LC-MS/MS Analysis of Neurotrauma Eicosanoid Levels
Location
Hager-Lubbers Exhibition Hall
Description
PURPOSE: The Professional Science Master’s degree requires all students to complete an internship prior to graduation. The internship provides an opportunity to take what is learned in the classroom and laboratory and apply it to an real world experience. Internships provide feedback on techniques, new learning opportunities and a chance to network with people of the scientific community. CHALLENGE: 1.7 billion people are estimated to sustain a traumatic brain injury (TBI) annually, which can lead to death or permanent disability. The neurotrauma research of TBI, done my Dr. Kenneth Strauss’s lab, hopes to find a way to treat patients by better understanding the biochemistry of the brain following injury. EXPERIENCE: As an intern for the MSU neurotrauma research laboratory, I was tasked with the analysis of rat and mouse brain eicosanoid levels following TBI. Eicosanoids are chemicals that have inflammatory and anti-inflammatory properties within the brain. The analysis of these chemicals was done using a Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometer, a biochemical machine that allows for the study of small chemicals based on electronic charge and molecular weight. OUTCOME: My internship research has aided in the elucidation of how the eicosanoid family of chemicals impacts TBI. This and previous work will be submitted for scholarly publication in the future. IMPACT: My internship broadened my in-site of neuroscience, biochemistry and academic research of a prominent university. I was also had the opportunity to forge new connections and increase my networking in the biotechnology industry.
LC-MS/MS Analysis of Neurotrauma Eicosanoid Levels
Hager-Lubbers Exhibition Hall
PURPOSE: The Professional Science Master’s degree requires all students to complete an internship prior to graduation. The internship provides an opportunity to take what is learned in the classroom and laboratory and apply it to an real world experience. Internships provide feedback on techniques, new learning opportunities and a chance to network with people of the scientific community. CHALLENGE: 1.7 billion people are estimated to sustain a traumatic brain injury (TBI) annually, which can lead to death or permanent disability. The neurotrauma research of TBI, done my Dr. Kenneth Strauss’s lab, hopes to find a way to treat patients by better understanding the biochemistry of the brain following injury. EXPERIENCE: As an intern for the MSU neurotrauma research laboratory, I was tasked with the analysis of rat and mouse brain eicosanoid levels following TBI. Eicosanoids are chemicals that have inflammatory and anti-inflammatory properties within the brain. The analysis of these chemicals was done using a Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometer, a biochemical machine that allows for the study of small chemicals based on electronic charge and molecular weight. OUTCOME: My internship research has aided in the elucidation of how the eicosanoid family of chemicals impacts TBI. This and previous work will be submitted for scholarly publication in the future. IMPACT: My internship broadened my in-site of neuroscience, biochemistry and academic research of a prominent university. I was also had the opportunity to forge new connections and increase my networking in the biotechnology industry.