Bianca User

Streamlined lab data preparation and LIMS uploads by proactively resolving discrepancies, helping clinical and regulatory teams access reliable, ready-to-submit documentation. Took the lead on reviewing and updating lab SOPs, drawing on daily experience with analytical software (QLIMS, SpectroFlow, Labmatrix) to keep procedures current and compliant.

Performed stereotaxic surgery for viral injections in CA1 hippocampal regions and operated confocal microscopes for high-resolution imaging and documentation. Co-led revisions of in-lab SOPs, contributing directly to improved process consistency and regulatory alignment.

Designed and implemented a novel Morris Water Maze protocol to assess spatial memory, enhancing the accuracy of behavioral analysis as part of research study protocols. Developed proficiency in performing protein lipid extraction from hippocampal tissue, improving the efficiency and reliability of biochemical analyses.

Designed and refined a mnemonic touchscreen discrimination task for age-related cognition studies in rats, entering and verifying data for accuracy. Applied chemogenetic tools (DREADDs) to manipulate neural circuitry, administering CNO and C21 infusions, and recorded all dosing procedures for protocol adherence.

Observed injections of CCK and SAP into nodose ganglia, keeping detailed procedural notes for studies under external review
analyzed TdTomato expression in nodose ganglia; findings were documented for both scientific and regulatory verification
optogenetic research on vagal deafferentation and metabolism handling sample tracking and contributing to improvement of lab documentation systems

Activities and societies: Attended and presented at multiple research symposia, including the Brains & Behavior Retreat. Mentored a high school research intern in data analysis and cryostat sectioning techniques.

Studied the fundamentals of neuroscience, including advanced analytical techniques and data visualization. Gained expertise in managing complex research projects and analyzing large datasets.

Activities and societies: Collaborated on experimental design and presented findings at multiple research symposia. Led neuroscience workshops and organized events for Brain Awareness Week.

Focused on behavioral cognitive neuroscience, gaining expertise in experimental design and data analysis. Utilized novel mnemonic touchscreen discrimination tasks to evaluate age-related changes in rat models.