Highlighting Student: Mark Osabutey, Graduate of the Doctor of Medicine program
Mark Osabutey, a second-year Neuroscience graduate student at the University of Rochester Medical Center, is making strides in understanding the effects of ionizing radiation on the brain. His research, funded by a grant augmentation from NASA, focuses on neuroinflammation and cognitive changes following exposure to such radiation.
Born and raised in Ghana, Osabutey began his academic journey at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, where he completed both his undergraduate studies in Human Biology and his medical degree. After three years as a physician in Kumasi, Ghana, Osabutey felt a calling towards basic science research during his preclinical years. This led him to the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, where he is now pursuing his graduate studies.
Osabutey's research interests primarily revolve around neuroinflammation and the cognitive changes that occur after the brain is exposed to ionizing radiation. His work seeks to better understand the biological mechanisms underlying radiation-induced brain injury, which can be critical for developing protective strategies and treatments for individuals exposed to ionizing radiation, such as cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy or people exposed to environmental radiation.
One of the key areas of Osabutey's research involves identifying subpopulations of microglia and their molecular differences based on sex using single-cell RNA sequencing in mice exposed to space radiation. This research could provide valuable insights into the role of microglia, a type of brain cell, in radiation-induced brain injury and cognitive decline.
The University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, according to Osabutey, offers exceptional research facilities and a supportive environment for graduate students. This supportive environment has enabled Osabutey to make significant strides in his research, such as helping diagnose a 13-year-old boy with neuromyelitis optica, a central nervous system disorder, using his medical knowledge.
In addition to his research, Osabutey aims to establish a neuroscience research center in Ghana. This centre would contribute to advancing neuroscience research in Africa and provide opportunities for African researchers to contribute to global scientific discourse.
Osabutey recently travelled to Texas to present his research at a NASA conference, highlighting the importance of his work in understanding the effects of space radiation on cognitive function. Space radiation, he explains, can cause cognitive decline and loss of fine motor skills, making it crucial to understand its impact on the brain.
As Osabutey continues his research, he is making significant strides in understanding the complex relationship between radiation and brain function. His work could pave the way for new treatments and protective strategies for individuals exposed to ionizing radiation, making a significant impact on public health.
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