2024 NCI Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (F31)
This award is an incredible honor, and it provides me with the resources and mentorship necessary to further develop as an independent scientist.
About Christy
Christy Agbey is a fifth-year Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience doctoral student. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology from George Washington University and her M.S. in Integrative Neuroscience at Georgetown. Beyond the classroom and lab, her hobbies include reading, hiking, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.
Tell us about the award you received.
I received the F31 NRSA.This award provides predoctoral students with the opportunity to receive mentored research training while completing their dissertation research.
What is your research focus?
My research focuses on the role of neuroinflammation in HIV-Associated Neurocognitive Disorder (HAND). Specifically, I am investigating how the HIV protein gp120 induces the accumulation of amyloid-beta through a mechanism involving endoplasmic reticulum stress. Amyloid-beta accumulation is commonly associated with Alzheimer’s disease, but its role in contributing to neurocognitive impairments in people living with HIV remains unclear. My goal is to explore this potential connection and understand the underlying mechanisms involved.
My interest in neuroscience research began during my undergraduate studies at George Washington University (GWU), where I developed a passion for exploring the molecular mechanisms of neurodegenerative disorders. As an undergraduate, I studied the link between Alzheimer’s disease and Type 2 diabetes, focusing on shared neuroinflammatory and metabolic processes. This work sparked my interest in neuroinflammation, which became a central theme during my master’s and Ph.D. studies at Georgetown University. Throughout this time, I became particularly intrigued by the connection between HAND and Alzheimer’s disease pathology, and my dedication to understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying HAND has continued to grow throughout my Ph.D. training.
Why did you choose the Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience for your doctoral studies?
I chose this program at Georgetown for several reasons. First, my experience as a neuroscience master’s student here was incredibly positive. I had the opportunity to interact with many of the faculty and students, and I found the environment to be both welcoming and supportive. The faculty and students have been consistently kind and encouraging, which made me feel confident that this program would provide the positive and collaborative environment I’m looking for.
Additionally, I found the curriculum’s interdisciplinary approach to studying neuroscience, combined with innovative research training and opportunities, particularly intriguing. Finally, I also love Washington, D.C., and everything the city has to offer, and that was another major draw for me.
What does this award mean to you?
This award is an incredible honor, and it provides me with the resources and mentorship necessary to further develop as an independent scientist. With this support, I am able to focus on advancing my dissertation research, gain valuable training, and strengthen my skills in ways that will have a lasting impact on my future work. Ultimately, this award empowers me to explore critical questions in the field that could improve our understanding of HIV-Associated Neurocognitive Disorder.