Devi L
- Research Program Mentor
Industry expert at Duke University
Expertise
Applications of neuroimaging in understanding neurocognitive disorders, end-of-life care (i.e. hospice care), learning (from a neurobiological perspective), memory, the intersection of science and society (i.e. topics like nature vs. nurture)
Bio
Hi! I'm Devi and I recently graduated from Duke University. I received a bachelor's degree in Neuroscience with a minor in Chemistry. I discovered my love for studying the brain through my position as a research assistant in the Center for Cognitive Neuroscience under the mentorship of Dr. Simon Davis. Through research, I was able to apply classroom-taught topics to projects on investigating structural and functional changes in the aging brain and the effects of transcranial brain stimulation (TMS) in treating neuropsychiatric age-associated disorders, like Alzheimer's Disease. My neuroscience major also exposed me to several other areas of interest, such as signaling pathways that drive synaptic plasticity, mechanisms that sustain memory formation, and brain structures that drive cognitive processes, like learning and attention. Aside from studying the brain, I am also very passionate about the ways in which health, illness, and society interact. Specifically, I am interested in current models of end-of-life care, social determinants of health, and the effects of genetics and the environment on human behavior (nature vs. nurture). I am currently working at the National Institutes of Mental Health with Dr. Daniel Pine and am studying the development of anxiety in adolescence. I would love to mentor anyone interested in learning more about the complexities of the brain, palliative care, or the ways in which science and society interact.Project ideas
How does Alzheimer's Disease Affect the Brain?
Alzheimer's Disease, the most common cause of dementia, is a chronic neurodegenerative disorder that interferes with memory, thinking, and behavior. What does the progression of this disease look like? How does the brain change structurally and functionally, and how can we visualize these changes (think: animal models!)? We will explore the impact of AD on the brain together: how it is diagnosed, clinical features, disease mechanisms, and/or current research attempts to treat AD. We will come up with a specific research question and think about how we want to present our findings - research paper, podcast, blog post, video presentation, the options are endless and completely up to you!
Exploring the Ethics and Policies around End-of-Life Care
What is palliative care? How do we handle the diseases and frailty of old age? What is the significance of empathy or compassion in healthcare, even more specifically, in EOL care? In this project, we will examine ethical and policy issues regarding EOL care, such as Death with Dignity/Physician Assisted Suicide, access to health care, and how medical decisions are made about dying and bereaved people. We will also explore the role of empathy in fostering better patient-doctor/medical professional relationships. I will mentor you in a project that centers around exploring one of these main topics.
Sex and Gender Beyond the Nature vs. Nurture Binary
The origins of gender and sex are often seen as either biological forces or social forces, or nature versus nurture. We will explore this debate in the context of intellectual and political history. How have culture, social media, or societal expectations constructed what counts as "nature" or biologically-based differences? What challenges to the study of sex differences in the brain exist, and what are the responses to these challenges? Additionally, we will explore the implications of the nature vs. nurture debate for policy, science, and culture and reflect on science itself as a form of cultural knowledge.
Investigating Anxiety in Adolescence
Adolescence is a critical time period for brain development and is characterized by significant changes in brain structure and function. Anxiety disorders often manifest during this sensitive time period. What risk factors during childhood or adolescence increase the likelihood for the development of anxiety? How can studying early childhood temperament or behaviors, like social reticence, allow us to better detect and treat anxiety disorders? What are the pros/cons of different treatment options, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, medication, and exposure response prevention? In this project, we will study different factors that impact anxiety and think about how we can better diagnose, predict, and treat anxiety disorders.
Languages I know
GujaratiTeaching experience
As an undergraduate, I was a head tutor for the America Reads, America Counts Program. I tutored elementary and middle school level students from schools in Durham County in mathematics and reading comprehension. I also mentored 11th grade high schoolers who were in a year-long program that strived to increase the disproportionate underrepresentation of Latinx individuals in health and STEM professions. We did this through hands-on experiences in the field of medicine, interactive presentations from healthcare professionals, and guidance on the college application process.Credentials
Work experience
Education
Reviews
"Devi is an awesome mentor and definitely one you want to have! She is smart, caring, and is very helpful in guiding your interests and needs. She is considerate of your other commitments and helps find a project that works for you!"
