Page 13 - 2021 Oregon Scholars

Degree: MS Neurobiology
Michelle Palumbo
The Brodie Roberts Cunningham Memorial Scholar
Oregon Health & Science University,
Behavioral and Systems Neuroscience Graduate Program
Michelle is working on developing microRNA therapeutics to benefit people with schizophrenia. Michelle loves to spend time exploring in the mountains with her dog, Kane.
About the Scholar:
Northwestern University Evanston, IL
Aaron Janowsky, PhD
Scholar Award Donors:
Advisor:
Lynn & Steve Pratt
3rd
Scholar Award Donor:
ARCS Oregon Members
Degrees:
Alexa Pullicin
The ARCS Foundation Oregon Chapter Scholar
Oregon State University, Food Science & Technology
Alexa is investigating the oral sensory mechanisms underlying cephalic phase insulin release in humans, specifically in response to tasting carbohydrates.
This response occurs within minutes of sensory stimulation, and is thought to promote blood glucose homeostasis. Her research will offer insight on a potential role of the human taste system in blood sugar regulation and its therapeutic potential. Outside of the lab, Alexa enjoys traveling, crafting, video games, and watching horror movies.
BS Biomedical Sciences University of South Florida MS Food Science & Technology OSU
About the Scholar:
Advisor:
Juyun Lim, PhD
Degree: BA Neuroscience Lake Forest College, IL
Sierra Smith
The ARCS Foundation Oregon Chapter Scholar
Oregon Health & Science University, Neuroscience Graduate Program
Sierra uses microRNA (miRNA) biomarkers of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) to evaluate novel disease mechanisms. MiRNAs, which target mRNAs to regulate protein translation, are changed in AD. She developed a bioinformatics pipeline to predict miRNA targets and has now focused on investigating how miRNAs can affect clathrin-mediated endocytosis in specific brain cell types affected by AD. Outside of the lab, Sierra enjoys cooking, enjoying the outdoors with friends and spending time with her cat Delilah.
Julie Saugstad, PhD
Scholar Award Donors:
Joan Foley & Per Jarnberg and Jane & Joe Gray
Advisor:
About the Scholar:
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