Amanda Weiss travels to the University of Birmingham, UK for research experience

Amanda Weiss in a red telephone box in London — Amanda Weiss takes a break from the lab to take in the sights of London

In June and July 2019, Amanda Weiss, a graduate student in Molecular & Integrative Physiology, traveled to the University of Birmingham in the United Kingdom to study neuron extensions with Dr. Liam Grover, School of Chemical Engineering. Weiss helped Grover test a type of fluidic gel their lab has developed for reducing scarring in damaged corneas. The research tested how well neurons could grow in it.

This five-week experience both fostered cross-disciplinary training — in Weiss’ case, engineering. And, it enabled progress toward the MBM Program’s initiative to introduce trainees to research experiences through travel to our partner institutions.

Amanda Weiss in front of the Thames with the London eye in the background — Enjoying a sunny day in London by the Thames

The experience also gave Weiss the opportunity to enjoy some sightseeing on weekends. In her own words:

I’m really glad that I did research abroad at the University of Birmingham, UK. It was a fun experience where I got to work on a project that I was really excited about, while making new friends and seeing Europe for the first time. I learned new techniques and gained more exposure to engineering. It was also educational for me to experience lab environments in the UK.

More of our trainees are developing plans for similar research experiences beginning later this fall and more going next year.

Overview

Discoveries relevant to our brains, which influence and control such a wide range of actions, emotions, and thoughts, have relied on two complimentary approaches: cognitive and behavior studies and brain cell and tissue biology studies. Our research traineeship program utilizing miniature brain machinery, funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), combines these two paradigms to train the next generation of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) workforce to advance discovery. Our students are recruited from neuroscience, cell and developmental biology, molecular and integrative physiology, chemistry, chemical and biomolecular engineering, bioengineering, electrical and computer engineering, and psychology to foster a culture of innovation and translational research, and will significantly impact efforts to understand and control brain activities ongoing at other institutions.