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| Success Stories -- George Negrete |
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Minority Access to Research Careers (MARC) - 2000 Laboratory of Biological Chemistry, National Institute on Aging Senior Psychology/Biology - San Jose State University, California |
| Since I started my academic career at San Jose State University in California, I have been interested in the field of neuroscience. Of particular interest to me are the neurological diseases and biological mechanisms that lead to disease. My background as both a Psychology and Biology major has helped me understand the progression of neurological diseases from molecular aberrations to abnormal behavior. The development of Alzheimer's disease in a family member encouraged me to focus my attention on this neurodegenerative disease. Consequently I chose to participate in research at the National Institute on Aging in Baltimore, Maryland. |
| During the summer 2000, I was able to work in two labs in the Laboratory of Biological Chemistry. I worked with Dr. John Kusiak, Chief, Molecular Neurobiology Unit, where they investigate the possible mechanisms of Ab production in cells due to mutant Presenilin genes. I also worked with Dr. Nikki Holbrook, who is Chief of the Cell Stress and Aging Section, where they concentrate on the cell stress response and genes that are induced due to cell stress. Working with both Dr. John Kusiak and Dr. Nikki Holbrook, I was able to bring together aspects of each respective lab to develop a research project. My project involved treating PC12 cells expressing mutant Presenilin-1 with the toxic peptide Ab 1-42. I used molecular techniques to analyze the expression of stress response genes. |
| My summer experience at the NIA was beneficial in helping me focus on my future goals as a physician and researcher. I found working in the type of research environment that NIA provides to be conducive to learning. I was able to work and talk with experts in the aging research field. Attendance at the weekly seminars proved to be extremely interesting and helped broaden my knowledge of other research areas. My mentors were the best and they showed a genuine interest in me, a summer student who was trying to get the most out of my summer research experience. I would encourage any student willing to work hard to participate in NIA's summer program. |
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