Jessica J
- Research Program Mentor

PhD candidate at University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill (UNC Chapel Hill)

Expertise

Neuroscience, Toxicology, Biology

Bio

I am a PhD Candidate in the Curriculum in Toxicology and Environmental Medicine at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in Dr. Mark Zylka’s lab. I received my Bachelor of Arts in Neuroscience and Biology at Oberlin College, where I studied the neurotoxicity of heavy metal exposure in a Parkinson’s disease cell model. In the Zylka lab, I am currently interested in exploring gene-environment interactions that can influence susceptibility to neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders. My research investigates how genetic predisposition to autism spectrum disorder can affect pesticide-induced neurotoxicity, leading to neurodevelopmental and behavioral impairments. I am excited to get to know and mentor young students excited about science! In my free time, I enjoy working out, cooking, and spending time with my friends and family. I was raised in Michigan, but grew up traveling a lot to Venezuela, where I was born. I frequently travel to Spain as well to visit family there. I hope to visit many more countries in the near future!

Project ideas

Project ideas are meant to help inspire student thinking about their own project. Students are in the driver seat of their research and are free to use any or none of the ideas shared by their mentors.

Research proposal on environmental risks for Alzheimer's disease

It is becoming increasingly appreciated that environmental factors play a role in Alzheimer's disease risk and related dementias. In order to gain experience in thinking like a scientist and asking stimulating research questions, you will propose a research project that investigates an environmental risk, such as heavy metal exposures, and its impact on brain function.

Languages I know

Spanish

Teaching experience

I have mentored a number of first year graduate students in my lab during their 10 week research rotation. During this time, the student takes on their own research project, with my training and guidance, to decide whether they would like to join the lab for their PhD. At my undergraduate institution, I served as a teaching assistant for introductory and advanced biology courses.