Elliot L
- Research Program Mentor
DVM/PhD candidate at Duke University
Expertise
Immunology, Neuroimmunology, Neurodegeneration, Exercise Science, Exercise Physiology
Bio
My current research focuses on the immune cells located in the brain and the spinal cord, particularly in Alzheimer's disease and multiple sclerosis. These resident immune cells are associated with neurodegenerative disease progressions, but how these immune cells are regulated is still largely unknown. The projects I am working on are trying to address these mechanisms. Being a former track athlete competing in the top collegiate division and graduating from the undergraduate institute with Sports & Exercise Science and Biology majors, I am passionate about connecting exercise science with many other disciplines, especially with the health-related aspects. During the time studying for my master's degree, I came across the idea of connecting Exercise Science and Immunology on the basic research level hoping that this interdisciplinary area can contribute to medical applications in the future. However, most approaches to investigate the mechanisms underlying exercise and immunology remain superficial. Therefore, this inspires me to think about how to address fundamental questions in these two contexts and I decided to pursue advanced training in the Immunology Ph.D. program at Duke University.Project ideas
Immune cells in neurodegenerative disease
In this project, we will learn how to read and interpret scientific literature that relates to neurodegenerative diseases together and learn how to identify questions according to the student's interests. Many neurodegenerative diseases are associated with the immune responses in the brain or spinal cord. However, it is still a growing field that has many treasures to be found. Students could use one or more formats/media (e.g., mini-journal papers, mini-grant proposals, podcasts, presentations, etc.) to demonstrate their ideas of interest with organized structures.
Exercise Science and what?
If you are interested in how exercise-related science is being addressed and how it can be applied to other disciplines for more benefits in health or training outcomes, you can learn how to read and interpret related scientific literature, learn how to identify questions, or brainstorm for a mini-experimental design that can generate data sets for analysis in this project. Although this field is relatively young, it also has unlimited potential to discover.