In The Laboratory

Ada Okoluku (UROP 2024, Research for Credit 2025)

Affiliation: Boston University, Undergraduate Program in Neuroscience

2024 Summer UROP:Establishment of a Traumatic Brain Injury Model in Drosophila Melanogaster 
‍2025 Spring Research for Credit:
Chemogenetic Modulation of Gliogenesis Underlying TBI 

Finn Olson (Keystone Honor's Project)
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Finn is investigating psychedelic therapy as a potential treatment for alcohol use disorder using Drosophila melanogasteras a model organism. He will use the Gal4/UAS system to express DREADDs in 5-HT2A serotonergic neurons, mimicking the effects of psychedelics. By assessing ethanol-induced place preference, Finn aims to determine if acute serotonin activation can disrupt alcohol-associated conditioning, contributing to research on psychedelic interventions for addiction. His project includes data analysis in MATLAB and a final research paper.

Madison (Madi) Palmer (Keystone Honor's Project)
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Madi is exploring how clear consent impacts enjoyment in drag nightlife performances. Madi is developing a visual consent system using green “Yes” and red “No” stickers for audience members to indicate their comfort with performer interaction. Performers will be trained to interpret these signals, ensuring interactions only occur with consent. Madi will assess the effectiveness of this system through audience and performer surveys, comparing responses to a control group without stickers. Madi’s findings will be presented in a research paper and infographic, with the goal of making drag venues safer and more inclusive.