Isabelle
Brief summary of research:
Cerebral palsy (CP) is a neurological disorder that is primarily characterized by impaired muscle movement and coordination. My project seeks to assess and investigate early movements of infants at high risk of CP, specifically the correlation between head position and the movement of the right and left upper and lower extremities through the asymmetrical tonic neck reflex (ATNR). ATNR is a primitive reflex that originates in the brain stem and is triggered by rotating an infant’s head to the side, causing the extremities of the side where the head is turned to extend and the extremities on the other side to flex. Previous research has found that the first symptoms observed in all disturbances of brain development, such as CP, include the persistence of primitive reflexes, such as ATNR. Therefore, through the coding and analysis of infants’ movements, the effect of head position, which will be investigated through the ATNR, on upper and lower limb positions can be investigated, and the extent to which infants lift these extremities off the surface, regardless of head position, in correlation with CP diagnosis, can be determined. Overall, the goal of this study is to further understand the earliest symptoms of CP to ultimately improve early detection methods and prognosis in infants.
What made you interested in pursuing interdisciplinary research more broadly?
My previous research in nanotechnology introduced me and taught me the foundation of research, specifically in a chemistry laboratory. However, I was excited to expand and apply the skills I learned to areas of new research that align more with my personal interests and aspirations. This new lab I found at Feinberg combined my previous interests in the use of technology for medical applications and my current interests in pediatrics and neuroscience, so it seemed like the perfect opportunity!
What made you initially interested in researching your project in particular?
As an aspiring pediatric neurologist, this research aligned perfectly with my personal interest in the effects of brain injury on children. Working with humans rather than chemicals, I was eager to learn how technology can be used to detect and address physiological problems in children and the brain in general. In addition, I was enthusiastic to apply my knowledge of nervous system functions from my Physiology course and of the development of personality and social interaction in infants from my Developmental Psychology course to the research setting.
Describe your experiences with research thus far in your career?
I did research in high school on nanotechnology, specifically creating nanocomposites to be used in drug delivery systems, for 3 years. Through this experience, I was able to sharpen my research skills by conducting, organizing and analyzing a large number of experiments simultaneously as well as presenting at different competitions and conferences. I then continued my interest in research through Northwestern, which is now my current project, continuing to strengthen my analytical skills and exploring my own personal questions in the scientific world.
Any tips or advice you have for students interested in pursuing undergraduate research?
Don’t be scared, especially if it’s your first time! Research may seem intimidating initially as you are venturing into the unknown, but Northwestern offers many resources to support you and help you along the way. Also, research what you are passionate about so that you can find joy in your work and get closer to the answers of your own research questions.
What is your most useless talent?
Binge-watching Netflix
What is your favorite breakfast food?
Avocado egg toast OR waffles w/ strawberries and whipped cream 🙂