Natural Sciences: Kallam Kara-Pabani '24
Major(s) and minor(s)
BS in Neuroscience; Clinical Psychology minor
Hometown
Wayne, PA
How long doing research?
Two years
Areas of interest/focus in research
My interest in neuroscience research led me to the Majewska Lab, a member of the Del Monte Institute of Neuroscience and an affiliate of the Center for Visual Science. The lab studies glial cells which are often referred to as the “supporting cells of the brain.”
My project focuses specifically on microglia, which are the immune cells of the central nervous system. Although the least understood of the glial cells, previous research has demonstrated that microglia play an important role in the pathogenesis and progression of various neurodegenerative diseases and in the development of aging. Therefore, my research focus has been to further characterize microglia by investigating microglial depletion and regeneration mechanisms using colony-stimulating factor 1 (CSF1R). My work in the lab consists of mouse handling, genotyping, intracardiac perfusions, brain harvesting, sectioning brains on a freezing microtome, immunohistochemistry staining, imaging with epifluorescence and confocal microscope, and data analysis. My project has culminated in a paper titled “Sexual-dimorphism in the Microglial Response to Inhibition of CSF1R in Adult Mice,” which is currently being prepared for publication.
Labs / departments / offsite programs where research was conducted
Majewska Lab (Del Monte Institute of Neuroscience, Center for Visual Science)
About me...
My name is Kallam Kara-Pabani, and I’m a senior at the University of Rochester majoring in Neuroscience with the intention of attending medical school in the future. I'm orginally from England, but my family now lives outside of Philadelphia. In my free time, I enjoy cooking, hiking, playing squash, listening to music, and hanging out with friends. I genuinely enjoy helping others, whether as a hospital volunteer or teaching assistant. I’m proud to have already assisted a number of people secure research positions, successfully receive grants, and excel in their coursework. As a Research Ambassador, I hope to continue supporting other students as best I can.
Campus organizations, programs, activities, clubs, awards/distinctions
Discover Grant Awardee: $5000 dollars in funding for summer research project
Makous Prize Winner: Awarded to the senior that has made the most outstanding contribution to vision research at the University
Dean’s Award Winner: 1 of 2 awardees out of over 150 students for quality and communication of research
Rush Rhees Scholar: Monetary scholarship for those with academic excellence
Introduction to Neuroscience Course and Lab TA: Chosen as 1 of 4 TAs from over 50 undergraduate and graduate student applicants to lead recitations and lab sections
Volunteer at Highland Hospital: Assess seniors for delirium and other cognitive conditions through engagement in empathetic dialogue
Dean’s List: Member for all semesters
How has your experience as a researcher influenced your career objectives?
I still plan to attend medical school after obtaining my undergraduate degree. However, my research experience has made me want to stay involved in the research community. I therefore hope to contribute to medical research through clinical work later in my career. Research provides clinicians with the opportunity to impact a broader group of people beyond the patient in front of them.
Fun Fact: when I'm not doing research you can usually find me...
Trying out different restaurants around Rochester! I especially love going to REDD.
Areas where I may be particularly helpful
I hope to support other students looking to get involved with research and/or planning to pursue the pre-med track at Rochester. Some specific areas where I would be happy to help include:
- planning courses for the Neuroscience major and pre-med track
- understanding pre-med requirements and timelines
- contacting PI’s for undergraduate research positions
- writing/editing a Discover Grant application
- preparing a resume
- practicing interviews or presentations
What advice do you have for prospective or new researchers?
Everybody is looking for something different. The best way I can help you achieve your specific goals is to get in touch with me and we can set up a time to talk. Please don’t hesitate to contact me at kkarapab@u.rochester.edu. Some preliminary advice would be to start looking for positions and opportunities early, and do not worry about a lack of experience. Most importantly, take the time to find a lab who will support your growth as a researcher and student and undergraduate research experiences can vary significantly depending on one’s mentor. Also, understand that switching labs is completely acceptable if the lab environment does not suit your interests or priorities. Email me at kkarapab@u.rochester.edu