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Why Research Wednesday: Rowan Salls

  

Rowan Salls, a dedicated fourth-year student at the College, is pursuing their academic journey with a fervent passion for Anthropology and Human Biology, complemented by a minor in Neuroethics. Currently, Rowan serves as a research assistant in both the Lindo Ancient DNA Lab and the Kenney Laboratory at Emory University, where they are engaged in groundbreaking work. In the Ancient DNA-Lindo Lab, under the guidance of Dr. John Lindo, Rowan delves into the realm of biological anthropology, contributing their skills to the Latinx Indigenous Ancestry project. This project seeks to meticulously reconnect genetic ancestry to the ancient civilizations that once thrived in Meso and South America, pre-dating the European arrival. It is important to note that many individuals who identify as Latinx in the United States share indigenous ancestry from the Americas, a heritage often ambiguously classified as Native American. In Dr. Anna Kenney's lab, Rowan shifts their focus towards the intricacies of cell cycle control in cerebellar development and the study of medulloblastoma, a pediatric brain tumor that originates in the cerebellum. These tumors are the most common solid malignancy affecting children. By delving deeper into the intricate cellular and molecular mechanisms orchestrating the initiation and growth of tumors, our aim is to uncover specific genes and proteins that hold the potential to be targeted by future drugs and innovative small molecules. This promising avenue of research could eventually mitigate the reliance on radiation and chemotherapy as treatment modalities. Rowan's commitment to these research pursuits underscores their dedication to advancing knowledge and making meaningful contributions to these important fields of study. 

Rowan’s involvement in research commenced in the Fall of 2022, when they began their work under the supervision of Dr. Anna Woodbury at the Atlanta Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center. Their initial introduction to this research opportunity was facilitated by a personal connection—namely, a colleague already engaged in the lab who graciously referred them to Dr. Woodbury. Rowan’s experience working alongside Dr. Woodbury in the domains of neuroimaging research and pain management for veterans suffering from fibromyalgia has been both professionally enriching and personally fulfilling. This exposure has underscored their commitment to engaging in research endeavors that possess intrinsic value and the potential to positively impact diverse communities. As a result of Dr. Woodbury's mentorship, Rowan has developed a steadfast determination to continue their career within the realms of translational and basic science research. 

In the case of Dr. Lindo's project, Rowan’s motivation to participate stems from their personal identification as Latinx and awareness of indigenous heritage on their maternal lineage. The project resonates with their desire to delve deeper into the mysteries of ancient civilizations, not only for their own self-discovery but also to contribute to a broader understanding of our collective genetic ancestry. Their research focuses on sequencing the genomes of ancient Meso and South American populations, providing crucial insights into the genetic makeup of these communities prior to the European arrival and subsequent colonization. Regarding Rowan’s involvement in Dr. Kenney's laboratory, their fascination with neuro-oncology had been a longstanding passion. Having gained prior experience in a neuroscience research environment, they were determined to continue working in a lab that bridged the gap between translational research and clinical applications. Their initial introduction to Dr. Kenney's work left an indelible impression, prompting Rowan to seek out opportunities for involvement. As they began shadowing in her lab, Rowan was immediately captivated by the sophisticated techniques employed and the potential for meaningful contributions to the field. This led Rowan to commit to a more substantial role within the lab, and they currently collaborate with a postdoctoral researcher. Together, they are diligently working on the refinement of our protein cell lines to facilitate a more targeted approach in investigating alternative treatments for medulloblastomas, underscoring our commitment to advancing clinical practices through research. 

One of the inherent advantages of working within a scientific laboratory lies in the opportunity to translate theoretical knowledge acquired in the classroom into practical, real-world applications. The prospect of bridging this gap between theory and practice has always been a compelling motivator for Rowan, and they’ve long aspired to immerse themselves in the laboratory environment to actualize the concepts learned in their academic coursework. Undoubtedly, embarking on this journey involved a steep learning curve, yet it is precisely through active participation in research that one gains profound insights into their chosen discipline. This immersive experience allows for a deep understanding of the intricacies and nuances of scientific methodology, effectively cultivating the skillset essential to excel as a scientist. Moreover, it has afforded Rowan the invaluable opportunity to not only become self-reliant in the laboratory but also to confidently engage in discourse within academic panels and conferences, thereby contributing to the scholarly exchange of ideas and insights. 

Rowan’s immediate objective is to continue collaborating with my Principal Investigators and actively contribute to the successful publication of research papers in both of their ongoing projects. They aspire to extend their impact by serving as a representative of their laboratories, actively participating in panel discussions, and presenting their research findings through posters at prominent conferences. In the short term, Rowan’s goal is to complete their current academic program and attain their graduation this year. Subsequently, they aspire to secure admission into a Ph.D. program, where they anticipate engaging in research endeavors that involve increased responsibilities and complexity. Following the completion of my Ph.D., Rowan plans to pursue a postdoctoral position, aiming to further refine their expertise in preparation for a career in academia. Rowan’s ultimate ambition is to become a mentor to aspiring researchers and eventually establish themselves as a Principal Investigator in their own laboratory, contributing to the advancement of scientific knowledge and the nurturing of the next generation of scientists. 

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