Brianna and Umair: partners with no crimes!

 

Umair, here. I’m a senior here at SUNY ALBANY with a bachelor’s in biology. I have always found the physiology of the brain to be interesting and that is what drove me to join the Scimemi Lab in Fall 2020 semester. It truly been an amazing experience from the beginning. I came in the lab with no prior research experience and spent most of my time with Gabrielle on the Polymerase Chain Reaction to genotype the mouse colony. Later, I was given a wonderful opportunity to lead the PCR team and manage the mouse colony. I really enjoyed the process of navigating between different project and communicating with everyone in the lab. I feel extremely grateful that I was able to mentor so many amazing people in this lab. Something I realized was the more I shared my knowledge, the more I expanded my own level of understanding. The first project that I worked on was the Circadian rhythm project to study the changes in the memory consolidation and learning during the light and dark phase. I gained expertise in circadian modulation of hippocampal glutamate receptors and the chemical pathways that contributes to synaptic plasticity. I also worked on the Alzheimer Disease project, which involved looking at the role of astrocytes and Glutamate transporters in the Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis using whole cell patch patching and dot blot. I have to say, electrophysiological technique like patch clamping is truly a thrilling experience. 

I cannot say this enough that I wouldn’t be where I am today, without the help of everyone in this lab. Maurice and Nurat were always there to support me in every little step. Especially, Dr. Scimemi who encouraged me throughout the whole journey. 

Last but not least, I hope my partner in crime as well all my friends in the lab go above and beyond their potential and rock the world…

Hi everyone, my name is Bri, I am a second year Biology major at UAlbany and I’ve been working in the lab since Spring 2023. I first started on the PCR team where I learned how to manage the mouse colony and properly genotype and identify the mice. From there, I gained my footing in the lab and was able to progress onto the ABeta project, where we investigated the influence of ABeta accumulation on glutamate transporters in astrocytes. Here, I was responsible for executing dot blot procedures and analyzing our results and applying them to the context of the experiment, and I was able to become much more independent in my research. I have also been able to work on our western blot team which focuses on circadian modulation of glutamate transporters, where I was responsible for executing not only the western blot procedure, but also the analysis that accompanied it. Through my time in this lab, I’ve been able to build my wet lab skills, learn how to read and write research papers, create posters and present them effectively and have made connections and friendships I value greatly. There has never been a moment where I haven’t felt challenged, and that has been something that has kept me on my toes and always learning. I am specifically thankful for Umair’s mentorship and guidance throughout my time working with him, and I will miss him and his presence in the lab immensely. I am very thankful for the opportunities I’ve gotten through this lab and look forward to my future time here!

Adam

Hello everyone!

My name is Adam and I’m currently a junior at this university. This is my third semester in the lab and I’ve learned so much more than I expected coming into this program! When I first started, I began training in immunohistochemistry to help work on the circadian rhythm project. Within this project, I initially helped obtain data on layer-specific circadian changes in the expression and cytoskeletal organization of astrocytes. These past two semesters, I shifted gears to focus on glutamate receptor expression in two layers of the hippocampus. I really enjoy the training and procedures I’ve been taught while in this lab. Aside from learning immunostaining, brain slicing, confocal imaging, and data analysis, my favorite procedure has got to be trans-cardial perfusions, which are essentially mice brain extractions. I feel like a mini surgeon every time I perform them! Another major experience I never thought I’d be able to have was being able to create and present a poster on my project. I presented in both the Undergraduate Symposium and the UAlbany Showcase events which have been amazing experiences! Aside from this lab, I’m a part-time student on the pre-med track majoring in biochemistry and molecular biology. I’m also a part-time medical assistant at the Bone & Joint Center right across UAlbany’s campus. One thing the hands-on work in this lab has shown me is how much I would love to do surgery in the future! I’m also the current and upcoming treasurer for the Muslim Student’s Association (MSA) on this campus. When I can finally get some free time, I enjoy weightlifting, watching UFC, and playing videogames with friends. Thanks to this lab, I also recently discovered how enjoyable hiking can be!

Zaden

Hey there!

My name is Zaden and I am a Psychology major with a minor in Italian and English. I have worked with this lab since Spring 2023, and I’m currently planning to attend graduate school for clinical therapy once I obtain all my credits here at UAlbany. I work with the behavior team, where we study and observe differences between wildtype and EAAC1 knockout mice with reward seeking behavior, how well they perform these tasks, how fast they learn the new tasks, and so on. Initially most of my time was spent training these mice, however with the help of my labmates I’ve been able to dedicate more time to data analysis using the Igor and SPSS software applications. It has certainly been challenging being in a new environment (and becoming more tech savvy with computers), oftentimes it feels that I am drinking from a fire hose when it comes to learning, but overcoming these obstacles is immensely gratifying. Not only has this experience taught me more about neuroscience, but also about being a more competent, responsible, and efficient worker. The people here are very cooperative, making the workload more manageable and enjoyable. It's been a genuine pleasure working here, and I’m eager to witness further progression of this lab. In times of leisure I typically read, play video games, go hiking with friends and spend time with family. When finances and spare time align, I love to travel and attend music festivals.

Massa

Hi everyone!

My name is Massa and I’m majoring in biology on the pre-med track with a business minor.  I would love to pursue a career in medicine as a doctor where I can learn about the human body and take care of patients. This was my first year at UAlbany after I had transferred from FMCC and my first semester at the lab. I was interested in joining so I can learn more about neurodegenerative disease, lab techniques, and just understanding how research is actually conducted beyond looking at a scientific paper. I’ve learned so much already with the help of my teammates and Annalisa, and am looking forward to learning more and working with everyone! My favorite thing about the lab is… mice! I used to be very scared of them, and after training them for a while I got used to them and now I enjoy it! I spend most of the time in LAR training the mice with the lever press training where they have to press the lever to get a reward. In my free time,  I like to discover new coffee shops and I LOVE to color.

Jessica

Hello everyone!

My name is Jessica and I’m a second semester freshman. I have been working in Annalisa’s lab since January 2024. I am a Biochemistry major with a Spanish minor on a pre-med track. Even though I am still fairly new to the lab, I can already say I’ve learned so much. As a part of the behavior team I’ve gained a lot of new skills including: handling lab animals, data analysis, and I am in the process of learning procedures using immunohistochemistry and further proficiency with analysis software with the help of my fellow lab members, Zaden, Abby, and Massa. Being in this lab has not only helped foster my interest in neuroscience but also given me hands-on experience while working in tandem with other lab members. In my free time you can find me sleeping, studying, or spending time with friends. I am grateful for this experience and for such an understanding PI for answering all of my questions when I was first starting out. I am excited to see what else I will learn here!

Abby

Hello everyone! 

My name is Abby, a second semester sophomore. I’ve been working in Annalisa’s lab since spring 2023. I’m pursuing a career in medicine and can say working in lab has given me lots of valuable skills I can carry into the future. I’ve been working on the behavioral EAAC1 project where I’ve learned skills in data analysis, immunohistochemistry, handling lab animals and performing stereotaxic surgery. Working hands on in the lab has given me experience past any class along with being able to work effectively on a team. I’m a chemistry major with a biological emphasis on the pre-med track. In my free time I love hanging out with my friends, working out and of course, studying.  

Mya

Hey everyone!

My name is Mya, and I’m a second semester freshman! I have been working with Annalisa since fall semester ’23, and have learned a lot. I always wanted to go into medicine and learning different techniques and methods to solving different problems and since being in this lab I have learned a bunch of new things I wouldn’t have learned in my classes. I am a biology major with a minor in medical anthropology and neuroscience, with a goal to learn more about the different regions of the brain and apply that to medicine. In my downtime I enjoy hanging out with friends, taking a nap or I’ll be in the library “studying”. But I can’t wait to continue next with the lab next year and see what happens along the way!

Aiden

Hello everyone!

My name is Aiden Cho, and I’ve been working with Annalisa throughout the course of my second-semester as a freshman student. I am a Biochemistry and Psychology Major at University at Albany, and there is still so much for me to learn. At first glance at the lab, all this neuronal terminology was a bit provoking, however through great lab-mates and a great PI, I was able to further understand the fundamentals of what I was actually learning. I realized I was not alone and was able to rely on my fellow mentors, Umair Hassan and Brianna Tsakh. This lab has given me so much experience, as well as knowledge on the human brain, and only piqued my interest in it further. From dot-blot to western-blot, I learned a variety of skills such as focusing on the measurement of expression levels of glutamate receptors in the hippocampus, communication, PCR, and brain slicing. Just by getting hands on experience, I could feel myself learning more information than I had learned in actual classes. Outside the lab, I am often actively participating in a wide variety of sports, or caught taking a nap in my dorm. Although I am relatively new, I see myself enjoying my time at the lab further throughout the course of my college years, and I am so excited to see what obstacles I will have to overcome. I can’t wait to see what next year has for me!

Working as a team

We are the PCR Team at the Scimemi Lab at UAlbany. We manage all the identification, genotyping, and breeding of the mouse colony. We mastered all these skills over the course of the Spring 2024 semester. Most importantly, we developed teamwork. Our Team consists of Victoria Fiorelli, Kathryn Casey, and Alaina Jeeson as well as our day-to-day mentor, Dr. Phillip Albrecht. 

Victoria: I feel honored to be working in Dr. Scimemi’s lab as a second-semester transfer student. I am currently a Biology Major at UAlbany. When I joined the lab, I thought I would witness research in action and contemplate the implications that follow, such as passing on learned information in the context of basic science with long-term implications on human health. My expectations were far exceeded: almost instantly I caught the neuroscience bug. Everyone within Dr. Scimemi’s lab is not only intelligent but also talented in the way they describe and orchestrate their methods within the mouse brain. I am always delighted with the buzz of activity and knowledge that fills her lab, and it has been such an inspiring atmosphere. Needless to say, I will be reading some neuroscience texts over the summer. When I am not wondering about how in the world Dr. Scimemi let me be a part of her work, I am usually found reading, training my dogs, volunteering, or out in the wilderness. 

Kathryn: Hi everyone, I’m a junior at UAlbany working in the Scimemi lab as of January 2024. I transferred to the school this past fall from Siena College and gained interest in Dr. Scimemi’s lab after taking an introductory neuroscience class. I have been able to meet like-minded peers and gain access to mentors who have really helped me develop my critical thinking, and practical skills and have provided guidance on how to tackle my journey in the world of research. Outside of the lab, you can find me at the gym, at Afrim’s playing for my Co-ed soccer league, or in line at Starbucks in the campus center for a matcha latte. 

Alaina: Hello everyone! I am a Freshman at UAlbany, the youngest member of the team. I also joined the Scimemi Lab in January 2024. Joining the lab was a completely new experience for me as I didn’t have prior familiarity with a bio laboratory, it was also a huge step out of my comfort zone. People in my team, my mentors as well as other lab members contributed greatly to my learning experience here. From knowing only theory about PCR, working in the lab has taught me about the hands-on aspect of it, greatly increasing my understanding of the process and its use in research. I developed skills like teamwork, communication, and problem-solving.

What do we do? Our main goal in the lab is to ensure that all the mice of interest in our colonies are properly genotyped. First, our team runs cage checks to ensure our mice are healthy. Second, we monitor potentially pregnant females and wean litters who are ready to be separated. To ensure we can identify pups within our litters we also use this time to give them an identification code consisting of their birth date, and unique tattoo markings on their hind and front paws. We take tissue samples from their tails and extract DNA from them. Third, we run PCR for the samples and gel electrophoresis for the analysis of specific genes. Fourth, We enter the information into a litter record to share the genotyping results with the rest of the lab.