Ryan Heslin is an Undergraduate Research Fellow and senior studying biomedical sciences. His research mentor is Dr. Miranda Reed in the Harrison School of Pharmacy. Ryan began working with Dr. Reed in January 2016 studying a link between Alzheimer’s disease and inflammation.
“What I look at specifically is introducing a viral mimic that will stimulate a response as if the body were fighting a virus. We look at how that influences glutamate levels in the hippocampus. There is a lot of research linking glutamate levels and neurogeneration. So this is a small part of how a viral mimic and inflammation can influence glutamate levels and therefore theoretically influence neurogeneration,” Ryan said.
Ryan began his undergraduate research experience the summer after his freshman year at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB).
Ryan has this advice for freshman thinking about pursuing undergraduate research, “Go for it, get to know your professors. Don’t be afraid to email them and ask if they have any opportunities available.”
After he completes his undergraduate studies, Ryan plans to pursue a master’s degree in pharmacology through the Auburn University School of Pharmacy.
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