Hi everyone! My name is Lauren Sidelinger and I am a senior from Shallotte, North Carolina majoring in neuroscience and minoring in chemistry. Alongside being a Gil intern, I am working in the Daughters lab on a study investigating the feasibility of high-powered transcranial alternating stimulation (tACS). Furthermore, I was previously a part of the Frohlich Lab where I studied the stability of a brain activity biomarker using a mobile electroencephalography (EEG) device. My research interests focus on neurotechnology and the development of novel treatments, especially non-pharmacological approaches, to neurological and psychiatric disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease. After graduating this May, I hope to take a few years to pursue a post-baccalaureate program before attending graduate school to obtain my PhD in neuroscience.
This semester, I am working at Teledyne Scientific, a division within the company Teledyne Technologies that focuses on the research and development of new technologies primarily funded by contracts with the U.S. government. I am working in their Research Triangle Park location where the applied neuroscience programs are held. My mentors are Dr. Steven Simons and Dr. Patrick Connolly, both technical managers that help to oversee the neuroscience research being conducted. I am specifically working on a project that looks to develop a non-invasive neurostimulation interface that has more spatial and temporal resolution than is currently only possible through invasive procedures. This device utilizes focused ultrasonic stimulation (FUS) whereby ultrasonic waves mechanically excite neurons. This device is currently being investigated in non-human primates.
In my time at Teledyne, I have learned a lot about novel neurotechnologies that are currently in development and have broadened my understanding of neuroscience in general. One of the most valuable things I have gained from this experience is insight into what research looks like in an industry/non-academic setting. It is also interesting to hear perspectives about why some PhDs choose to enter industry as opposed to academia.
