Nitya Kathiravan
Class of 2026Somerset, New Jersey
About
**Nitya Kathiravan** is a high school student at Rutgers Preparatory School. She is currently a research assistant for a post-doctoral fellow in analyzing social thermoregulatory behavior at New Jersey Medical School. Her research focus is the social determinants/factors that play a role in increasing or decreasing the development of neurological disease (specifically Alzheimer's). She is also a member of the American Red Cross's Regional Executive Board and has received awards for outstanding community service in this position. She is a member of the Tri-M National Honor Society for Choral music.Projects
- "To what extent do social factors influence the development and progression of Alzheimer's disease?" with mentor Ellen (Sept. 26, 2024)
Project Portfolio
To what extent do social factors influence the development and progression of Alzheimer's disease?
Started Oct. 16, 2023
Abstract or project description
A project to spread awareness of often-overlooked factors of Alzheimer’s disease. With this project, I hope to understand more about Alzheimer’s and make resources with what I learn about it. Ideally, I would want to come out of this project with a research paper published in a student medical journal, a slideshow presentation for the Polygence symposium, and an infographic to put up in local areas. I am hoping to achieve this goal by helping myself have a better understanding of Alzheimer’s, a topic in the field of neuroscience which I am always fascinated by, as well as making resources for other people to learn more about these topics. To achieve my goal, I would need to have a clear understanding of what Alzheimer’s is, and the biological aspect of its factors, and I would especially need to learn more about social factors that affect it. I need to make sure to answer all of my questions promptly so that I don’t leave gaps in my understanding. In terms of the actual project, I need to create a resources page with all of the resources accumulated over time, a research journal to track my work, and documents for each assignment.