Ezi Kalunta-Crumpton

Abstract: The habenula is an epithalamic brain structure that plays a role in reward processing and the expression of motivational states. It receives input from the basal ganglia which signals reward-related events. These inputs subsequently modulate output from the habenula to monoaminergic centers that regulate motivated behaviors. Excitatory and inhibitory outputs from the habenula to these areas promote the encoding of rewarding and aversive stimuli. In rodent models of depression, increased inhibitory output from the habenula has been associated with a reduction in depression symptoms. As such, this makes the habenula an attractive target for novel antidepressant therapies. However, little is known about the molecular processes that mediate synaptic transmission within the habenula. Thus, we attempted to study these cellular mechanisms using expansion microscopy. We used expansion microscopy, a method that physically enlarges a sample, and light-sheet microscopy, a method to efficiently image large volumes to acquire high resolution imaging of synaptic terminals within the habenula. Thereby we hoped to gain insight into the transmission of both excitatory and inhibitory signals through these synapses in a rodent model for depression.

 

What does research mean to you? 
To me, research is the pursuit of knowledge. It is about taking what you already know and using that to learn more. It is about having the creativity to ask new questions and explore ambiguous topics, the perseverance to continue even when your experiment fails more times that it succeeds, the flexibility to learn from mistakes and constantly reshape the way you think about things, and the desire to push boundaries that may have never been pushed before. Research comes with the freedom to ask questions and explore new topics. There is always something to learn but it requires a lot of patience, effort, and dedication.
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Tell us about your journey.
My interest in research was solidified during my senior year of high school while I was preparing for college applications. I had always found research to be intriguing, but it was during this time that I began to heavily consider participating in some sort of research experience during college. While browsing for colleges to apply to, it was evident that UT Dallas was the school that best fit my personal needs as well as my desire to participate in research. Given that the school considers research to be the heart of the university, I was eager to get involved in research at UT Dallas. During my sophomore year of college, I served as a research assistant in a Texas Biomedical Device Center (TxBDC) lab that studies speech processing impairments. As a research assistant, I was able to develop several skills that prepared me for a career in research. However, I craved a more independent approach to research, and that was what led me to the Green Fellowship program. The program allowed me to participate in full-time research as well as take on my own independent project. I knew that this experience would allow me to build on the skills that I had already developed during my time with TxBDC as well as help me to make a decision on my post-graduation career plans.

What was your favorite part about the program? 
I enjoyed every single aspect of the program, but my favorite part of the program was the fact that we were given our own independent project. This allowed me to sharpen my critical thinking skills and strengthen my confidence in my research abilities. I was able to take full control over the project which allowed me to move at my own pace, correct my mistakes, and learn how to figure things out on my own rather than relying on my lab members. This experience was everything that I was looking for out of a research fellowship as it allowed me to feel as though I was an actual scientist!

What was the biggest thing you learned from the program?
The biggest thing that I learned from the program is that research requires you to persevere through the many obstacles that you are bound to face. It takes months or even years of practice to “perfect” a procedure, so just keep your head up! Learn from your mistakes and come back stronger the next time you attempt a difficult procedure.

Where am I now?
I am currently taking a gap year.​

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Advice for Future Green Fellows

My biggest advice for future Green Fellows would be to just enjoy the experience. When I first started working in the lab, I was very nervous about making mistakes around all of these amazing scientists. I was anxious about embarrassing myself or being judged for my mistakes. However, I soon realized that the only person judging me was myself. My PI and colleagues were not expecting me to be perfect or gather the most mind-blowing data; they just wanted me to learn and enjoy the experience. They were very supportive of me throughout the entire experience and allowed me to navigate the field of scientific ambiguity at my own pace, which I very much appreciated.