January 15, 2026
Grant: $644 in Fall 2022
Education level at the time of the grant: Undergraduate student
Project Description:
Neurological disorders are one of the world’s leading causes of disability and loss of life. Neuromodulatory methods have improved scientific understanding of neural behavior and circuitry by precisely stimulating an area of the brain. Acoustically targeted chemogenetics (ATAC) is one method of neuromodulation that allows for high spatial and temporal specificity without the risks of surgery.
The project assessed the feasibility of targeting multiple sites with ATAC, thereby expanding its applications in science and medicine. Using focused ultrasound (FUS) and microbubbles to induce blood–brain barrier opening (FUS-BBBO), adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) can deliver genes for designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs (DREADDs) to a specific neuronal area. Cells expressing DREADDs are then activated or inhibited by specific synthetic drugs such as clozapine N-oxide.
How did the grant process or the project itself influence you as a scientist/researcher?
The grant helped validate my abilities as a scientific writer and thinker, inspiring my confidence to seek other research opportunities and affirming my aspirations to pursue a research career. During the grant process, I had to think very carefully about my past and future research work; by contextualizing the importance of my work, I am now more cognizant of the impact of my research. I also learned how to write an effective research statement and create a project budget. Financially, the grant allowed me to focus on my research project while helping to relieve its financial burden on my lab. Through the project itself, I have become more familiar with some of the in vivo neuroscience methods I may implement in future research.
What advice would you give to future applicants?
Start early and consult your mentors for feedback! Communicate your research idea in an understandable yet eloquent way for the benefit of the reader, who may have minimal background in your research area.
Students may apply for Sigma Xi research grants by March 15 and October 1 annually at www.sigmaxi.org/giar.