Research
Current Research Project
Tulane University Brain Institute Doctoral Neuroscience Program
Liz's Lab
I currently work in Dr. Elizabeth Engler-Chiurazzi 's Lab at Tulane University. Our lab is apart of the Clinical Neuroscience Research Center .
Our lab has two main project:
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Assessment of the mechanism underlying B cell impacts on resilience and susceptibility to stress
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MicroRNA-34a as a Novel Mediator of Alzheimer’s Disease-associated neuronal dysfunction
My particular interest is looking at the impact of miR-34a on its contribution to neuroinflammation, microglial dysfunction, and cell-cell communication,
2020-2021
Tulane University Cell and Molecular Biology: Tasker Lab
I worked in the Tasker Lab as a laboratory research technician in the Tulane University Department of Cell and Molecular Biology under the supervision of Jeffrey Tasker, PhD. I worked closely alongside Dr. Laura Harrison, assisting her in experiments looking at glucocorticoid receptors to determine the brains response to stress. There is an interest of using mechanisms of regulation of g protein-coupled receptor signaling and small GTP-binding proteins in signal transduction. I beginning my own project regarding the PVN using stereotaxic injections surgery, animal models, and cell culture of different cell types.
2019-2020
Tulane University Center for Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine: Bunnell Lab
I worked as a laboratory research technician in the Tulane University Center for Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine under the super vision of Bruce Bunnell, PhD. The Bunnell lab focused on investigated the interaction of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) with the immune system and how the cells inhibit anti-inflammatory effects. The lab focused on stem cell and tissue engineering application/therapy to treat immune diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis. Another project focused on defining the use of adipose stem cells role in a tissue disorder known as Lipedema.
2016-2019
Louisiana Tech: Newman Lab
I worked as an undergraduate / graduate student researcher in Newman Lab under the supervision of Dr. Jamie Newman, PhD. The focus of my project was to investigate how stem cells and biomaterials interact for the long-term culturing and directed differentiation of adult stem cells. Under the division of the Human Exploration Research Opportunities (HERO) researchers are trying to find a more effective method to keeping astronauts safe during longer space exploration with prolonged periods of time and farther travel into space. Atrophy and degradation of the skeletal muscles, cartilage, and bone are a major health concern following prolonged exposure to microgravitational conditions. Studies have shown that microgravity causes significant mechanical unloading of human tissues that result in physiological alterations including muscle and bone loss, decrease in cardiovascular capacity, diminished wound healing capabilities, and immune function impairment. Human adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) have been used to treat muscular, osteogenic, adipogenic, and cardiovascular injuries. Further investigation of adipose derived stem cells could serve to prevent degeneration of muscle and bone during space exploration. The use of human adipose-derived stem cells for tissue engineering can provide a cell-based therapy for issues astronauts are facing. These stem cells are clinically relevant because they can be taken from the patient in a minimally invasive procedure, stored for extended periods of time, and have the potential to differentiate into multiple lineages including osteocytes, adipocytes, and myoblasts. These stem cells have generated additional interest because of their immunomodulatory, proangiogenic, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and anti-scarring affects that have been shown to be a promising base for cellular regenerative medicine. Our main objective of this project is to investigate the impact that culture conditions have on cell state for extended culture and directed myogenic differentiation.
2017
Covington Orthopedic Sports Medicine: Kevin Darr, MD
I worked as a research coordinator & a medical assistant at Covington Orthopedic Sports medicine under the supervision of Kevin Darr, MD. I conducted data analysis on stem cell therapy patients participating in early-phase clinical trials performed by Dr. Kevin Darr, orthopedic surgeon. I preformed medical assistant duties and did intakes on patients. I worked at the front desk to check patients in and dealt with health insurance. I wrote abstracts for future conferences and edited short medical case files. His research focused on the clinical aspect of research, allowing me to see clinical trials in action. Stem cells have been a focus of intense preclinical research into tissue regeneration but limited clinical investigation. This research allowed patients to receive their own stem cells as a therapy for osteoarthritis.