Undergraduate Researcher
By Josie Tidmore '24This summer, I interned in the lab of Dr. Lee Rubin, professor in the Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology at Harvard University.
The Rubin Lab is broadly interested in studying the biochemical changes that underlie aging and neurodegeneration—research which has already led to the development of novel therapeutic interventions for neurodegenerative disease currently in clinical trials.
My research examined mechanisms of cellular stress response in the brain vasculature in efforts to identify a means by which reduced function of the blood-brain barrier—a consequence of neurodegeneration and aging—can be prevented. I modulated levels of aging-associated heat shock signaling components in cells of the brain vasculature to assess their protective effect against endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-induced toxicity.
Through this experience, I developed valuable skills in designing, executing, and analyzing experiments in order to answer a particular question and had the opportunity to attend and present in lab meetings to further develop my skills in communication. I gained experience in tissue culture, qPCR, Western Blot, and engineering human induced-pluripotent stem cells, which are integral techniques in translational medicine.
Working in the Rubin Lab has enriched my education as a Neuroscience and English double-major and has given me a glimpse into the future work I hope to do as I pursue a career as a physician-scientist with hopes to take a basic science approach to clinical solutions directly impacting the lives of individuals with genetic disorders.
While I developed new skills and grew as a researcher through my time in the lab, the most rewarding part of my experience was the opportunity to work with such talented and welcoming people who inspire me and from whose mentorship and support I will continue to benefit.
Funding provided by the Peter Buck Student Internship Fund.