Dr. Camerron Crowder offers undergraduate students a unique research opportunity.
Through courses in the Undergraduate Neuroscience Program, she teaches the PMI research process, animal model development, and the use of artificial intelligence to identify treatment options. The PMI, led by Dr. Matt Might, uses data science, bioinformatics, and AI to develop therapeutic strategies for rare genetic disorders, including neurological diseases, cancer, and diabetes.
Crowder integrates PMI cases into her classroom and laboratory, guiding students in developing patient-guided precision zebrafish models to study rare neurodevelopmental diseases. She collaborates with patient families, clinicians, PMI analysts, and other researchers to determine molecular disease mechanisms and identify therapies, including drug repurposing and gene therapies. Her courses, such as Intro Neuro Methods and Neurogenetics, involve hands-on research where students use CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing technology and bioinformatic tools to create and analyze zebrafish models of patients' disorders.
These courses not only provide students with valuable research experience but also offer hope to patient families by involving them in the research process. Students present their findings at university expos and to community partners like Civitan International, which supports people with developmental disabilities. Crowder's innovative approach and dedication to teaching and mentoring have been praised for advancing the understanding of rare genetic disorders and inspiring the next generation of researchers.
Partners
Undergraduate Neuroscience Program, UAB College of Arts and Sciences
The Undergraduate Neuroscience Program is an interdisciplinary program between the Department of Neurobiology in the Heersink School of Medicine and the Department of Psychology in the College of Arts and Sciences. It provides the platform for an innovative, interdisciplinary program that offers a broader knowledge of the field of neuroscience through extensive coursework and cutting edge research.
Civitan International Research Center
The Civitan International Research Center (CIRC) is an interdisciplinary center focusing on the development of the mind-brain through our unique mission of service, education, and research.