Anne Landau - 2007 Winning Essay

Anne Landau

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a debilitating neurodegenerative disorder. Through my thesis work towards a doctoral degree in the Department of Physiology at McGill University, I have identified a novel neuroprotective agent in models of PD. My research interest lies in the development of strategies to rescue and replace diseased neurons. I plan to accomplish postdoctoral studies using brain stimulation as a potential cure for PD. My personal long-term goal is a career in biomedical research and teaching.

My first exposure to scientific research was when I worked in a DNA repair laboratory as a college student. Through this work, my interest in medical research grew which launched me into a research-based honours undergraduate program at McGill where I conducted research in a "Neurophysiology of Pain" laboratory. Funded through awards from McGill and Quebec (FRSQ), I completed the work for a Master's degree in the same laboratory. Meanwhile, watching my grandmother battle Alzheimer's disease shifted my focus to the study of neuroprotection, the topic of my doctoral research funded by a CIHR Canada Graduate Scholarship.

I received a travel grant from the Society for Neuroscience to present my findings at a meeting in Portugal, a summer research fellowship under the auspices of CIHR and the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science to conduct research in Japan, and a dissertation fellowship from Standard Life Insurance Company. These research opportunities, in conjunction with my experience in teaching, writing and problem solving have prepared me for a future as a scientific researcher.