Alexis J
- Research Program Mentor
PhD candidate at University of Virginia
Expertise
Neuroimmunology, Microglia, Dementia, Alzheimer's disease, TBI, Tau, Innate Immunity
Bio
I am very interested in uncovering the complexity of our immune system, especially within the brain. My undergraduate research focused on how neuroinfection is controlled. An internship at the NIH lead me to define how our brain's barrier surfaces act as a filter for immune cell infiltration, which is disrupted by TBIs. I am now in a PhD program where my thesis is highlighting a broad activator of the immune system that contributes to dementia onset and severity. Outside of the lab, I am a very active volunteer at my local SPCA. I have spent over a year as a dog walker, and housed two foster dogs for a total of 5 months while they awaited adoption. Additionally, I love to bake sweet treats for my friends and lab.Project ideas
Project ideas are meant to help inspire student thinking about their own project. Students are in the driver seat of their research and are free to use any or none of the ideas shared by their mentors.
The Not so "Privileged" Brain: Highlighting the Effects of Peripheral Immune Activity on the Brain
Researchers have long thought that the brain is an immune privileged organ and is not subjected to the same immune challenges as the rest of the body. However, more and more evidence is suggesting that the brain can be affected by a wide variety of immune challenges from the gut and lungs, for example. This project would either consist of a scientific review on seminal papers on this topic. It could also result in a piece of artwork illustrating the different axes in which the immune system can impact neuroinflammation.
Coding skills
RTeaching experience
I am a TA for an intensive 12-week course required for all Biomedical Studies PhD graduate students that surveys biochemistry, molecular biology, cellular biology, genetics, and the integration of these topics. In undergrad, I co-ran weekly classes to summarize course content and discuss mentor-group dynamics; created and implemented interactive lesson plans focusing on growth mindsets, theories of learning, and inclusion. I also provided free course mentoring to students and fostered a supportive academic environment for all involved; facilitated weekly discussions related to course material through questioning misconceptions and promoting discussion. Lastly, I was a undergrad TA and held out-of-class writing workshops to review students’ proposals, reports, posters, and presentations for each unit; co-lead discussion section activities, including mind map creation, scientific communication practice, and ice breakers/team building exercises; aided teaching team in transition to a virtual platform due to COVID-19.Credentials
Work experience
NINDS (2019 - 2019)
Summer Research InternYale AMGEN Scholar (2020 - 2020)
Summer Research InternUW Madison - Department of Pathology (2018 - 2021)
Undergraduate Research AssistantEducation
University of Wisconsin - Madison
BS Bachelor of Science (2021)
Cell and Molecular BiologyUniversity of Virginia
PhD Doctor of Philosophy candidate
Neuroimmunology