My name is Mary McFarland and I am a rising junior at the University of Pittsburgh. I am pursuing a neuroscience major, Italian and chemistry minors, and conceptual foundations of medicine certificate. This summer I am in the Brackenridge fellowship for my research in Alzheimer’s Disease (AD).

The AD project focuses on the role that the Na+/H+ Exchanger Isoform 1 (NHE1) plays in astrogliosis in AD brains. NHE1 is a ph regulatory protein that activates NADPH oxidase and reactive oxygen species which is toxic to the neurons. Dr. Dandan Sun is the head of the lab/ research mentor and has had success in inhibiting NHE1 in models of ischemic stroke and vascular dementia which improved the symptoms of the models. This has not been done on AD models which is my focus for the summer. I will be using mouse models to evaluate the development of these mice and look at behavioral testing to address if the NHE1 inhibitory drug works in these models. This research is important because it could address a future medicine/ treatment for those with Alzheimer’s Disease.

I am doing research because I am planning to apply to medical school next year! A large part of medicine is research which is why I have been apart of this lab for two years. The Brackenridge Fellowship will allow me to build skills that I will need for medical school such as teamwork, networking, and peer discussion. Coming to weekly seminars will allow me to comfortably talk and be able to explain my research.

Fun Fact: I am going to a heavy metal and tattoo festival this summer!!!