What inspired you to pursue aging research?
Aging is a ubiquitous biological phenomenon; no one can escape it. It is also a primary risk factor for highly prevalent, chronic diseases such as Alzheimer’s, diabetes, and heart disease. Studying aging can help us uncover the mechanisms by which it contributes to these diseases. What also motivates me to pursue aging research is that our findings may lead to the development of better interventions and preventive measures that extend health span in old age.
In your view, what does AFAR mean to the field, and what does it mean, for you, to receive an AFAR grant now?
Getting an AFAR grant is an exciting start to my postdoctoral training. It encourages me to explore novel ideas in relation to brain and body aging. Not only will the grant allow me to pursue out-of-the-box questions that can be of potential benefit to combating the detrimental effects of aging. This grant also gives me the opportunity to be a part of a larger network of scientists and potential mentors who will be critical for my growth as a trainee in the aging research field.
What is exciting about your research’s potential impact?
The results from our study can broaden our understanding of the causes and consequences of aging, and it can potentially lead to the development of therapies targeting the periphery to enhance brain function in aging. Our research also highlights a crucial role of brain-body communication in supporting host physiology and healthy aging.
How would you describe your research to a non-scientist?
Cognitive decline and memory loss are among the detrimental effects of aging, but its likelihood and severity are challenging to predict. We hypothesize the instructive cues from the periphery regulate age-associated brain aging and cognitive impairment. We aim to define the nature of these peripheral factors in aging with the hope of developing peripheral interventions that promote neuronal resilience.
