Over the summer, Columbia High School senior Ei Aung ’25 attended Albany Medical College’s NextGen Neuroscience Summer Program, a free eight-week interactive course for local high school and undergraduate students, hosted by Albany Medical College’s Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics. 
The NextGen program offers an introduction to neuroscience research and scientific communication skills, as well as educational guidance from scientists and physicians for students considering careers in neuroscience.
Ms. Aung is a member of the Science Research program at Columbia High School. As a student enrolled in this competitive three-year program, she selected an area of interest, learned literature research skills, presents articles, and works with a professional mentor. She has been researching food insecurity in New York State and how policy changes, such as those in SNAP after the pandemic, have impacted the nutritional quality of food, particularly for low-income households.
During the summer program, Ms. Aung worked in The Myelin Lab at Albany Medical College four days a week from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. She contributed to neuroscience research, and was able to perform experiments and interpret results.
“As I progressed, I became increasingly interested in the research being conducted at The Myelin Lab,” Ms. Aung said. “Driven by curiosity and a desire to potentially contribute to their work, I started reading papers from the lab to deepen my understanding.”
Ms. Aung worked with mentors Dr. Sophie Belin and Dr. Yannick Poitelon in The Myelin Lab and shadowed PhD students and research assistants.
“The Myelin Lab is an incredible place to work, with Dr. Poitelon and Dr. Belin serving as excellent mentors who have fostered an intellectually stimulating yet open environment,” she said. “They encouraged me to ask questions, observe real-time research processes, and deepen my passion for genetic research. I had the opportunity to conduct some experiments independently and learned that patience is crucial in research.”
Columbia High School senior Ei Aung presenting research during a virtual conference on July 31.
At the end of July, Ms. Aung presented her work titled “The Effect of PMP2 on Myelination During Development” during a virtual conference attended by mentors, high school teachers, and fellow student researchers.
“Ei’s talk was well organized and thorough,” said Columbia Science Teacher Heidi Gleason who coordinates the Science Research program. “It was clear she had command of her most recent work. She is an exceptional young scientist and person.”
Following graduation in June, Ms. Aung plans to continue research work in college with the goal of becoming a doctor.
“I have a deep love for helping people, and whether through research or my career, making a positive impact on even one life is fulfilling for me,” she said.
Columbia’s Science Research program accepts applications from freshmen every spring. The application includes an essay, two teacher recommendations (at least one from a science teacher) and a 1-on-1 interview with Mrs. Gleason.