Angelica M
- Research Program Mentor
PhD at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
Expertise
The neuroscience of memory formation; the science of sleep: understanding why we need it; the effects of social media on mental health; exploring artificial intelligence and machine learning; the role of genetics in shaping human behavior; psychology of learning: strategies for effective study; the human brain: from neurons to networks; ethical hacking: the good side of cybersecurity; the impact of nutrition on physical and mental health; genetic engineering: editing the code of life; the intersection of art and science; cognitive behavioral therapy: techniques and applications; the science of sports: enhancing athletic performance; creative writing
Bio
I am a neuroscientist at Yale University, where I work to uncover the mysteries of how our brains work. I research how neural connections shape our behavior and thoughts, with the ultimate goal of developing new treatments for conditions like addiction and depression. What excites me most is working with students—whether you're just starting to explore science or diving deep into research, I love helping students design experiments, analyze data, and present their discoveries with confidence. When I'm not in the lab, you'll find me hiking new trails and exploring the outdoors (there's something about nature that sparks my best ideas!). I'm also an avid fiction reader who believes creativity and science go hand in hand, and I love experimenting in the kitchen, where I get to apply simple and complex scientific principles to create delicious meals. These diverse interests help me connect with students from all backgrounds, and I believe the best mentoring happens when we can relate both academically and personally.Project ideas
"How Exercise Impacts Brain Health"
In this project, you will explore the fascinating relationship between physical exercise and cognitive function. By reviewing current scientific literature, you will investigate how different types of exercise, such as aerobic and strength training, affect brain health and contribute to improved memory, attention, and overall mental well-being. You have the option to design and conduct a simple experiment, such as tracking cognitive performance before and after a regular exercise routine, to gather data and analyze the results.
"The Science of Sleep and Learning: How Rest Affects Your Brain's Ability to Remember"
In this project, you will explore the connection between sleep and memory consolidation by reviewing current research on how our brains process and store information during different sleep stages. You'll investigate questions like: Why do we sometimes wake up with solutions to problems we couldn't solve the day before? How does sleep deprivation affect academic performance? You have the option to design a simple study tracking sleep patterns and memory performance using apps or sleep journals, comparing how well participants remember information after good versus poor sleep. This project combines neuroscience, psychology, and practical applications that directly relate to student life—perfect for understanding why that all-nighter before an exam might not be the best strategy.