Hello! This week marks my 5th week in Seattle! This week ended up being a combination of office work and observing testing. This week we had one TIGER family come in for testing. TIGER is a study looking at different genetic events linked with autism in order to find common phenotypes (what you can see). Learn more about it at https://depts.washington.edu/rablab/research-studies-2/research-studies/tiger/
During this visit I was able to observe different tests that I have never seen before, since during the DYRK1A conference the visits were abbreviated. I was especially able to see the certain parent testing we do. This week I also had the opportunity to present my data compilation project for DYRK1A that I completed a couple of weeks ago! I felt that the presentation went very well, and allowed for good discussion around future testing that needs to be done around DYRK1A (this list is endless!). I was able to learn a lot from this conference about DYRK1A. Especially about common symptoms found. I was also able to participate in a science discussion the lab held about Arbaclofen. Arbaclofen is a drug being used in clinical trials to see if it will alleviate common symptoms of ASD. The most interesting one to me is linked here: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5436109/ I was also able to launch into a literature review in order to gain basic information about certain topics that the lab will be addressing in one of their future papers.
This week the weather was amazing in Seattle, so I was able to ride my bike to work daily! I was also able to enjoy sunsets nightly from my host family’s deck. Additionally, I was able to play soccer on Wednesday night and Saturday morning. It was amazing to get back out on the field and I played only on the field rather than as keeper. On Saturday I went kayaking with my host family on Lake Union! While it was overcast (classic Seattle weather 🙂 ), it was still beautiful to see the Seattle sky line, gas works park, and many house boats.
One of the many sunsets I have watched!
At Dick’s Drive-In. A classic Seattle burger joint
But first a picture and then play soccer
With my host family on Lake Union
A view of gas works park from Lake Union
Sounds like the lab is keeping you busy, but I’m glad that you are finding time for some “fun” events too. Love, Mom