Hello! My name is Hannah Vu, and I am currently a senior undergraduate at the University of Arizona. I am currently working on my Physiology and Medical Sciences degree with a minor in biochemistry and I plan on joining a public health graduate program post graduation. I joined the Cai neuroscience lab at the start of my sophomore year where we investigate the central amygdala (CeA) of the brain, which is responsible for the integration of emotion and feeding behavior. In the Cai lab, we have found the PKCδ+ neuronal subpopulation in the CeA is involved with the inhibition of feeding in a mouse model. With endoscope calcium imaging and behavioral video annotations, we are working to understand the nuances of this subpopulation during feeding and how this neuronal behavior is influenced by variables in physiological state and in disease models. This research will hopefully contribute to better understanding eating disorders in psychiatric and neurological conditions. Outside of the lab (and when I’m not studying for exams), I love exploring Tucson museums and local restaurants, as well as spending time with friends and listening to audiobooks or podcasts.
