Ming Zhang is a current fourth-year Neuroscience student at UBC who was working with Dr. Mark Cembrowski as a part of the SBME Synergy Undergraduate Summer Research Program. We caught up with Ming to learn more about her experience in the program.
Why did you apply to the Synergy program?
I’m interested in connecting with researchers from a wide variety of disciplines. The SBME Synergy program offers opportunities to network with like-minded people from diverse fields.
What is your research project?
My focus is on understanding how neurons in the subiculum transmit diverse information to downstream areas, despite receiving similar inputs. Since structural differences often imply functional differences, we are examining variations in neuron morphology to uncover their unique computational roles. As the subiculum mediates communication between the hippocampus and the rest of the brain, its information routing is crucial to understanding memory processes.
What are some of the skills that you are learning in the lab?
During my project, I gained both computational and hands-on skills. I learned how to manipulate computational models of neurons, conducted stereotaxic surgery on mice, and developed imaging techniques. While challenging, the learning process was highly rewarding and beneficial.
What are some accomplishments during your time in the program?
We identified a few morphology subtypes among the subicular neurons, which can drive different excitability patterns through our computational modeling. In conclusion, our observations suggest completely different downstream circuits in the subiculum and provide a potential path to understanding subiculum communication.
What are your future career goals?
I am planning to pursue graduate programs in Neuroscience and continue my research in this field.
How has this experience changed your outlook on science or research?
Before I entered research, I assumed science was linear and that methods were straightforward, as presented in the papers I had read. However, after conducting experiments, I now realize that scientific progress is often convoluted, with the hard work and countless trials typically hidden behind the final results.
What sparked your interest in neuroscience?
I’ve always been fascinated by how our brains work, even as a child. But when a close family member was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, I began to appreciate the importance of both fundamental and translational neuroscience. This drove me to pursue neuroscience research, both as an outlet for my curiosity and as a way to support brain health.
What was the most memorable moment for you in this program?
When I first saw a close-up of neurons under a confocal microscope, I was absolutely mesmerized by the brain’s beauty and complexity. The opportunity to visualize neurons while contemplating the unimaginable processes they’re involved in was truly memorable for me. I believe everyone should have the opportunity to see a neuron under the microscope at least once in their lifetime.
