Amber Fu is a senior majoring in neuroscience with minors in philosophy and chemistry. This past summer, she participated in the Summer Neuroscience Program (SNP), an eight-week Duke summer program that enables undergraduates to jumpstart their senior theses by working one-on-one with faculty mentors.
“I was excited to participate in SNP and become closer to the neuroscience community,” Fu shared. “I wanted to learn more about what kind of research other undergrads are working on. Even though we’re all studying neuroscience, because the field is still growing and so interdisciplinary in nature, everyone’s projects and research focuses were all very different and unique.”
This summer, Fu is conducting research in the Andrew West Lab, which studies the pathogenic mechanisms of Parkinson’s Disease. Her research explores the relationship between environmental plastic exposure and neurodegenerative disease risk. Using both neuronal cell cultures and mouse models, she studies how nanoplastic particles effect protein aggregation, a hallmark of Parkinson’s.
"I wanted to learn more about what kind of research other undergrads are working on. Even though we’re all studying neuroscience, because the field is still growing and so interdisciplinary in nature, everyone’s projects and research focuses were all very different and unique."
“Considering our increased exposure to plastics over the years, it is important to explore how these kinds of environmental factors can play a role in the development of neurodegenerative diseases, like Parkinson’s.”
Outside of conducting research, Fu is also an active member of various communities at Duke. As a Baldwin Scholar, a Math 111 TA, and a member of Club Basketball, Fu enjoys “meeting new people and exploring all Duke has to offer. Beyond my studies, I try to prioritize fostering deep and meaningful relationships with people across all of Duke’s diverse student body. There is so much you can learn outside the classroom and lab!”
Fu’s curiosity extends outside of Duke to Durham as well. In addition to all the nature and outdoor adventures North Carolina has to offer, Fu also loves “exploring the Durham food scene. There are so many amazing restaurants serving different kinds of cuisines and styles. I love trying new spots and learning more about this city through the food and its people.”
Fu’s explorative nature had led the Palo Alto native to the East Coast, and she hopes her next stop will be overseas. Inspired by the Philosophy of Medicine course she took during her time abroad at University College London, Fu hopes to pursue further studies in philosophy of science and medicine. “Although these fields may seem separate, studying philosophy can really enhance your understanding of science. By examining the foundations of my scientific knowledge through a philosophical lens, I gained a deeper appreciation of my studies and became more aware of the assumptions that guided my research.” Therefore, before medical school, Fu hopes to pursue studies in philosophy.
Department of Psychology & Neuroscience
