NAME: Ayanna Fourte
YEAR OF STUDY: Junior
MAJOR(S): Psychology
MENTOR(S): Dr. Kimberly Williams
DEPARTMENT(S): Neuroscience, Pathology
CURRENT RESEARCH ACTIVITIES: The implementation of HIV Associated Neurocognitive Disorder (HAND), the effects of low estrogen that may worsen HAND, as well as the connection between the neuroinflammation associated with both HIV and PTSD.
OTHER RESEARCH EXPERIENCES: I have been an intern with RISE program for the past two years. Prior to this opportunity, I completed a summer internship after my freshman year at the University of Pennsylvania known as SUIP under the mentorship of Dr. Kelly Jordan-Sciutto and Dr. Kimberly Williams in the pathology department. In this program, this was the start of my journey in HIV research. I continued my research into the school year with RISE and also participated in the RISE Virtual Summer internship after my sophomore year. I have presented my research at the RISE Symposium, ABRCMS conference (2 years consecutively), LANS conference and more.
CAREER ASPIRATIONS AND GOALS: I aspire to earn a MD-Ph.D. (Clinical Psychology).
RESEARCH INTEREST: Mental Health disparities
OTHER RELEVANT INFORMATION:
While being a student and research Intern with RISE program, I am also a business owner of Flowers of Youth, INC. and Go-Bowl Smoothie, LLC. Flowers of Youth is a nonprofit focused on teaching kids the benefits and fun of healthy eating. Go-Bowl Smoothie is a business which sells healthy meals such as smoothies, smoothie bowls, parfaits, avocado toast, and more.
