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There is absolutely nothing wrong with just reaching out because even if they say no, they may be able to refer you to someone who also aligns with your interests.
Christina Xenos
Neuroscience, Human Biology, and Psychology
Undergraduate Research in the Neighborhoods
Christina’s research project focused on how female reproduction-induced changes impact CRFR2 expression in the Middle and Caudal Dorsal Raphe (DR) of laboratory rats and the role of chronic pregnancy stress. Dividing rats into three groups—diestrus virgins, pregnant stressed, and pregnancy non-stressed—Christina examined CRFR2 expression through qRT-PCR. Contradicting previous findings, her study revealed no significant CRFR2 expression differences in the middle and caudal DR among the groups. However, earlier research within her lab suggested an increase in CRFR2-expressing cells in the rostral DR subregion due to reproduction. She proposed future experiences to explore the functional impact of CRFR2-expressing cells and their role in postpartum behavior, advancing our understanding of stress effects on the serotonergic dorsal raphe and potential implications for postpartum affective disorders. Her research is important as it sheds light on the intricate interplay between female reproductive changes, stress, and neural mechanisms in laboratory rats.
Learn more about this and other research in the STEM Teaching and Learning Facility.
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