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Alex M

- Research Program Mentor

PhD at University of Rochester

Expertise

Cardiovascular Physiology, Metabolism, Pharmacology, Mitochondria/Bioenergetics, Neuroscience, Cancer,

Bio

Hello there! My name is Alex and I received my PhD University of Rochester in June of 2022 where I studied the molecular and metabolic mechanisms of the pathology underlying heart attack, ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury with a primary focus on the mitochondria. I am currently a medical writer with experience in developmental therapies for ADHD, depression and anxiety, cancer, Parkinson's, multiple sclerosis, and many more!. When I am working I love to hike with my golden retriever, watch movies/tv shows, workout, hangout with friends, and tell jokes! Science is so collaborative and I am only where I am today because of everyone that has helped me along the way. I strive to be a supportive and enthusiastic mentor to facilitate a fun space to learn something new.

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.

The powerhouse of the cell and much much more!

The mitochondria are infamously known as the "powerhouse of the cell" for their ATP generating capabilities from the food that we eat. Although very important, mitochondria are also involved in a much wider range of activities in the cell and the body altogether. Furthermore, when mitochondria do not work properly (i.e. mitochondrial dysfunctional), this can lead the development of various pathologies where mitochondria are becoming favorable targets for drug development. Project Goal: Understand the additional roles of the mitochondria beyond ATP generation (reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, calcium homeostasis, programmed cell death) and how they may be involved in a physiologic or pathologic context for a review paper you would publish! Prerequisites: High school level background in both chemistry and biology.

Speaking from the heart

The heart is arguably the most important muscle in our body and in order to live a long and healthy life we should exercise to strengthen that muscle. There are two main forms of exercise; (i) endurance training (biking, walking, running, swimming, etc.), and (ii) resistance training (strength/weight training). The demand on the body and the heart specifically will differ depending on the form of training. Project Goal: First understand the cardiovascular system in our body and then understand how it may respond the types of exercise in the short and long term. Optional Goal: Perform light, moderate, and heavy exercise while measuring heart rate to understand the hemodynamic response of the heart.

Teaching experience

-As an undergraduate I was a Teaching Assistant and Peer Tutor for a variety of introductory to advanced level courses in chemistry, biology, and mathematics. -While I was a Ph.D. candidate I have been a Teaching Assistant for Biochemistry and Pharmacology/Physiology courses. I have also have facilitated cardiovascular and pharmacology workshops for the medical students at the University of Rochester. -Personally mentored over 10 individuals (high school students, undergraduates, and graduate students) in a research laboratory setting.

Credentials

Work experience

Bausch & Lomb (Valeant Pharmaceuticals) (2017 - 2017)
Global Environment, Health, Safety and Sustainability Intern
University of Rochester (2022 - Current)
Postdoctoral Associate
Red Nucleus (2023 - Current)
Scientific Communications Manager (Medical Writer

Education

Wells College
BS Bachelor of Science (2017)
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
University of Rochester
MS Master of Science (2019)
Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology
University of Rochester
PhD Doctor of Philosophy
Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology

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