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The role of Piezo1 and Piezo2 in multiple sclerosis

Class of 2026
Major:
Art and Art History
Neuroscience
Minor:
Chemistry
Agata Janina Faran, class of 2024, is double-majoring in Neuroscience and Studio Arts with a minor in Chemistry. She is fascinated by the mechanisms behind the functions of the human body, especially the brain. Her specific interests focus on the impacts of the environment on behaviour and brain structure. Agata...
Internship:
Semester:
Summer 2024
Description

Over the summer of 2024, I had the opportunity to work as a laboratory assistant at the Brain Disease Centre at the Medical University of Gdansk. At the facility, I had the pleasure of joining an ongoing research project investigating the role of Piezo1 and Piezo2 in the development of multiple sclerosis. These mechanoreceptor channels have been documented to be affected by the changing density and stiffness of brain tissue and are thought to be strongly linked to the progression of MS. 
During my internship, I had the chance to work directly under the main researcher, Piotr Pobiarzyn, who challenged my laboratory skills and refined my neuroscientific knowledge. I explored and ran new laboratory techniques, such as the Western blot test, ELISA, qPCR and immunohistochemistry. For the first time, I also conducted experiments on actual brain sections from both humans and mice. 
My experience at the Brain Disease Centre ensured me that neuroscience research is a career pathway I want to pursue. I could see the reality of working at a research facility, and adjust to its daily routine. Ever since my interntership ended I cannot wait to be back in lab!

I was happy to find a research facility that was located in my home city of Gdansk, Poland. It quite emphasised the truth that opportunities are all around you, you just have to look for them.
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Poland

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