Getting involved in research early has helped me build confidence in my abilities, develop hands-on laboratory skills, and explore different areas of science. These experiences have helped me discover my passion for neuroscience research and better understand the questions that motivate me as a researcher.
Ava Francis
Neuroscience
Research Topic: Stress, Signal, Survival: Evolution of LEA Proteins for Combating Drought
Graduation Year: 2029
Undergraduate Research Ambassador
Research Experience:
Current:
- Undergraduate Research Assistant in The Elzinga Lab - Research focused on neuroinflammation and the cGAS/STING pathway.
Previous:
- Undergraduate Research Assistant, Gulbransen Lab — Studied inflammation the enteric nervous system, including GABAergic pathways and interactions between neurons and glial cells.
- Honors Research Seminar — Stress, Signal, Survival: Evolution of LEA Proteins for Combating Drought — Investigated the evolution of LEA proteins and their potential role in drought resistance in Camelina sativa.
Experience With:
- Pure Enteric Glia Cell Culture
- Immunohistochemistry
- RNA/DNA extraction and analysis.
Post-Graduation Plans:
- Plan to pursue a PhD in neuroscience or a related field and continue a career in research. I am particularly interested in understanding the biological mechanisms underlying neurological disease and how interactions between neurons, glial cells, and the immune system contribute to nervous system function and dysfunction.
