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Institution
Humboldt Universität zu Berlin
Host
Institution(s)
Research: The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, Maine
Mentor: Dr. Susan Ackerman
Clinical: New England Medical Center, Tufts University, Boston
The focus in Sue Ackerman's lab is to study the molecular mechanisms of cerebellar development as well as the underlying causes of neuronal degeneration in the CNS. Most of the spontaneous mutations in mice that result in degeneration of cerebellar neurons do so during the early postnatal period. In contrast, the two mutations Harlequin (Hq) and sticky (sti), both phenotypically characterized by ataxic behaviour and alterations in coat density, result in loss of Purkinje and granule cells but only in aged mice. This late onset of neuronal degeneration in these mutants makes them a potential model for age-related neurodegener-ative diseases. I tried to determine the temporal action of mutations within the Hq and sti genes by performing a time course study of the brains of mutant animals as well as to determine the mode of cell death by using different techniques, such as immunohisto-chemistry combined with light and fluorescence microscopy (TUNEL), and electron microscopy.
Well, that's a tough one! If I had gone to a place like a big city, there would probably be more stories to tell now. But life in Bar Harbor is very quiet and proved to be quite a change for me. However, the physical beauty of nearby Acadia National Park and the varied programs available within Jackson Lab, with an international team of scientists, provided a fascinating mixture. However, I am also looking forward to my clinical experiences at Tufts, so you should contact me directly for a report on the second part of my stay.
(1) Choosing a car! My Saab had its last good day during the test drive. Don't always listen to people saying you should never go for an American make; I now have a Ford and am quite happy with it (and there is a Ford mechanic in town!).
(2) Why am I not the owner of AT&T?
(3) The small size of an oversize fridge when bursting with two turkeys, one ham, and five doggy bags from the Olive Garden restaurant in Bangor.
Lighting up the candles on my birthday cake caused a small fire alarm to go off since the candles re-ignited every time I tried to blow them out. Finally we killed the fire with our carbon monoxide foam!
Be sure to check well in advance just what your research group will be working on, and also plan ahead for the necessary details involved if you intend to do your clinical work elsewhere. The change can be frustrating, but worthwhile if it means you get to experience two very different environments. Money transfers are a problem. Citibank is said to be convenient, but not all locations have a branch office available. If you plan on big expenditures (a car?) soon after arrival, I suggest bringing traveler's checks with you.