Lora K
- Research Program Mentor
PhD candidate at University of California San Diego (UCSD)
Expertise
neuroscience, neuroimaging, data science, psychology, clinical research
Bio
Hello! I'm a Ph.D. student driven by a fascination with unraveling the complexities of the human brain to innovate new approaches for addressing mental health challenges. My current research focuses on investigating the interplay between the gut microbiome and the brain across various diseases. I'm committed to shedding light on these mechanisms to potentially revolutionize treatment strategies. Before embarking on my doctoral journey, I delved into research utilizing fMRI imaging and pharmacology to explore innovative therapies that can alleviate chronic pain and enhance overall well-being. Beyond academia, I also have a passion for traveling! Following college, I embarked on a year-long backpacking adventure across New Zealand and Southeast Asia, an experience that enriched my perspective before I refocused on research. I love staying involved in my community and especially love mentoring students to find their passion. Outside of the laboratory, I also play soccer, surf, and hike/backpack!Project ideas
What are the neural mechanisms of chronic pain?
There are structural and functional differences in brain regions between chronic pain patients and healthy controls. To conduct a specific type of neuroimaging analysis called a "seed-based correlation analysis", you need to form a hypothesis on what brain region is critical to your topic of interest. What "seed" (brain region) do you think is important to investigate when trying to understand the mechanisms of chronic pain?
The Gut Microbiome-Brain Axis: Understanding the Influence on Mental Health
Write a literature review that provides a comprehensive understanding of the bidirectional communication between the gut microbiome and the brain, focusing specifically on its impact on mental health. The review can consolidate and analyze existing research literature, elucidating the mechanisms underlying how alterations in the gut microbiota composition influence mental health outcomes.
