David Do , IT 2008
Spinal Projections of Brainstem Cholinergic Neurons
Major
Biomedical Engineering
Mentors
Martin Wessendorf, Neuroscience
Brief Bio
I have always been compelled to understanding the human mind.
What are your Future Plans (50 words or less): I want to enroll in a joint MD/PhD program and pursue a career as a medical scientist.
Why Research?
Many of the peer advisors at orientation strongly recommended getting research experience. I had little idea of what to expect.
What Did I Get from Research?
I learned about the way scientists approach problems and how similar it is to the exploration we all did as children while playing.
How Did I Start?
I simply went to the neuroscience research [web page] and e-mailed several of the professors, stating my situtation. I said I would apply for a UROP grant from the University so the professor would not have to pay me any money. I applied for three UROP grants to fund this research.
My Advice For Another Student
Undergraduate research is the best way to get to know various areas of science intimately and a potential opportunity to develop an area of expertise that could lead you to your future career.
Research Summary
In certain situations, it is known that neurons in the brainstem send signals down the spinal cord to block transmission of pain signals. This phenomenon was brought to the attention of science by soldiers wounded on the battlefield who reported feeling no pain. My research was conducted to identify which neurons functioned in this way simply by looking at neural connections from the brainstem to the spinal cord.