Morgan P
- Research Program Mentor
PhD at Duke University
Expertise
Immunology, Molecular Biology, Gene Regulation
Bio
As an undergraduate at the University of Florida I became interested in how bacteria help keep us healthy through communication with the epithelial cells in the intestines. I then transitioned into studying immune cells (lymphocytes) in the gut for my PhD at Duke in immunology. I fell in love with understanding how intestinal lymphocytes can alter their effector function based on environmental cues. For my postdoc at University of Chicago I will be working on how immune cell-cell interactions are altered during colorectal cancer and impact anti-tumor immunity. My favorite things to do all start with the letter R---reading, running, riding, research. I love going for long bike rides or runs and then spending the rest of the day reading. I love challenging myself both mentally and physically, whether that be endurance sports or learning something new. I am excited to get to share my passion for science with you.Project ideas
Literature review on the gut-brain axis
The last decade has seen an enormous spike in research in a topic of immunology known as the 'gut-brain axis'. The gut-brain axis, sometimes referred to as the gut-microbiota-brain axis, is the bidirectional flow of information between the brain and gut. Our gut microbiota (microorganisms living in our gastrointestinal tract) communicate and regulate immune cells in our gut by the release of chemical messengers that tell cells how to behave. Immune cells in turn can produce their own chemical messengers that act on nearby cells or far away cells. In this way, positive and negative feedback loops keep us at homeostasis. This impacts the ability of immune cells to fight infections and prevent inflammation in response to the foods we eat. Furthermore, the gut is home to the enteric nervous system, part of the autonomic nervous system, that is sometimes called the 'second brain of the body'. The last decade of research has started to link the gut-brain-microbiota axis to many disease states, such as neuropsychiatric disorders (schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorder) and neurodegenerative diseases (Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, and Alzheimer's disease). Ever feel sick to your stomach when you are stressed or anxious? A deep dive into the current literature about the gut-brain axis is a great way to integrate learning about immunology, neuroscience, and microbiology and fuel passion for future research questions.