Oral Presentation Skills
This page is dedicated to many different oral presentations I gave in many classes.
Scholarship Day at WSSU:
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In Research and Investigation III, we had the pleasure of presenting on scholarship day. The title of our poster was "Comparison of Propofol and Capsaicin Induced Currents in DRG cells and CHO Cells Expressing TRPV1". We presented in front of the biology department that Thursday, April 12, 2018. We also presented our posters during the poster session, in our own DJR. I just want to thank our faculty advisor Dr. Overholt for all his help because we were extremely nervous and he made us feel so comfortable! Thank you Dr. Overholt!
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Abstract: Transient receptor potential (TRP) channels have an important role in pain sensing mechanisms. Capsaicin, the active ingredient in chili peppers, is known to activate TRPV1 channels. Neurons of the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) carry pain signals to the CNS when capsaicin activates TRPV1 channels that ultimately results in a painful sensation. Propofol, a commonly used anesthetic, is known to cause pain at the injection site. Our previous data suggests that propofol has the capability to activate TRPV1 channels in DRG neurons. However, the mechanism by which the TRP channel is activated is unknown. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare the effects of propofol and capsaicin on DRG neurons isolated from rats and Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells expressing TRP-V1 channels. Whole-cell patch clamp was used to compare currents elicited by propofol and capsaicin. We hypothesized that propofol may cause pain by activating TRPV1 channels. (75%) and (53%) of small DRG neurons (≤40 pF) responded to propofol and capsaicin, respectively, by activating an inward current at -60 mV. (78%) and (75%) medium neurons (≥40 pF) responded to propofol and capsaicin, respectively. CHO cells (n=12) stably expressing TRP-V1 responded to capsaicin with a large inward current. Moreover, like in DRG neurons, the response to propofol was much less -92 ± 38 and -1288 ± 462 pA (for propofol and capsaicin, respectively). Our results suggest that propofol does indeed activate a TRP-like current in isolated rat DRG neurons and CHO cells expressing TRP-V1. However, the difference in responses suggests that propofol may activate different types of TRP channels other than TRP-V1, or the same channels via different mechanisms. Further experimentation needs to be done to determine the effect each chemical has on different TRP channels.
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The Science of Addiction: Dr. Logan
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Although this class was not one of the higher level courses I enjoyed it to the fullest and had to make sure I included it in my e-portfolio! Many may not know how great of a professor, mentor, and advisor Dr. Logan is but he was just that to me and was not even my faculty advisor. Dr. Logan showed our class the importance of having organized presentations, using a great style for the audience, ensuring our content was far enough in depth, the content accuracy was up to par, grammar and word choice being enforced, and that our enunciation was well enough to hear in the back of the room. He made sure before we left this class, we would be prepared for 15 minute presentations and 45 minute presentations. This was truly an amazing experience. My 15 minute presentation was on the addiction of cutting. The 45 minute presentation was on the addiction of ecstasy, or molly. They can be viewed on the right.
Specific Aims Presentation: Bio Seminar
The Effects of Cocaine Addiction with Pregnant Women
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This was a presentation for our specific aim paper. In this presentation we talked about the effects cocaine has not just on the pregnant mother, but also the unborn child. We also touched on how these effects will also have a direct compact on our society as children grow up. Dr. Keith's research inspired us to want to learn more about cocaine and its effect on the brain. We choose pregnant women because this is something that happens everyday in our community. We want to find a way to "cure the addiction" as Dr. Keith would say. To the right is the link for this presentation.
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