Mohammad Abou El-Ezz NCUR 2021 Spotlight

MOHAMMAD ABOU EL-EZZ

Senior, Neuroscience major

Research Mentor: Dr. Robin Cooper

View Mohammad's NCUR 2021 Abstract and Presentation Information

I enjoy research because.... "it gives me the opportunity to explore and uncover the unknown."

How did you first get interested in undergraduate research at UK?

"It all started off with reading academic journals about some particular interests (namely, memory and Alzheimer's Disease) which turned into a drive to figure out more about what was still misunderstood (which was just about everything!) With these interests at the top of my list, I was able to hop along Dr. Cooper's work which enabled me to understand a whole lot more about related concepts such as short-term facilitation and LTP, as well as Dr. Rodger's work with Insulin Degrading Enzyme (IDE); an enzyme responsible for metabolizing amyloid-beta, a major culprit of Alzheimer's Disease. "

How long have you been engaged in undergraduate research?

"About 1 year now"

What has been the most exciting aspect of your research so far?

"The most exciting aspect of my research is when we finally get to analyze data and come to conclusions on what has been observed. This is most exciting part because this is when we get to define incredible phenomena or even draw out new plans to reach our goal if data were inconclusive."

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

"Find a project that truly interests you! It makes the entire research process a whole more motivating and exciting to take part of when the purpose is something that interests you and is personally important to you. Also, Never. Stop. Asking. Questions. The whole purpose of research is to understand the misunderstood. If you have a question in any point of your research project, do not hesitate to ask your mentor or colleague(s); everyone is there to help nourish each other's understanding and thought processes."