As we celebrate the fifth year of the FutureNeuro Summer Internship programme, we shine a spotlight on eight exceptional undergraduate students who joined our labs this summer. Over 6–8 weeks, they immersed themselves in cutting–edge research projects that address critical challenges in the field. From investigating genetic variations to exploring treatments for neurological conditions their valuable contributions underscore the importance of early research experiences, setting the stage for potential FutureNeuro-funded PhD opportunities. Let’s take a closer look at their projects.

Brian Timoney: Enhancing the Reliability of Functional Analysis Tools

Brian, a fourth-year Actuarial Mathematics student at Dublin City University, took on the challenge of addressing biases in open-source functional analysis tools. Under the supervision of Assistant Professor Daniela Tropea from Trinity College Dublin, Brian focused on refining datasets to minimise false positives and improve the reliability of research outcomes. His work aims to make functional analysis tools more accurate and impactful in advancing scientific research. 

Jiayue Sun: Unravelling the Brain Mechanisms Behind Habit Formation

Habits play a dual role in our lives: they can promote positive behaviours like regular exercise or perpetuate harmful ones such as smoking. They also play a key role in various mental health conditions, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), yet the brain mechanisms behind them remain elusive. Jiayue, a third-year psychology student at Trinity College Dublin, worked with Prof Claire Gillan to develop a gamified habit-learning task. Her project explored the distinct brain processes behind different types of habitual behaviours, potentially paving the way for more personalized mental health treatments. 

Krisha Joshi: Advancing ALS Biomarker Research 

Krisha, a third-year medical student at RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, contributed to FutureNeuro’s research on ALS diagnostic biomarkers. Under the mentorship of Professors Orla Hardiman and Jochen Prehn, Krisha gained hands-on lab experience in RNA extraction, quantitative PCR analysis, and neuron growth observation. Beyond her lab work, Krisha also attended weekly departmental meetings, where she got a chance to see some of our PhD students presenting their research. Her work is critical in identifying biomarkers that could lead to earlier and more accurate diagnoses for ALS patients. 

Krisha reflected on her experience, saying, “I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be involved in neurological research and to learn from such talented and knowledgeable individuals.”

Danielle Farrelly: Studying Genetic Variations in Neurological Conditions 

Danielle, a third-year Biological and Biomedical Sciences student at Maynooth University, focused on a source of genetic variation called short tandem repeats (STRs), small repetitive DNA sequences linked to neurological conditions like Huntington’s Disease. However, due to the limitations of current sequencing technology STRs remain difficult to characterise. Supervised by Dr Lorna Lopez and Jacob Kennedy, Danielle carried out a systematic review to find the best methods for studying STRs. Her research could help to improve the way we diagnose and treat a whole range of neurological conditions. 

Danielle shared, “This internship has been an incredible experience. I’ve sharpened my research skills and gained valuable insights into pursuing a career in research.”

Matthew O’Brien Holohan: Investigating MicroRNA’s Role in Neurological Conditions 

Changes in the CHD2 gene can cause less CHD2 protein to be made in the body. This has been linked to conditions such as developmental and epileptic encephalopathy (DEE), intellectual disability, and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Matthew, a third-year neuroscience student at University College Dublin, explored the role of tiny molecules called microRNAs in regulating the CHD2 protein. Working with Dr Gary Brennan, Matthew investigated whether blocking specific microRNAs could boost CHD2 protein levels, offering potential new treatment strategies for these challenging conditions. 

Kate Montwill: Targeting the P2X7 Receptor for Epilepsy Treatment 

With existing epilepsy treatments only effective for 60-70% of patients, new therapeutic approaches are urgently needed. Kate, a third-year neuroscience student at University College Dublin, worked with Dr Tobias Engel and Meghma Mitra to explore the role of the P2X7 receptor in epilepsy, which is found in higher levels in specific brain cells during seizures. Kate’s research focused on how this receptor behaves in glial cells following traumatic brain injury—a common trigger of epilepsy. Her work aims to identify new, more effective treatments for the condition, helping to improve outcomes for those living with epilepsy. 

“I’ve always been fascinated by how the brain influences everything from basic functions to complex thoughts. This internship has deepened that curiosity and given me a hands-on experience in research like never before,” Kate shared

Richard O’Conaill: Enhancing Clinical Research for Neurological Conditions

Richard, a third-year medical student at University College Dublin, supported the CINDI clinical research study, which focuses on children with neurological conditions caused by rare genetic changes. This study relies on an online database that gathers detailed family and medical histories, symptoms, and genetic information from both diagnosed patients and those awaiting results. Supervised by Dr Susan Byrne, Richard conducted research clinics and reviewed patient databases to improve diagnostic accuracy and guide personalised treatments for patients with inconclusive genetic tests. 

Seán O’Reilly: Unlocking the Genetic Mysteries of Rare Diseases in Ireland 

Rare diseases, though individually uncommon, collectively still affect around 6% of the Irish population. However, diagnosing rare diseases in Ireland is particularly challenging due to the lack of a centralised database. Seán, a third-year genetics student at University College Dublin, worked with Prof Gianpiero Cavalleri and Dr Laura Whelan to identify the most common rare diseases in Ireland, and pinpoint the DNA changes responsible for these conditions. Using data from the UK Biobank, which includes genetic information from many people within the NHS, Seán estimated the prevalence of disease-causing DNA changes in people of Irish ancestry. His research could lead to more accurate diagnoses and inform future genetic screening programs for rare diseases in Ireland. 

Looking Ahead 

Our Summer Internship Programme offers students not only a first hand experience of life as a neurological researcher but also the chance to develop skills and knowledge that extend beyond the lab. These experiences help lay a strong foundation for their future careers. Upon completing the programme, all our talented interns expressed a keen interest in pursuing careers in neuroscience, signalling a bright future for the field. They also enthusiastically recommend the internship to others. We encourage undergraduate students from diverse backgrounds with an interest in neurological and neuropsychiatric conditions to apply next year. We are incredibly proud of our interns’ achievements and excited to see where their research journeys lead them.