Why did you choose graduate school at IU Indianapolis?
Choosing IU Indianapolis was easy. I received my Bachelors at IUPUI and I loved my experience here as an undergraduate. I was privileged to have many opportunities outside of the classroom that allowed me to find my passions. For example, as a freshman I was able to work in a research lab studying fracture healing. My active participation in experiments ignited my love for research. By the end of my freshman year, I knew that I wanted to pursue graduate school to become a research scientist. Throughout my undergraduate career, I established many relationships with the School of Science faculty. I even worked in the IU School of Medicine briefly and made many valuable connections there. Since I was so familiar with the School of Science, I loved the faculty, and enjoyed the research opportunities available, I knew that IU Indianapolis was the right fit for me. IU Indianapolis is dedicated to research and developing well rounded students. Part of the program focuses on student teaching, which is another aspect I love. I really enjoy seeing my students have “ah-ha” moments when they finally understand a concept they were struggling with before. My students also help me learn because they ask great questions that help me think more deeply about what I am teaching. Overall, my experience as a graduate student has been very fulfilling and I am very happy that I chose IU Indianapolis.
What has been your favorite academic accomplishment since you’ve been here?
My favorite academic accomplishment was spreading awareness for hydrocephalus research by swimming from Alcatraz Island on to the shore of the San Fransico Bay with Team Hydro. Team Hydro is an organization dedicated to helping up-and-coming researchers find a cure for hydrocephalus. My professor, Dr. Bonnie Blazer-Yost, was able to start her research in hydrocephalus due to two small grants from Team Hydro. As a participant in the swim, I raised $600 dollars for research. Immediately after the swim, I gave an oral presentation to IU alumni talking about why hydrocephalus research is so important. I started training about 6 months before the event. I am not a swimmer, but thankfully two coworkers that were competing with me, Fatemah and Cameryn, had swimming experience. Even though the swim was challenging, the experience was amazing. When I walked onto the beach (with shaky legs) a feeling of accomplishment washed over me. I challenged myself and was able to do something I normally would never do. I also felt a sense of accomplishment for the hydrocephalus community. As a group, Team Hydro was able to raise over $102,000 for hydrocephalus research!
I am very thankful for the chance to participate in this swim and give back to the hydrocephalus research community and continue spreading awareness about research. Hydrocephalus does not have a cure. Over a million people in the United States suffer from the disease and all of them must undergo brain surgery. This is not a sustainable form of treatment since 50% of shunts will fail within two years, and most shunts will fail eventually, leading to more brain surgery. The research lab I am working in is dedicated to finding a noninvasive treatment for hydrocephalus, such as an oral medication, that can be taken on an as needed basis.
What do you enjoy most about life in Indianapolis?
When I first moved to Indianapolis, I did not like it. I grew up in a very small town in Indiana's countryside. The city was too loud and busy for my liking. However, I have grown to love Indy! One of my favorite parts about the city is its cultural diversity. Since I grew up in a small town, I did not have access to different cultural experiences or cuisine. Now I have been able to experience so much more! My favorite part of Indy to explore has been the rich German culture. My grandparents immigrated from Germany, but other than hearing them speak German and my Omi serving us tasty German food (rouladen was my favorite!) I did not experience much of their culture. Since moving to Indianapolis, I’ve been able to attend cultural events like the Christkindlemarkt and the annual Oktoberfest held in German Park. Both of these events are hosted in part by the German American Klub, which has many resources for those interested in learning about German culture. I also love eating authentic food from the Rathskeller and Edelweiss. Whenever I want to make German food at home, I always make sure to buy meat from Claus’ meat market, which is full of many kinds of delicious wurst (sausage) and ground meats. Now, I am very grateful to live in Indianapolis because I can experience more of my heritage.
Please provide some details about your work/research as a graduate student and/or any activities you are involved in.
I am a third year student in the Biology PhD program. My research focuses on understanding how fluid in the brain is produced. This topic is important for finding a cure for hydrocephalus, which is caused by an overproduction of fluid in the brain. In a healthy human adult, about one pint of fluid is produced every day. This is possible because of a special layer tissue found in the middle of the brain called the choroid plexus. The choroid plexus has the special ability to move electrolytes, such as salt, into the brain. When there is a large concentration of electrolytes in the body, fluid is drawn to it. I want to know how electrolytes are regulated by the choroid plexus so I can understand brain fluid production. If I can understand how the fluid is produced, then I can find ways to stop excessive fluid production like what is found in patients with hydrocephalus. This information could lead to a new drug treatment that effectively reduces brain fluid. Currently there is no cure for hydrocephalus, and the only treatment is invasive brain surgery. Finding a pharmacological alternative to brain surgery would greatly improve patient outcomes. To learn more about my work, along with the work of my amazing colleagues, you can go to the Hydrocephalus Research Center website. Outside of the lab, I am involved in multiple student organizations. I am the Vice President of the Biology Graduate Organization, a member of the Simultaneously Just and Sinner Bible Study, and a member of Life Defenders at IUI. In addition to participating in student organizations, I volunteer in my community. I volunteer monthly at Southside Reformed Presbyterian Church, and volunteer yearly the Salvation Army and the Gabriel Project.