BNS student Jessica Muckerheide wins program's annual summer research award
Western's Behavioral Neuroscience (BNS) Program has announced that Jessica Muckerheide is the 2024 recipient of the Dr. David Goldman and Dr. Linda Blackwell Undergraduate Summer Research Award.
Muckerheide is a student researcher and BNS major in the lab of Associate Professor of Psychology Josh Kaplan, and she said she plans to pursue studying Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) after graduation, and this summer will research the estrogen cycle’s effects on CBD therapeutic interventions for autism spectrum disorder in women.
“I am deeply honored and grateful for the opportunity to advance my research, specifically focusing on the unique needs of women's health. Under Western and with the guidance of Dr. Kaplan, I have been fortunate to immerse myself in a plethora of experiences that have exceeded my expectations at this stage of my academic journey," said Muckerheide. "These experiences have not only allowed me to assume pivotal leadership roles but have also significantly expanded my educational and research capabilities. Within this grant, my intention is to further explore the complexities of the estrogen cycle and its impact on phytocannabinoid-based therapeutic interventions for autism spectrum disorder in women. The intricacies of the estrous cycle have long posed challenges in scientific research, often resulting in medical advancements that overlook female subjects due to their lack of understanding of how their bodies interact with medications and therapies.
"In the future, I hope to become a research professor dedicated to studying Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) by understanding the interaction between estrogen and protein function. It is time that women, as the carriers of life, are recognized as essential subjects in medical advancements tailored to their bodies,” she said.
“I am thrilled that Jessica will have the opportunity to devote her time this summer towards pursuing her research passion on how estrogen effects brain function and the sensitivity to therapeutic interventions. This grant enables Jessica to immerse herself in her research project and learn new technical skills that will deepen the scientific insight into this important research question as well as better prepare her for a career in academic research," said Kaplan. "One of the BNS Program’s strengths is the undergraduate access to hands-on laboratory experiences where students design and conduct meaningful empirical research. I’m grateful to the Goldman/Blackwell family for removing the financial barrier that may otherwise prohibit students from immersing themselves in this opportunity. I look forward to supporting Jessica in her continued scientific growth and mentoring her as she shares her research with the larger scientific community.”
The Dr. David Goldman and Dr. Linda Blackwell Undergraduate Summer Research Award's purpose is to increase opportunities in Behavioral Neuroscience research for individuals who are typically underrepresented in the field. The award is given annually to a Behavioral Neuroscience undergraduate with demonstrated interest in behavioral neuroscience research, enthusiasm for a graduate degree or health professional program, and has financial need.
About the BNS Program
The Behavioral Neuroscience Program housed in the Psychology Department administers a Bachelor of Science major in Behavioral Neuroscience. The mission of the program is to support education, research, and service in Behavioral Neuroscience at Western Washington University. In addition to coursework, majors are encouraged to collaborate with faculty members on original research. Find out more about the BNS program here.