Aging is understood as a risk factor for many neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Using single-cell sequencing methods, we’re able to investigate the gene expression and accessibility of brain neurons in individuals across different ages. This allows us to understand the changes in how cell types communicate with each other, repair their own genetic material, and move through their environment. We hope to reveal the nature of cellular brain aging and offer possible points of therapeutic intervention.

I am participating in SuperUROP to gain experience in carrying out an independent project. I have worked with similar datasets and enjoyed the explorative nature of bioinformatics research. I’m excited to explore the effects of aging on the brain.