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Chloe Mondok '21

2020 SOAR Profile

Neuroprotective Effects of Curcumin and Vitamin E in a 6-OHDA Rat Model of Parkinson’s Disease

Major and Minor: Neuroscience major with minors in Art History and Music 
Hometown: Bethlehem, PA
Project Advisor(s): Dr. Fox

Briefly describe your project.

My SOAR project focused on testing the neuroprotective effects of curcumin and vitamin E in Parkinson rat models. To do so, I created Parkinson models by injecting 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) into two groups of healthy rats. Then, I gave each experimental rat a specific dosage (weight dependent) of curcumin and vitamin E through oral administration three times a week (controls only received regular rat food). Additionally, I measured the level of motor functioning each week through three main behavioral tests: the rotarod, foot fault, and cylinder tests. With this, I measured the motor impairment between the experimental rats who received curcumin and vitamin E and the controls who did not receive curcumin and vitamin E.

Describe the origin of your project. (E.g., did you pitch the idea and choose a faculty member, or did they come to you with an idea?)

My advisor, Dr. Fox, approached me with the idea. Dr. Fox has extensive experience with Parkinson rat models in the lab, though I was able to bring in some novel aspects to the project, such as the oral administration of curcumin and vitamin E rather than through IP injections. Dr. Fox’s idea intrigued me and I was really excited to work with her, especially knowing that it could have a positive impact on Parkinson’s research.

What’s the best part about working with your faculty mentor? What valuable insights have they brought to your project?

I think the best part about working with Dr. Fox was the close collaboration we had on this project. From the beginning stages, she valued my suggestions and concerns for the project. Dr. Fox is amazing and has vast research experience so she has fostered both my research skills and intellectual growth. Additionally, working with her one-on-one allows me to gain a better understanding of the necessary background and methodology techniques that were implemented. 

What has been your biggest obstacle so far?

The biggest challenge was working out the specifications of the research design once behavioral testing and the oral administration of curcumin and vitamin E began. For example, we had originally planned to administer the curcumin and vitamin E orally using a pipet but found that the rats were quite resistant to drinking such a large dose all at once. With the help of fellow SOAR student, Raquel Lopez De Boer, who was also working with Parkinson model rats, we found that the rats would consume the entire dosage of curcumin and vitamin E when we mixed it with peanut butter. 

What has been your biggest takeaway from this experience?

My biggest takeaway was learning the research process through a hands-on experience. I have been exposed to most of the techniques that I used in my SOAR project through my classes. However, I was able to take the knowledge that I gained in class and lab and apply it to an actual experiment that I was committed to over the course of months.

What was the result of your project? 

My results are actually on-going since I am continuing this project through my honors project for the 2020-2021 school year. 

In your own words, how do you feel about being awarded this opportunity? Why should other students take advantage of the SOAR program at Moravian College?

I am honored that I was able to participate in the 2020 SOAR program. Because of the pandemic, most schools had to cancel their summer research programs, but I’m glad I was able to partake in research at Moravian in a safe yet fulfilling way. Other students should take advantage of the SOAR program because it will allow them to complete hands-on research that they are interested in with experienced faculty members. Also, through the SOAR program, I was able to connect with SOAR alumni who shared their experiences and current career paths. Additionally, this research opportunity is a great stepping stone for graduate school because it helped me feel better prepared and more comfortable in a laboratory setting.    

Now that SOAR is over, do you plan to expand upon your research? If so, how?

Yes! I am continuing this research through my 2020-2021 Honors project. For this, I will finish collecting behavioral data then perform immunohistochemistry in order to compare the cell survival of dopamine neurons in the substantia nigra between the control rats and the experimentals.

Have you, or do you plan to present this research outside the SOAR presentations? If so, where? Be specific, if possible.

Yes, I am currently working with Dr. Fox to create a presentation for the Society for Neuroscience conference this October. Also, since I will be continuing this research through the 2020-2021 school year, I will be presenting my results at the end of my Honors project in spring 2021 on Moravian’s campus.