Luca Mckerley Coronado ’26 Research Assistant at Massachusetts General Hospital

Mission

This summer I worked with John Dickson MD, PhD, studying the underlying molecular mechanisms of Alzheimer’s disease.

Role

• The Dickson lab studies the aggregation, and propagation of tau, a protein tied to Alzheimer’s disease progression.
• My project included studying the aggregation of different versions of tau and visualizing the location of tau in relation to hippocampal neurons.

Takeaways!

• This summer provided me an opportunity to expand my research experience with a biomedical focus.
• Through my project I strengthened my bench, presentation, and data communication skills.
• My favorite part of the summer was the freedom that I had to pursue my own project through successes and failures.
• With this role at Mass General, I am one step closer to applying to med school and pursuing a career in medicine!

Internship funded by Peter Buck Internship Fund