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Why Research Wednesday: Andrew Wang

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    Andrew Wang is a junior at Emory majoring in Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology. His research area lies in neuroscience and biological science. His current project aims to research a physiological explanation for the deleterious effects of early life stress on cognition and brain development.

    Andrew has been involved with research for the past 2 years. He began his research career the summer after his freshman year of college, where he interned with the Department of Biological Sciences at LSU. He got involved in the research he is currently working with at Emory 1 year ago, at the beginning of his sophomore year of college. He was referred by his then professor, Dr. Kazama, to his current PI. After the referral, he reached out to the PI to set up a Zoom meeting, and, following this meeting, was accepted into her lab. The process was extremely streamlined, and he is happy to be in her lab today. 
  
    Andrew’s motivation for his current research project stemmed when his grandmother was diagnosed with dementia the summer after his freshman year of high school. This diagnosis personalized the reality of aging, catalyzing his desire to deepen his understanding of this process. The summer after his freshman year, he worked as a research intern at LSU's Department of Biological Sciences, where he furthered this understanding by studying the effect of aging on lysosome tubulation. Furthermore, these experiences motivated him to join a lab at the Emory National Primate Research Center at the start of his sophomore year. Since then, he has been researching a physiological explanation for the effects of early life stress on cognition and brain development, allowing him to continue his desire to learn more about the aging process, as well as contributing his role to the scientific community. 
    
    Andrew believes that he has faced many obstacles throughout his research journey, especially in terms of balancing his research and academic communities. For example, throughout his first semester of research, he frequently required extensions to complete his tasks. His second semester, he was able to create a more efficient method to systematically structure his schedule, allowing him to finish his activities on time, while maintaining good grades. Additionally, his research has opened his eyes to the fascinating world of aging and lab sciences, shaping him into a more well-rounded individual.
    
    Andrew’s current goals include continuing to contribute positively towards his lab and discovering meaningful and helpful contributions. His future goals include the possibility of becoming published (with the Sanchez Lab at Emory) and presenting more posters (through NBB 499R and at conferences). Additionally, he plans on attending the SfN 2023 (Society for Neuroscience) conference to present some of his current findings. 




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