I am working on a project which examines the physiological causes of a known reduced blood flow in the brain of Alzheimer’s patients. Using a two-photon microscope we are able to image brain vasculature in genetically engineered mice with early onset Alzheimer’s disease. We can then study the differences in the blood vasculature, flow and consistencies between the Alzheimer and normal mice. . More specifically I am currently looking into how blood flow is interrupted by adhesion of leukocytes to the endothelium. Furthermore, I am exploring the subcategories of leukocytes to precisely pinpoint the exact mechanism by which brain vascular flow is reduced. I am an undergraduate studying computer science and biological engineering and plan on graduating in 2015. I am a Jacobs scholar and am participating in the Engineering Learning Initiatives program.
