Lauren Moore 2025 CURE Research Fellow

Senior, Neuroscience and Psychology major

Research Mentor: Joshua Morganti - College of Medicine, Neuroscience, Sanders-Brown Center on Aging

Supported by the Neuroscience Research Priority Area

Project Title: "Roles of CPTA in immunometabolic regulation of microglial responses to amyloid beta"

How will this summer research fellowship support your research efforts?

“This fellowship equips me with the opportunity and allocated time to pursue my research career all summer. It will be extremely valuable to exclusively dedicate my time and effort to research over the summer without having to simultaneously manage my usual course work. In this way, I will be able to fully embrace the challenges of research and explore my independent project in-depth, without distractions. Undoubtedly, this focused hands-on experience will provide continued inspiration and motivation to explore novel approaches to prevalent diseases as new project ideas or aspects of my own project arise throughout the summer." 

Why is research important?

“Research is important because it is the vehicle that drives change; research is the mechanism by which societal, and especially medical advancements occur. Research attempts to keep up with, and even precede progress. Research at UK is especially important because these programs and mentors are particularly supportive and nourishing for young, eager, curious students. Research is the perfect avenue for these students to explore curiosity in a productive, educational manner as students learn and develop both specific skills associated with their area of research, but essential life (and future career) skills as well."

What advice would you give to other UK students thinking about doing research?

“Start your research journey early and work hard to learn as much as you can while exploring an intellectual passion. Embrace the jargon as a whole new language that you have the privilege of learning firsthand from professionals, and embrace the rigor as like a trial-run for the real world; research labs are a place to integrate learning with practical skills in a fun, supportive environment."