2016 Undergraduate Summer Research Program Participant

Home Department: Human Biology
Supported by: Anonymous Donor
Mentor: Theo Palmer, Neurosurgery

Mutations in genes implicated in fetal development in combination with maternal immune challenges have the potential for increased fetal vulnerability and worsened neurological outcomes in mice. Alexander’s project investigates cell proliferation in the brains of fetuses from immune challenged mothers, with or without a genetic alteration. Investigating problems in the neurological development of the fetal brain is critical to be able to address rising diagnoses of autism spectrum disorders.

Poster presented at the Stanford Bio-X Interdisciplinary Initiatives Symposium on August 24, 2016:

The Combinatorial Effect of Genetic Risk Factors and Maternal Immune Challenges on Embryonic Brain Development

Alexander Lopez1, Kristina Correa1, Aditi Narayan1, Brooke Babineau1, Theo Palmer1
[Department of Neurosurgery1, Stanford University]