June 23, 2023
Meghan O'Toole
Student awarded two national grants for independent research
Neuroscience and biochemistry and molecular biology major Federica Bertolotti ’24 was awarded two competitive research grants to support her senior thesis project examining neurodegeneration.
Bertolotti received a 2023 Nu Rho Psi Undergraduate Research Grant from the national council of the Nu Rho Psi honor society as well as a 2023 Undergraduate Research Award from the national American Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB).
The grants will support her work to uncover the still elusive toxicity status of the brain protein gamma-synuclein as well as research to further unravel the newfound neurotoxicity of the brain protein beta-synuclein.
Bertolotti is an international student from Montevideo, Uruguay. A Davis Scholar, she came to Lake Forest College after attending United World College Mahindra in India. In fact, it was the opportunity to do high-level research as an undergraduate student that drew Bertolotti to Lake Forest.
“My main reason for choosing to attend Lake Forest College was mostly because of the variety of research opportunities,” she said. “I was seeking out a place where research was guided by professors, and at Lake Forest I am supported by mentors who genuinely care.”
Her research career began in Disque D. and Carol Gram Deane Professor of Biological Sciences Shubhik DebBurman’s lab the summer after her first year at the College. Receiving one national grant is a major accomplishment for an undergraduate student. For Bertolotti, receiving two grants was unexpected but thrilling.
“Being awarded these grants made me realize the growth I went through. In my first summer in the lab, I was helping others with their theses and learning lab research techniques, and now I am conducting independent research and teaching mentees. I feel more ready to communicate the science that I am working within.”
Bertolotti’s immediate goal following graduation is to pursue a PhD in biochemistry or molecular biology in order to support her larger goal of studying neuronal toxicity and gene therapy to treat neurodegeneration.