Dan
Tsuma
Hometown: Rockville, MD
Major: Biology, with minors in Chemistry and Data Science
Research Interest: Neuroscience, Neurogenetic diseases
“CSS has connected me with so many research and mentorship opportunities, which have allowed me to discover my passion for translational neurogenetics, with a focus on pediatrics!
WHAT attracted you to the CSS program and to Carolina?
The diverse community and perspectives are what drew me to the CSS program!
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR FAVORITE CSS EXPERIENCE SO FAR?
Definitely volunteering with fellow CSS scholars at the ‘Black Excellence in Science’ event at the Museum of Life and Science every year. Being able to lead hands-on science activities with the kids is so fulfilling and rewarding. I believe it’s important for minority kids interested in pursuing STEM to see older minority students like ourselves succeeding in STEM — it shows them that achieving their scientific hopes and dreams is possible!
HOW HAS your experience with CSS SHAPED YOUR GOALS and career path?
WHAT research topic are you interested in exploring and why?
In Dr. Ben Philpot’s lab at the UNC Neuroscience Center, I research Pitt-Hopkins syndrome (PTHS), a rare neurodevelopmental and neurogenetic disorder that results in intellectual disabilities and cognitive deficits. My main area of interest is the study of neuronal dendritic spines and their connection to learning and memory challenges experienced by individuals with PTHS. I utilize a PTHS mouse model for this purpose. Through this work, my objective is to support the lab’s mission of advancing treatments for children with disorders like PTHS.