Anna Drillen

Education

• BA in Neuroscience and Psychology, Emmanuel College MA

Interests

My research interests involve investigating gene-environment interactions and their effects on behavior, particularly in the context of psychiatric disorders and neuroinflammation. I am interested in exploring both genetic predispositions, immunology, and environmental stressors to observe their outcomes on mouse models of disease.

Biography

I graduated from Emmanuel College in Boston Massachusetts with a Bachelors in Neuroscience and Psychology. In Boston, I worked under Dr. Melanie Leussis focused on understanding the role of psychiatric risk gene Ankyrin 3 (ANK3), in modulating stress susceptibility, anxiety-like behaviors, and addiction-like behaviors related to psychiatric diseases such as bipolar disorder and alcohol use disorder. During my research, I investigated the molecular mechanisms underlying ANK3 disruption, including its effects on glucocorticoid receptor availability and the HPA axis. I plan to pursue a PhD to deepen my understanding of neurobiological mechanisms behind neurological disease and contribute to the development of more effect treatments, ultimately establishing my own laboratory to mentor future scientists and advance this important area of research!