Lauren R
- Research Program Mentor
MA at Duke University
Expertise
Immunology, Autoimmunity, Cellular Biology, Biochemistry, Cancer Biology, Biology, Immunotherapies
Bio
I recently graduated from Duke University with my Master’s in Immunology; my undergrad Bachelor’s was in Cellular Biology with a concentration in biochemistry. I am passionate about immunotherapy, utilizing the human immune system to treat diseases. I love researching cancer biology and autoimmunity which is how I landed in a research lab investigating GvHD (graft versus host disease), an autoimmune-like disorder caused by bone marrow transplants used to treat cancer. I previously worked on genetically editing human immune cells to attack a patients' cancer known as CAR-T cell therapy which was amazing work as well. Personally I love to hike and read thriller novels or murder mysteries. I regularly listen to audiobooks while I hike or even just tidy up the house. Although I have spooked myself listening to murder scenes while walking in the woods! Still I love trying to parse out the murderer in the books I read or listen to.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.
Type 3 Diabetes
Alzheimer’s is a devastating disease where patients experience progressive loss of memory. Researchers have found that loss of brain mass and deposits of different proteins in the brain are associated with the disease. Additionally, new insights indicate that dysregulation of sugar metabolism or diabetes may play a significant role in the development of Alzheimer’s disease. Here we plan to outline the relationship between diabetes, protein deposits in the brain, and Alzheimer’s disease and write a review outlining the relationship and the current research.
Teaching experience
Previously I have worked as a mentor to a high school students through a Women in STEM program I helped found at my College known as X-CHROM. I also have worked as a Teaching assistant at both the undergraduate and graduate levels on a variety of subjects such as Biology, Genetics, Biochemistry, Immunology, and Theater Shop.Credentials
Work experience
Duke University School of Medicine (2019 - 2022)
Graduate Student ResearcherEducation
College of the Holy Cross
BA Bachelor of Arts
BiologyDuke University
MA Master of Arts
Immunology