Forrest Lin
My research primarily falls under cardiac electrophysiology, which essentially is a branch of cardiology that looks at the electrical activity of the heart, and how we as scientists can detect, classify, and treat abnormalities like rhythm and timing in the heartbeat. This sophomore year will be my second year working under Dr. Timothy Markman and Dr. Brian Salzberg.
With the support of University Scholars this past summer, I first optimized our lab’s indocyanine green (ICG) imaging device, which under near-infrared light excites ICG dye (causing it to fluoresce) and detects changes in voltage. I then observed fluorescence in ICG solutions of various hydrophobicities, a characteristic of the cell membrane. And after staining myocyte cell cultures with ICG and stimulating them to generate an action potential, I observed changes in fluorescence during contraction. Nowadays, I am working on expanding my experiments to larger in vivo samples, like a pig’s heart, with the ultimate goal of one day being able to detect cardiac arrhythmias in the human heart.
Outside of research, I’m involved in clinical volunteering at local dementia care units with the Brain Exercise Initiative as well as tutoring chemistry at the Weingarten Tutoring Center.
- Research Assistant to Dr. Timothy Markman, Department of Cardiology
- University Scholars
Predicting and understanding pulmonary function during sleep
Identifying patient features that predict the presence of specific sleep-related breathing disorders or responses to treatment
Examining the mechanisms of migraine and photophobia
Dr. Kaiser's lab examines how light can be perceived as unpleasant and/or painful. He utilizes a mouse model to understand how retinal signals are processed and modulated by the nervous system, leading to photophobia in migraines and other conditions.
Mechanisms of intestinal epithelial regeneration post focal irradiation
Radiotherapy (RT) is a common treatment for abdominal cancers like pancreatic tumors. Despite advancements in RT delivery, its effectiveness is hindered by the proximity of the radiosensitive intestine.
Unraveling the molecular mechanisms underlying TDP-43 proteinopathies.
In our lab, we study the molecular mechanisms underlying TDP-43 proteinopathies, which include frontotemporal degeneration (FTD-TDP), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and Alzheimer's disease (AD), among others. We employ both in vitro and in vivo models to replicate neuropathological features, aiming to elucidate the mechanisms of neurodegeneration.
Menstrual Health Equity
I explore menstrual health equity among adolescents and young adults in the United States.
Head and neck cancer research
Our lab studies the molecular biology of head and neck cancer
Scanzello Lab for Translational Osteoarthritis Research
Our laboratory focuses on understanding the stimuli and clinical consequences of immune system activation and inflammation in osteoarthritis (OA) and related joint injuries, with the goal of developing novel therapeutics to treat this debilitating joint disease. OA is the most common musculoskeletal disease and a leading cause of chronic joint pain and musculoskeletal disability worldwide.
Dynamics of cell identity establishment in the embryo
We study the dynamics of fundamental cellular processes in developing cells; and apply single-cell imaging and sequencing approaches to uncover principles that drive cell identity establishment and how these can be dysregulated in disease states.
Using chemistry to better identify and treat cancer
Our organic and chemical biology lab, in close collaboration with clinicians, is on a mission to develop molecules to treat or identify tumors in efforts to improve the lifespan of cancer patients.