Curing Chronic Neurological Disabilities

Burke Neurological Institute is an academic affiliate of Weill Cornell Medical College and the only research institute in the U.S. that is dedicated to finding treatments to repair the brain and spinal cord. I worked directly with a postdoctoral researcher in the Hollis Lab, Ana Vivinetto, whose research focuses on investigating wound healing after spinal cord injury (SCI).​

For my project, I used immunohistochemistry and IMARIS software to create and analyze 3D reconstructions of microglia and astrocytes (glial cells) after SCI. I was also involved in an astrocyte cell culture project. The results help us understand how the spinal cord heals after injury. I also attended weekly seminars and lab meetings, allowing me to learn about related research from other institutions as well as ongoing projects in the Hollis Lab. At the end of the summer, I gave a presentation summarizing my work to members of the Institute and the general community.​

Through the experience, I learned that I love being in a lab. Being patient, detail- oriented, and focused was essential; knowing that the work could one day help patients inspired me as I learned the individual scientific procedures. Everyone in the Institute was kind, supportive, and enthusiastic. This experience helped me realize that I am passionate about pursuing research. I am so grateful I had this opportunity!​

Internship funded by the the Peter Buck Internship Fund.​