My name is Nurat Affinnih and I am a junior at SUNY
Albany. I have a minor in Neuroscience and will be majoring in Biochemistry and
Molecular Biology. I have been in Dr. Scimemi’s lab for about two years now. I
am extremely interested in the topics that we study in the lab, specifically
neuropsychiatric disorders. This was my main reason for joining the lab. I am fascinated
by mental disorders and my goals involve learning about the procedures through
which these disorders occur.
I am currently working on a research project that investigates
how striatal hyperactivity contributes to obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD).
We address this question using chemo and optogenetics approaches, which require
delivering viral constructs to the striatum using stereotaxic surgeries. Being
in the lab has allowed me to become a skilled micro-surgeon, which I think will
be invaluable for my future career.
Research aside, I am an ambassador for the Center for
Undergraduate Research and Creative Engage (CURCE) and a member of the
Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program (CSTEP). CURCE works to help undergraduate
students find and participate in research, scholarship, and creative activities
by providing them with information, resources, and events related to their
goals. If you are interested in getting involved in research, you can find out
more about CURCE here! CSTEP works
to increase the number of historically underrepresented and economically
disadvantaged students in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics
(STEM) professions by providing students with opportunities for academic
enrichment and research experience. Through CSTEP, I was able to conduct research
during the summer of 2018 by participating in one of their programs, the
University at Albany Summer Research Program (UASRP). If you would like to be
part of CSTEP, you can find more information here!
Outside of these activities, I love to run! I am part
of the UAlbany Running Exchange, a running club on campus. We are currently
looking for new members. If you enjoy running, consider joining the club!
My plan after graduating is to attend medical school.
Doing research in Neuroscience has become an important part of my college
career, so much so that I have been motivated to pursue an MD-PhD in medical
school. One day, I hope to be able to treat patients and conduct research in
the Neuroscience of mental illness.
Thank you very much for your attention!
Nurat Affinnih
Nurat is the recipient of the following awards:
2020 President's Award for Leadership – Great Dane Award
2020 Accepted to NCRC 2020 at Harvard University
2020 Accepted to NCUR 2020 at Montana State University
2020 CURCE Travel Award
2019 CURCE Award
2019 Initiative for Women Award
2019 Spellman Academic Achievement Award
2019 Presidential Award for Undergraduate Research
2018 Spellman Academic Achievement Award
2018 CSTEP Summer Research Program - SUNY Albany
2017 Spellman Academic Achievement Award
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