Prabhat Aluri
Institution: University of Washington
Faculty Mentor: Garret Stuber
Prabhat is a senior at the University of Washington pursuing a degree in Mathematics. This summer, he is working in the lab of Dr. Garret Stuber under the guidance of postdoctoral fellow Dr. Brandy Briones. His work focuses on characterising brain-wide activity and neural circuitry across multiple pain models in mice. In his free time, he enjoys hiking, watching sports, exploring Seattle, and solving the daily Wordle.
Bennett Anger
Institution: University of Washington
Faculty Mentor: Michael Bruchas
Ben is a senior at the University of Washington studying Biology. He works in Dr. Michael Bruchas’ lab under the guidance of postdoctoral fellow Dr. Jingyi Chen. Ben is interested in how the locus coeruleus (LC) noradrenergic system (NE) mediates brain state changes. This summer, he will explore LC-NE systems on pain perception during brain state changes. To achieve this goal, he will look at pain-related behavioral assays; LC neuronal activities; and noradrenergic signaling with genetically encoded sensors in two brain state models. Outside the lab, Ben enjoys playing tennis, spending time with family and friends, and playing with his dogs.
Ingrid Fosberg
Institution: University of Washington
Faculty Mentor: Kushang Patel
Ingrid Fosberg is a rising senior at the University of Washington, pursuing a degree in Public Health-Global Health with a data science minor. This summer, she is working with Dr. Kushang Patel in the UW Medicine department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, investigating the impact of COVID-19 on chronic pain and physical functioning in older adults. She aspires to obtain her Master of Public Health or PhD in epidemiology in the future. In her free time, she loves to explore Seattle on her bike, go for long runs, swim in alpine lakes, eat dessert, and volunteer at the UW Farm.
Shannon Hong
Institution: University of Washington
Faculty Mentor: Tonya Palermo
Shannon is a senior at the University of Washington pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience with College Honors. For the past two years, she worked in Dr. Samira Moorjani’s lab investigating strategies to strengthen motor pathways in healthy monkeys and spinal cord injured rats. This summer, Shannon is working with Dr. Tonya Palermo to optimize a digital health intervention for teens with chronic pain and examine the transition from pediatric to adult pain care from the perspective of healthcare providers. She is excited to gain experience in clinical research and learn more about pediatric pain management. Outside of research, Shannon leads a peer mentoring program for Honors students and writes articles on COVID-19 news for The Daily. After graduating, she plans to pursue a career in research and science communication. In her spare time, she enjoys birding, photography, and pilates.
Kyra Shelton
Institution: University of Washington
Faculty Mentor: Ajay Dhaka
Kyra is a rising senior and recent transfer student to the University of Washington pursuing a BS in neuroscience and a BA in psychology. This summer, Kyra is working with Dr. Ajay Dhaka in the Department of Biological Structure to explore certain chemicals affecting the neural circuitry that establish a positive or negative valence in sensory stimuli using mice as a model system. During the school year, Kyra works as a research assistant at Seattle Children’s in the CRMO Program and as a nursing assistant at Aegis Assisted Living. She loves to listen to opera, boulder, sample Seattle’s coffees, and ballet dancing in her free time.
Fleur Uittenbogaard
Institution: University of Washington
Faculty Mentor: Benjamin Land
Fleur is a senior at the University of Washington pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience. This summer, she is working with Dr. Benjamin Land in the department of Pharmacology on a project that focuses on cannabinoids and pain. In particular, she will work on a project exploring the role of CBD and Terpenoids in pain relief through behavioral models of acute and chronic pain. During the school year, she’s involved with the Honors community, Grey Matters, and CLUE tutoring. In the future, Fleur hopes to pursue a career in research studying addiction and reward. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, exploring Seattle, listening to music, and spending time with family and friends.
Vienna Wang
Institution: University of Washington
Faculty Mentor: Jennifer Rabbits
Vienna is a senior at the University of Washington, pursuing a B.A. in International Studies with an emphasis on Global Health and Populations. She is working with Dr. Jennifer Rabbitts in studying long-term pain trajectories in children and adolescents who have received major musculoskeletal surgery. She is excited to gain clinical research experience in interest areas such as the role of biopsychosocial factors in pediatric chronic pain experiences, treatment, and prevention. In the future, she hopes to attend medical school, pursue a career in surgery, and become involved in healthcare policy reform domestically and abroad. In her free time, Vienna enjoys attending live shows of any kind, creative writing, finding new cafe study spots, playing the piano, and spending time with friends, family, and her dog, Omi.