Rebecca graduated from the University of Texas at Austin (UT) with a BS in Neuroscience in 2022. At UT, she worked in the pharmacology and toxicology lab of Dr. Somshuvra Mukhopadhyay studying a parkinsonian-like disorder caused by manganese. She investigated the molecular mechanisms of manganese-induced parkinsonism using the manganese efflux transporter SLC30A10 in addition to examining the role of manganese in Alzheimer’s Disease. This lab experience reinforced Rebecca’s interest in neurodegenerative diseases, especially Alzheimer’s Disease. Rebecca is now working as an RA with Dr. Sam Marsh studying the functional consequences of immune dysfunction in Alzheimer’s Disease. She is very excited by the opportunity to work in Dr. Stevens’ lab and to gain experience performing cutting-edge research techniques in preparation for graduate school.