Hello! I’m Charlotte Emily Ryan, a potential neuroscience major in the Wellesley College Class of 2021. I joined the Tetel lab in fall of my sophomore year (2018) as a SERP participant, and I’m excited to jump into some of the ongoing projects the Tetel Lab has been working on. I’ve started off by working with Kalpana Acharya to understand the function of progestin receptor subtypes in PR-A and PR-B knockout mice, especially when these receptors are activated in the absence of progestin by dopamine. It’s important to understand PR receptors as they influence female reproduction, brain development, neuroprotection, and stress. I am also looking into the effect of estrogens on anxiety and hope to continue to develop an understanding of the biological factors that correspond with or cause anxiety and depression.

Outside of the lab, I take pride in my involvement on Wellesley’s campus by serving as a senator in College Government and as a Mental Health Educator peer resource. I also serve on the executive board of Active Minds and Wellesley for Boston Children’s Hospital. I also love to dance and compete in Latin and Rhythm styles with the MIT/Wellesley Ballroom Dance Team. My favorite dance is the Samba!