Epigenetics to Emails

Through my first Research Assessment, I discovered an intriguing field of study that could possibly connect to my Original Work: the biological and genetic mechanisms behind disorders such as anxiety and depression. In the journal Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience, I found such an article, Epigenetics and depression, by Signer Penner-Goeke and Elisabeth B. Binder, that would address my main inquiries and interest in the field. I was fascinated by the main three epigenetic markers of depression and the differences in their location, either in the brain or peripheral tissue, and how these epigenetic markers could function for real-life application to allow neuroscientists to diagnose patients simply based on their genetic traces. As fascinating as this article was, it was incredibly difficult to read as each page frequently referenced neuroscience terminology and some concepts were too complex to fully grasp. Despite this challenge, I still believe I succeeded as I took the effort to try to simplify such complex terms for my own understanding and received a great glimpse of the larger picture of the article, which only peaked my interest in the topic and exposed me to various avenues of further research. I also learned how to compile a list of initial interviewees to interview in the local and international area, which is exciting as I will soon be fully engaged in the process of acquiring a virtual mentor. Not only did I take the initiative to research local physicians and researchers, but I looked into researchers from the international neuroscience institutes mentioned in my first Research Assessment and compiled a short list of individuals I would be interested in learning from. Lastly, I also asked one of my peers from Liberty High School who studied neuroscience in ISM 1 last year if he would be able to refer me to any of his past interviewees to propel myself forward with interviewees who may be more inclined to accept an interview due to their past history, which I think was very successful on my part. Reflecting on my learning this past week, this next week I want to choose a simple-to-read article that would allow me to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the topics at hand rather than relying on my limited medical expertise to decipher complex terms and hopefully schedule a couple interviews on the phone with professionals. Admittedly, challenges lay ahead as understandably many professionals are increasingly busy and under stress especially during the pandemic, so I may not receive the same eager willingness to interview as I did before. However, if I persevere and am diligent with where I source my interviewees, I believe I will be able to secure a fantastic mentor in the most unlikely place. I am excited for my future endeavors and all that I have to explore!