A team of seven students from Jingchun Chen’s (Nevada Institute of Personalized Medicine) lab at the Nevada Institute of Personalized Medicine (NIPM), UNLV, made a strong impact at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) Neuroscience Next Conference, an international event that aims to support the next generation of Alzheimer’s and dementia researchers and clinicians. The conference took place Feb. 24-27, 2025, in Indianapolis, Indiana, and online.
The travel was led by graduate students Hui Zhan and Davis Cammann, along with undergraduates Tyrell Pratt, Eunjae Lee, Jennifer Zheng, and Faria Tavacoli. Their participation was supported by Dr. Chen’s NIH R15 grant along with funding from the AAIC organization, UNLV Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR), The Dr. William W. Sullivan Center for Academic Enrichment and Outreach (CAEO), and the McNair and Goldwater Scholarship.
At the conference, Tyrell Pratt, delivered a four-minute lightning talk, while the rest of the team presented their research through posters. Additionally, graduate student Saira Kiran contributed by presenting her research virtually.
The AAIC Neuroscience Next Conference serves as a vital platform for early-career researchers to showcase their work, engage with leading experts, and explore the latest advancements in Alzheimer’s research. Under the mentorship of Dr. Chen, in collaboration with renowned Alzheimer’s expert Dr. Jeffrey Cummings from the department of Brain Health, the team’s research spans several key areas, including:
- Drug discovery for Alzheimer’s disease
- Biomarker identification for early detection
- Brain imaging-based genetic correlations and predictions
- Glial cell-specific genes and pathways linked to Alzheimer’s disease
Their research contributes to the broader effort to unravel the genetic and molecular mechanisms behind Alzheimer’s disease, ultimately advancing early detection and treatment strategies.
For many of these students, attending an international conference for the first time was a transformative experience, offering them the opportunity to present their work on a global stage, engage in interdisciplinary discussions, and build connections with leaders in the field. Their participation not only enhances their academic and professional development but also showcases UNLV as a leader in neuroscience and precision medicine research. By representing cutting-edge research on an international platform, these students reinforce UNLV’s commitment to innovation, scientific discovery, and advancing global efforts in Alzheimer’s research.
