Nainika R
- Research Program Mentor
PhD at Columbia University
Expertise
Alzheimer's disease, Neurodegenerative disease, Neuroimmunology, genetics, chronic pain,
Bio
Microglia, which are innate immune cells of the central nervous system, are a crucial and dynamic component of the brain's development, maintenance and defense. I am a neuroscientist investigating how variations in Alzheimer's disease (AD)-associated genes modify microglial function and how this contributes to disease pathogenesis. I use stem-cell based models of different brain cells to understand how these variants impact complex aspects of cellular health and function. Outside the lab, being in NYC is a great location for me to work towards my goal of trying cuisines from every country in the world! I've lived in three different continents and love travel and languages. I'm always keen to try new things - currently, I'm taking a summer pottery course!Project ideas
Identifying Cellular Phenotypes in Neurodegeneration
Alzheimer's disease is often thought of as a disorder of neurons, but growing evidence suggests that immune cells in the brain, called microglia, play a critical role in disease progression. In this project, students would investigate how microglia contribute to brain health and how genetic risk factors for Alzheimer's disease may alter their function. Students would learn how to read and evaluate primary scientific literature, explore publicly available gene expression datasets, and develop their own hypothesis about how the immune system influences neurodegeneration. The final product could be a literature review, data analysis project, or research proposal that synthesizes current knowledge and identifies open questions in the field.
How Cellular Metabolism Influences the Brain's Immune System
The immune cells of the brain, called microglia, must constantly adapt their metabolism to respond to injury, infection, and disease. In this project, students would investigate how cellular metabolism shapes immune cell behavior and how disruptions in these processes may contribute to neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease. Using scientific literature and public datasets, students would explore the emerging field of immunometabolism and develop their own research questions about the relationship between metabolism and brain health.