Ayana Williams

• Presented research findings at the Spring Annual Research Conference (SpARC), promoting the university''s reputation as a student in biological and neuroscience research.
• Acquired the skill of animal husbandry to monitor and sustain the wellbeing of SHANK 3b mice.

Introduced stressors to twenty SHANK 3b mice (10 male, 10 female) via a series of tests. These tests included a swim test for the duration of ten-minutes, memorization via the introduction and removal of objects (two clear spheres, two clear squares) fo the duration of ten-minutes, and an open field test via placing the mice in a shallow box for ten minutes. Behaviors were recorded.

The mice were then introduced to lion's mane via their diet and tested/recorded again. The results of the videos were scored for key behaviors of stress which included floating, interacting with the objects, and interactions with the corners of the box. The results were compared wo measure the increase or decrease in improvement of memory, anxiety, and depression.

• Through a program called SCALE at Agnes Scott College, I visited Emory Winship Cancer Institute and volunteered in the hematology sector and the chemotherapy clinic.
• Assisted employees with transport of samples and patients within the facility.

• Participated in education activities to stay up-to-date on advances in medical technology and microbiology techniques.
• Presented data of the efficiency of antibiotics from an experiment conducted in class to fellow students and staff at an event called the Spring Annual Research Conference (SpARC).