Hello! This week was my first
full week at the Bernier Lab at Center on Development and Disability at the University of Washington. Toward the beginning of week, as we finished up the DYRKA1a conference, I observed a Module 3 ADOS. Then for the rest of the week, I prepared and trained for a Clinical Trial happening at the lab which tests a CBC cream on those with Fragile X. As this clinical trial starts to move onto the double-blind experiment, I think it is a very cool trial to be apart and observe because it is trying to develop a drug to alleviate the different symptoms of Fragile X Syndrome. Eva, a postdoctorate, my mentor that is teaching me about the clinical side of this lab, was kind enough to talk me through some of the procedures they perform at the lab. She also let me listen onto a webinar about the neurological diversity in autism and the developing treatments available to alleviate serve symptoms.
When I was not helping out with this Clinical Trial, I was able to explore around the university and the surrounding areas. This week I was able to stay with Micah, one of my mentors and her family. We were very busy hanging out with her two little girls, Ella and Chloe. I was also able to play soccer twice this week: indoor and outdoor! This weekend I was able to go downtown for the first time and explore by doing all the tourists things! It started with Pike’s Place Market with Micah and her family, and then I went on myself to explore Chihuly Garden and Glass and the space needle. In the evening, I went to a Sounders game. They won dramatically in the last few minutes!
at the Chihuly Garden and Glass
Playing with Ella
Claire, I am excited to hear of your experiences at the lab and in and around Seattle. I’ve worked with one student in my career who had Fragile X Syndrome. This is very interesting research. Love, Mom