Qiuwei (Ivy) Ding

Hi everyone! I’m Ivy Ding, a sophomore studying Neuroscience. I am fascinated by how protein misfolding drives neurodegeneration and how careful benchwork can shorten the path from discovery to diagnosis. In the Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, I work on detecting disease-relevant α-synuclein species in human plasma. Day to day, that means optimizing western blot, ELISA, seed-amplification assays, and immunoprecipitation, planning experiments with clear readouts, troubleshooting controls, and presenting data at group meetings. I enjoy the rhythm of methodical work paired with clinical relevance.

Outside the lab, I serve on the Student Wellness Advisory Group, engage visitors as a Gallery Ambassador at the Penn Museum, and dance with West Philly Swingers. These roles keep me grounded in communication, care, and community.

How I can help you get started in research: clarifying interests and fit, reading lab websites to map a shortlist of PIs, drafting and polishing cold emails, prepping for first meetings, building a starter reading list, and planning a realistic weekly schedule that balances lab time with coursework. I am also happy to workshop posters, abstracts, and short talks. My mentoring style is supportive and candid. I believe students do their best work when they feel permission to ask questions and try early. Whether you are curious about neuroscience, clinical research, or simply want a constructive listener, I am here to help you take the next step and to cheer you on.

• Undergraduate Research Assistant for Luk Lab, Penn Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research (2024-current)
• Research Assistant for Dettmer Lab, Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases of Brigham and Women’s Hospital (2023-2024)