W&L Neuroscience Program
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Neuroscience is one of Washington and Lee’s oldest interdisciplinary programs. W&L’s first Neuroscience major graduated in 1990 and since that time many students have successfully completed the neuroscience curriculum.
The mission of the Neuroscience program is to foster an environment of collaborative research wherein students learn discipline-specific knowledge, analytic and scientific thinking and ethical principles of research through close interactions with faculty members actively engaged in basic neuroscience research. Coursework in this program serves to provide background and context for the research activities that are the core experience for our students.
All Neuroscience students complete research with our faculty and we think this is the best way to learn. Lectures and lab exercises have their place but nothing replaces the experience of pursuing a question that no one else has answered.
W&L Neuroscience Program Learning Objectives:
- Learning Outcome 1
- Learning Outcome 2
- Learning Outcome 3
- Learning Outcome 4
- Learning Outcome 5
- Neuroscience Reflection
Students can articulate and demonstrate competency in understanding the basic function of neuronal signaling and attain field/discipline specific knowledge.
During my Introduction to Neuroscience Lab, I had the opportunity to present to the class on the practical application of lecture material in real-world processes. For this particular assignment, I collaborated with a fellow student to conduct research on the Neuroscience mechanisms of sugar additives in the food we consume. Additionally, we analyzed relevant literature to gain a better understanding of how these mechanisms function and the consequences of their inclusion on cognition and physical health. I chose this assignment to demonstrate my proficiency in Neuroscience at an early stage of my academic career. Although I believe that my presentation was successful, I also acknowledge that this assignment exemplifies how my comprehension and expertise in Neuroscience evolved throughout my undergraduate journey.
This assignment helped me hone my research and analytical skills, as well as my ability to present complex information in a clear and concise manner. By presenting my findings to my class, I developed public speaking skills, which are valuable in a range of professional contexts. Overall, this assignment helped provide me with a solid foundation of knowledge and skills that can be applied in a variety of academic and professional settings.
You can download a copy of my presentation on Sugar Additives here: NEUR121_Sugar
During the Learning & Memory course in my senior year, I participated in a journal club wherein peer-reviewed articles, journals, and textbook materials were evaluated and presented to classmates. The topic of my presentation was the Clinical Perspectives of Drug Addiction. Together with my fellow classmates, I conducted an extensive review of relevant literature to gain a deeper understanding of substance use disorders (SUDs), their manifestations, and underlying mechanisms. Moreover, we delved into treatment options for addiction and the neuroscientific basis of such therapeutic interventions. I chose this presentation because it shows how my understanding of Neuroscience mechanisms ability to communicate them have improved over the course of my Neuroscience journey.
Similarly, this assignment continued to help me hone my research and analytical skills, as well as my ability to present complex information in a clear and concise manner in front of an audience of academic peers.
You can download a copy of my presentation on the Clinical Perspectives of SUD here: CBSC298_SUD
Students will engage in scientific data analysis and interpretation.
During my Sophomore year Introduction to Data Science in Python (BIO 187) course, I worked in a team where I was tasked to develop an algorithm for ovarian structure classification in rats fed either a control or high-fat, high-sugar (HFHS) diet. The data provided for analysis includes images of cysts, atretic (unhealthy), and Graafian (healthy) follicles collected from the previous experiment. The lab principal investigator (PI) wants to determine if there is a difference in size and shape of ovarian structures between rats on control and HFHS diet. The algorithm will help the PI automate the classification of ovarian structures and analyze the impact of diet on ovarian health. From this assignment, I learned about the goal of developing an algorithm (in this case, for ovarian structure classification) using deep learning-based image classification. I also learned about the importance of automation and how I can use data science tools to my advantage. Additionally, I learned about transfer learning, pre-trained models, and the Keras deep learning library, which are essential tools in the field of data science. Finally, I learned about the evaluation metrics, including accuracy, precision, recall, and F1 score, and how they help to determine a model’s performance (in this case, classifying ovarian structures). My initial interest in data science and analytics was ignited by this course, which I further pursued by taking additional courses at W&L and will embark upon as a career after graduation.
General Audience Report: Classifying Ovarian Structures_Audience Report
Technical Report: Histology Technical Report
In my Senior Year Biostatistics (BIO 201) class, I participated in a group project that involved estimating the excess mortality rate during the period of April-December 2020 and comparing it with the official number of COVID-19 deaths in five states. This project demanded a meticulous COVID-19 data analysis from the CDC’s Wonder database and involved performing statistical analyses to determine if the mortality rate was either over or under-reported, and interpreting the results. This assignment taught me several statistical skills, including data cleaning and wrangling, descriptive and inferential statistics, regression analysis, and data visualization. These skills will prove to be valuable for analyzing real-world data in my post-graduation career as a Management Public Health Consultant.
Technical Summary: BIO201_Technical Summary
Poster: BIO201_FinalPoster
Students will identify relevant primary research and critically evaluate it.
For my final term paper in CBSC 257, which pertains to the study of Sleep and Circadian Rhythms, I undertook the task of composing an evidence-based policy brief that examines the health implications of Daylight Savings Time. My focus was to critically analyze the existing literature and formulate a sound policy recommendation that is informed by the scientific evidence on this subject.
The policy brief I created stands apart from traditional briefs, as it encompasses a comprehensive analysis of the research literature concerning the deleterious health effects of Daylight Savings Time. It serves as a reference guide for individuals and organizations that seek to better understand the implications of Daylight Savings Time for public health policy.
Through my research, I learned that the current body of literature strongly suggests that Daylight Savings Time has a detrimental impact on human health, particularly on sleep and circadian rhythms. Moreover, the evidence indicates that the practice of Daylight Savings Time is associated with a range of health problems, including cardiovascular disease, obesity, and mental health issues.
Overall, my intensive literature review and policy analysis taught me the importance of conducting thorough research and using evidence-based approaches in policy formulation. Furthermore, it highlighted the need for policymakers to remain cognizant of the scientific evidence in their decision-making, particularly when it concerns public health issues.
Click here to download a copy of my policy brief: Sanchez_CBSC257_TermPaper
In my Nutritional Neuroscience (CBSC 298D) course, my group and I were assigned the task of analyzing literature on the topic of Intermittent Caloric Restriction with a Modified Fasting-Mimicking Diet in a Mouse Model of Multiple Sclerosis. Through critical evaluation of the literature, as well as a review of related research studies, we prepared a one-hour class discussion on the topic. Our analysis delved deeply into the background information, study design and methods, results, findings, as well as critiques and implications of the research.
This assignment has allowed me to hone my skills as a neuroscientist during my academic journey at W&L. As a senior, I have progressed significantly from my freshman year, and I am now proficient in analyzing complex literature and communicating effectively with my peers. This experience has been invaluable in preparing me for my future academic and professional endeavors in data analysis and healthcare.
Click here to view a copy of my presentation: Journal Club Presentation
Students will collaboratively engage in the scientific process by conducting ethical research with faculty and peers.
During the summer of 2021, I worked as a Levy Neuroscience Fellow in the Blythe-Toporikova lab, where I investigated the impact of diet-induced obesity on the female rat reproductive system. Additionally, the I also studied the neurobiological mechanisms underlying the effects of a high-fat and high-sugar diet on the hypothalamic region of the brain, which governs the equilibrium between energy intake and expenditure. Most of my time was dedicated to the imaging and classification of ovarian structures, as well as to the statistical analysis of said structures.
In the Fall 2022 semester, I joined the Brindle Sleep and Stress Lab. My research activities within the laboratory have primarily centered around the processing of Heart Rate Variability (HRV) data. Additionally, I spearheaded a preliminary study and devised a protocol to assess Central Blood Pressure.
My involvement in both the Blythe-Toporikova and Brindle laboratories has been instrumental in my growth as a neuroscientist. These opportunities have enabled me to translate my academic knowledge into practical scientific applications. Furthermore, my work in these labs has cultivated a strong interest in data processing, visualization, and analysis.
Click here to view my Research experiences!
Students will effectively communicate scientific information (orally, visually and in writing).
During the summer of 2021, I assumed the role of Levy Neuroscience Fellow in the Blythe-Toporikova laboratory, where I investigated the impact of diet-induced obesity on the female rat reproductive system. The lab also focused on the neurobiological mechanisms responsible for the effect of a high-fat and high-sugar diet on the hypothalamic region of the brain, which regulates the balance of energy intake and expenditure. I was involved in various projects throughout the summer, but my primary responsibility was to perform statistical analyses on Oxytocin-stained tissue samples using the Python. Additionally, I contributed to the development of a novel digital technique aimed at automating the classification of ovarian structures. The written final report, presentation, and Summer Research Scholars (SRS) Poster are available via the links provided below. The experience of working in the Blythe-Toporikova laboratory facilitated the development of my research skills and improved my proficiency in scientific writing and communication.
Click here to view my team’s poster: