My research is focused on the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease through the use of brain imaging agents and positron emission tomography (PET). I have been working on the development and use of a novel brain imaging agent (or biomarker), 18F-fluoropropylcurcumin (FPCUR) for imaging beta-amyloid plaques in the brain. I work under the guidance of Dr. Jogesh Mukherjee in the Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior.

I first got involved in research during my sophomore year in an ecology lab. As I progressed further into my undergraduate career I realized that I wanted experience that would be more relevant to my future career goals in pharmaceutical science. I learned of the research in Dr. Mukherjee’s Lab and was instantly interested in the development of diagnostic imaging agents for Alzheimer’s disease. I met with Dr. Mukherjee and asked about possible projects and research opportunities.

Research has extended the knowledge I have learned from my textbooks and classes by allowing me to apply it to the real world. I am interested in healthcare as a career choice so that one day I will be able to improve people’s lives. My research has allowed me to get started on that goal right now. Alzheimer’s disease afflicts many people, and it is fulfilling to know that I can play a key role in the development of imaging agents that could change and save lives in the future. In addition, research has given me invaluable experience in working with my faculty mentor that has allowed me to improve my laboratory and scientific writing skills.

My favorite experience would definitely be attending and speaking at the Annual Society of Nuclear Medicine Meeting (SNM) in June, 2007, in Washington, DC. When I learned that my abstract had been accepted I was very anxious to present all of my work. Attending the meeting helped me obtain a substantial amount of knowledge of organizing a presentation and speaking in front of a scientific audience. My presentation was part of the Young Investigators Symposium and I was given a travel award by the Society of Nuclear Medicine. I was also given the opportunity to network by meeting many of the doctors and other health professionals in related fields at the meeting. This trip was a lot of fun, since it also gave me and my colleagues a chance to see the beautiful city.

In this final year, I plan to present our FPCUR research findings at the SNM Annual Meeting in New Orleans in June, 2008. I also plan to present at the International Neuroreceptor Mapping Meeting in Pittsburgh in July, 2008, for which I have been awarded a Young Investigator Bursary Award to attend the meeting. My future plans are to apply and attend pharmacy school, which has been a pretty recent decision for me. Being involved with research has played a key role in my decision because I have gained a strong interest and plenty of experience in research and developing agents used to treat or diagnose diseases. Research has reinforced my desire to explore and improve upon current methods of disease treatment and diagnosis.

I encourage anyone interested in research to choose a lab that truly appeals to their interests and future career goals. One of the most important things I have learned throughout my experience is that you can not expect to gain much knowledge without a genuine interest in your research. Also, make sure to start early enough in your undergraduate career to ensure plenty of time in developing a project and maximizing your potential as a researcher.