Washington University in St. Louis (WU)
My research interests focus on the development of Alzheimer disease (AD) pathology and neurodegeneration in individuals with Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome, DS). Using newly developed cell model systems that use microRNAs to directly convert skin fibroblasts to neurons, I aim to understand how genes on the 21st chromosome influence AD pathology in the context of aging. Ultimately, I am interested in identifying new therapeutic targets to prevent the development of AD in those with DS and investigating how these targets might aid in developing treatments for AD in the general population.