Page 10 - 2021 Oregon Scholars

Scholar Award Donor:
ARCS Oregon Members
Degree:
Heather Foote
The ARCS Foundation Oregon Chapter Scholar
University of Oregon, Department of Biology
Heather studies the developmental mechanisms that promote neural circuit assembly in the central nervous system (CNS). Using fruit flies, she studies how single neurons are guided to specific subregions within the CNS and connect to proper neuron partners. Through this research, she hopes to identify molecules that promote neurons to form functional neural circuits, to aid translation researchers in developing interventions for congenital neurodevelopmental diseases. Outside the lab, Heather enjoys painting and exploring the outdoors.
BS Molecular and Cell Biology University of Puget Sound Tacoma, WA
About the Scholar:
Advisor:
Chris Doe, PhD
Degree: BS MCB & Psychology
Makayla Freitas
The Vaux Scholar
Oregon Health & Science University, School of Medicine
Neuroscience Graduate Program
Makayla is interested in ion channels and how they facilitate the transmission of signals in the nervous system. Specifically, she studies a family of ion channels that are gated by protons and are believed to play a role in pain sensation as well as psychiatric disorders. Her research works towards revealing the atomic structures and mechanism of these ion channels, which she hopes can aid in the development of therapeutic agents. In her spare time, Makayla likes to hike, travel, and spend time with her friends, family, and two kitties.
University of Arizona Tucson, AZ
Advisor:
Eric Gouaux, PhD
Scholar Award Donors:
Missy Vaux Hall
About the Scholar:
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Lynn & Steve Pratt
Scholar Award Donors:
Degree:
Nathan Gardner
The Lynn & Steve Pratt Scholar
Oregon State University, Mechanical Engineering
Nathan is currently researching the mechanics of ignition in wildfires. He studies how living vegetation burns.
This research is important because wildfires burn through not only dead wood in forests, but also through live foliage. Understanding how live foliage burns will allow us to create better fire models to predict how wildfires will behave. When not in the lab, Nathan can be found outdoors running and hiking, or inside with a book and a snack.
BS Mechanical Engineering Brigham Young University Idaho, Rexburg, ID
About the Scholar:
Advisor:
David Blunck, PhD