Alcyone Therapeutics. Over the summer, I focused my research on the rare neurodevelopmental disease, Rett syndrome, and presented the results of my work at the INBRE 2021 annual conference. This opportunity began my journey into industry research and magnified my skills in exploring and communicating neuroscience literature. I have since been employed past the summer as a research and development intern at Alcyone Therapeutics.
Alcyone Therapeutics Internship
Alcyone Therapeutics is a biomedical research and device company dedicated to solving rare genetic disease of the neurological type. Currently, we are tackling Rett syndrome, a neurodevelopmental disease that primarily affects women. My research has comprised largely of reading, analyzing and reporting ack literature to the company to inform precision delivery needs as they pertain to drug delivery in the cerebrospinal fluid.
