Nicole Chen is a student researcher interested in the intersection of neuroplasticity and health awareness in her community. Within her work, she explores how gastrointestinal health directly influences central nervous system pathology via the gut-brain axis, specifically focusing on its connection to Alzheimer’s disease. Under the mentorship of Eliza Ali in the Sci-MI summer program, Nicole conducted literature-based research to challenge traditional plaque-centric models. Her project evaluating gut dysbiosis, intestinal barrier failures, and blood bacterial DNA maps out how these pathways suppress Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor and contribute to accelerating cognitive decline. Ultimately, Nicole aims to advocate for early, non-invasive biomarker profiles and preventative, targeted, therapeutic solutions to minimize neuroinflammation while emphasizing future research into personalized, accessible treatments for neurodegenderative diseases.
NWC 2026
Poster Presentation