What inspired you to pursue aging research?
My research has focused on cognition since my doctoral training. A well-known feature of memory is that recall changes with time, both in the context of a new vs. old memory as well as recall in young adults vs. aged subjects. I am very interested to understand how memory formation and recall changes with age, and to answer this question, Roy lab is focused on thalamic neural circuits.
In your view, what does AFAR mean to the field, and what does it mean, for you, to receive an AFAR grant now?
AFAR is among the leading organizations promoting aging research, which is a critical topic as modern medicine helps more people live longer. As a young investigator, this support from AFAR will not only allow Roy lab to pursue exciting aging research questions but also enhances our confidence that we will be able to significantly contribute to the aging field in the next 5-10 years.
What is exciting about your research’s potential impact?
Although the mammalian thalamus has been linked to poor cognition in aged subjects, the underlying mechanisms remain understudied. This research will not only reveal cell type-specific molecular changes in the anterior thalamus across age but will also identify genes that could be targeted to promote cognition in aged mice.
How would you describe your research to a non-scientist?
Can we improve cognition in aged subjects? This would not only benefit older people but could also be helpful for those with cognitive disorders. This research aims to identify neural circuits and genes in the anterior thalamus that could boost cognition in aged animals.
