Current Trainees

Theresa Benson

Prep program entry year: 2022

Undergraduate:  Emory University - Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology (NBB) and Psychology

Mentor: Alicia Guemez-Gamboa

Research Project Description:

My general interests are in neuroscience and clinical psychology (psychopathology). I am interested in understanding the neurobiological basis of psychiatric and neurological disorders and its implications on behavior. My previous research involvement sought to investigate the mechanisms of anhedonia through behavioral assessments on reward/effort motivations utilizing neuroimaging techniques.

Why did I choose NUIN for my studies?

I chose NU PREP because the program fosters a collaborative experience that enhances opportunities for prospective PhD students like me to expand on my research experience, develop my professional/scientific skills, and make me a more competitive candidate for PhD programs.

Darlene Diaz

Prep program entry year: 2022

Undergraduate:  Davidson College - Neuroscience

Mentor: Puneet Opal

Research Project Description:

My previous research involvements were in neuroscience, genomics, bioinformatics, pharmaceutical medication, and differential gene expression. I am fascinated by neuroscience. In order to continue that neuroscientific curiosity, I would like to learn and explore computational neuroscience, proteomics, chemical staining, in-situ hybridization, and gene editing in the future. I hope to apply those research interests in a biomedical or disease model.

Why did I choose NUIN for my studies?

I chose NUIN for my post-baccalaureate studies because of the emphasis on mentorship. It can be overwhelming to decide on a research project. NUIN faculty members are very passionate about their interdisciplinary research and are willing to answer questions. The staff, students and scholars were also very instrumental in helping me make my choice. I also wanted to be a part of a program that is both collaborative and known for its interdisciplinary nature.

Donte Garcia

Prep program entry year: 2022

Undergraduate:  Purdue University - Behavioral Neuroscience

Mentor: Changiz Geula

Research Project Description:

My research interests have focused on studying underlying mechanisms, pathology and pathobiology of neurodegenerative disease such as Alzheimer’s Disease. Previously, I have worked with biological and behavioral approaches in rodent models to study these mechanisms. I have since become interested in incorporating more interdisciplinary approaches into my work such as molecular genetics, neurochemical, and in vitro cell culture techniques. I hope to contribute to future understanding, treatment, and prevention of neurodegenerative disease with my research.

Why did I choose NUIN for my studies?

I chose NU PREP because after my undergraduate studies I wanted to have another year to further develop my research skills, and myself as a competitive applicant to graduate programs. My interests being in neuroscience, NUIN PREP provided me with all the interdepartmental resources, opportunities, and guidance I needed to further develop my skills in research. This alongside personalized mentorship provided me with the experience I needed to enhance myself for competitive graduate programs.

Karen Gomez

Prep program entry year: 2022

Undergraduate:  Lake Forest College - Biology, Psychology, Chemistry Minor

Mentor: Robert Vassar

Research Project Description:

My most recent research experience involved the use of metal catalysis to cleave carbon-chlorine bonds. Specifically, I developed an organic chemistry reaction to modify environmentally persistent pharmaceuticals into derivatives bacteria can metabolize. Currently, I have broad research interests within the biomedical sciences, ranging in biochemistry, cellular biology, and neurobiology.

Richanne Matthews

Prep program entry year: 2022

Undergraduate:  Indiana University Northwest - Psychology

Mentor: Luis Amaral

Research Project Description:

Richanne presently has interests in researching transgenerational epigenetic inheritance as it applies to behavior. Previous research experience includes a study on service-learning projects on a local commuter campus, cortisol analysis for several zebrafish studies in psychopharmacological research, qualitative data entry as an administrative research assistant in women’s and gender studies, and participation in a study that monitored COVID-19 infection rates among the staff of a local, tri-town school system.

Why did I choose NUIN for my studies?

NUIN was my first choice because I know that Northwestern is a leader in STEM research, specifically in neuroscience. I care to receive the best training and experience I can to help me on my path in research, and to do that, I knew to come here.

Destiny Wallace

Prep program entry year: 2022

Undergraduate:  Xavier University - Biology, Minor Chemistry

Mentor: Dileep Varma

Research Project Description:

My prior research training has involved investigating the role of various nuclear membrane proteins during mitosis to better understand potential mechanisms underlying their contribution to disease. Since, I became interested in exploring disease pathology through various cell models and assays. As a member of the PREP program, I hope to use TIRF microscopy and cell modeling to further explore how these nuclear membrane proteins interact with microtubules during mitosis.

Deborah Wood

Prep program entry year: 2022

Undergraduate:  University of Virginia - Biomedical Engineering

Mentor: Evan Scott

Research Project Description:

My scientific research interests include cancer immunology and nanotechnology. I aim to investigate how specific mechanisms within the tumor microenvironment contribute to tumor development, prognosis, and metastasis. I am particularly interested in creating nanodelivery devices for immunotherapy. With these technologies, I hope to improve cancer drug targeting and circulation, promote combination therapy, and optimize care in the presence of comorbidities.