Investigating Reminiscence: A Personal Account of my Freshman Research Venture
Angel Toasakul, the Natural Sciences Correspondent, embarked on an enlightening journey during the summer, delving deep into the world of neuroscience research. This journey began in the Neuroscience Lab, where Toasakul honed their skills in navigating literature, refining hypotheses, and designing experiments.
The summer was spent as an intern in the Office of Undergraduate Research Student Initiated Program (OURSIP), working under the guidance of Professor Kenneth Norman and Dr. Augustin Hennings. Toasakul was particularly drawn to Professor Norman's work in the Princeton Computational Memory Lab and Dr. Hennings's research focusing on using fMRI neurofeedback to improve the brain's ability to control memory, particularly in mitigating PTSD symptoms.
During their time at OURSIP, Toasakul attended workshops and lunches organized by the Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR), which provided insights into diverse journeys of professors and researchers from various fields. These events served as a valuable source of inspiration and knowledge.
While the specific focus of the Princeton Computational Memory Lab on trauma-based memories and PTSD is not extensively covered in available search results, it is generally understood that computational memory labs study how memory functions in the brain using computational models. These labs often examine disorders like PTSD that involve traumatic memories, exploring how memories are encoded, stored, retrieved, and how trauma alters these processes to cause symptoms.
Toasakul met with Dr. Hennings, a postdoc in Professor Norman's lab, who works on projects related to traumatic memories and PTSD. Intrigued by the potential of this research, Toasakul expressed interest in this field via an email to Professor Norman.
As Toasakul continues their research in the Norman Lab through the NEU250: Neuroscience Research Experience course, they express eagerness to see where their journey in neuroscience and research will lead them. The importance of finding the right mentor in research cannot be overstated, and Toasakul's experiences serve as a testament to this.
For those interested in reaching out to professors effectively, Toasakul's approach—expressing clear interest, highlighting specific aspects of their research that resonate, and demonstrating a willingness to learn and contribute—is a strategy worth considering. As Toasakul's story unfolds, we eagerly await the discoveries and advancements that will undoubtedly stem from their passion for memory and its effects.
Angel Toasakul, during their time as an intern in the Office of Undergraduate Research Student Initiated Program (OURSIP), engaged in undergraduate research focused on personal-growth and learning, especially delving into the world of neuroscience. This education-and-self-development journey allowed Toasakul to design experiments and refine hypotheses, contributing to the Princeton Computational Memory Lab, which studies how memory functions in the brain to better understand disorders like PTSD.
