Maya Hawkins
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Maya is a rising junior at New York University pursuing a degree in Neural Science with a minor in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Studies. During this past summer, Maya was honored to study under Dr. Anuska Andjelkovic-Zochowska with guidance from Ph.D. candidate Muyu Situ (a BPENDURE Alumni- 2019) at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. During this time, Maya studied the interactions between gap proteins Connexin 43 and Connexin 45 and their relation to cerebral amyloid angiopathy. By using Western Blots to probe for YAP1, or yes-associated protein 1, this lab aimed to determine what role gap junctions in the brain had with Alzheimer’s disease. Maya also hopes to continue a rigorous laboratory schedule during the school year.
Maya aims to obtain a Ph.D. in adolescent neuropsychology to help find alternative and new treatments for illnesses that often begin in adolescence, such as ADHD, anxiety, and depression. Additionally, Maya is interested in studying the molecular mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases. In her free time, Maya likes to golf, listen to music, and hang out with friends. |