The following blog post was written by fellow UHPer and Spring 2023 SURE Award recipient, Priscilla Pang (Neuroscience Major, ’24). Read on about how Priscilla plans to utilize the SURE Award funding to further expand upon her research experience!

As a Neuroscience major, I’m interested in studying development. As interesting as the brain is, how the brain makes connections and matures during development fascinates me. One of the most common ways neurons form functional connections with each other is through activity or input. For instance, neurons involved in your sensory systems depend on sensory input to refine their connections.

As part of my work in the Colonnese lab, I am studying a structure called the thalamic reticular nucleus (TRN). It has a variety of functions and properties, but one special characteristic is that all the neurons express a protein called parvalbumin (PV) that gives these neurons their unique way of firing. My research project asks the question of whether the expression of PV in TRN cells is dependent on sensory input. Abnormal TRN function has also been implicated in disorders like schizophrenia, autism spectrum disorder, and seizures. Better understanding how the TRN develops can also help elucidate the mechanisms behind abnormal function in these disorders.

I have learned a lot in the process of doing research. Not only have I been exposed to different lab techniques, but also working with different people with different styles. I plan to use the SURE award to attend the Society for Neuroscience conference. Presenting at a conference will be a great opportunity to receive feedback about my research and to meet new people. I am very thankful to Professors Carol and Lee Sigelman for their endowment of the SURE award, and to the University Honors Program for supporting students in their academic and research endeavors!

Interested in applying for your own SURE Award funding? Find out more about the application process here!