Aaron Anandarajah

Getting started with research at Penn can be a daunting task, but there are lots of resources here to help find the right fit for you!

My research interests largely focus on neuroscience. I am a researcher at the Traumatic Brain Injury Research Initiative under Dr. Diaz- Arrastia. My current work is looking at the time of brain injury and how it correlates with biofluid markers in the brain, which may lead to the development of neurodegenerative diseases and affect treatment protocols for neurocritical care. I am also reviewing literature in GBM CAR T-cell therapy for Dr. O’Rourke’s lab. Lastly, I also conducted clinical research in neurosurgery with Dr. Arthur Jenkins, working with patients and in the operating room to analyze spinal surgical procedures. In addition to neuroscience, I am also interested in the public health aspect of medicine. Being a part of mental health research groups and public policy research initiatives back home stimulated my interest in public health policy.

Outside of research, I love playing on the IM soccer team, working out, watching movies, and hanging out with friends. My freshman year RPA was influential in finding opportunities for research. With that, I am super excited to be an RPA and would love to help in any way I can. Please feel free to send any questions you may have about research, pre-med at Penn, or anything else!

• Intern, Jenkins NeuroSpine Neurosurgery Research, Mt. Sinai Hospital (Summer 2023)
• Researcher, Center for Surgical Health Research Lab (2023)
• Researcher, Traumatic Brain Injury Lab, Penn Presbyterian (Summer 2022)
• Penn Neuroscience Society Research Expo Coordinator (Spring 2022)
• Literature review, Dr. O’Rourke (Fall 2021)
• Researcher, Strong Memorial Hospital Neurosurgery (Summer 2021)
• RASE Commissioner on Mental Health (Spring 2021)