Administrative Diversity Supplement for Ta-Tyonna Buck.

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Project Summary: Cranial dura mater is disrupted during invasive brain surgeries, resulting in major post-surgical complications that may be fatal if left untreated. Commercial dura grafts perform sub-optimally, creating a critical need for a dura graft substitute that maintains structural integrity and reintegrates with minimal inflammation and post-surgical complications. The parent grant will pursue specific aims to evaluate the effectiveness of dura graft substitutes for dura graft replacement. Here we propose supplemental aims to investigate the role of astrocytes in healing following dura graft reintegration. The experiments and goals of the supplemental project will be incorporated into the parent grant’s methods to advance our understanding of the necessary qualities of dura graft substitutes for effective reintegration. The overall goal is for Ms. Ta-Tyonna Buck to investigate the role of astrocytes and the contributions they have to neural healing. In Supplemental Aim 1, Ta-Tyonna will utilize an in vitro model to assess the molecular mechanisms of astrocytes on the dura graft substitutes via a 3D co-culture system. In Supplemental Aim 2, she will assess the role of astrocytes in an in vivo model to measure the impact and reactivity of astrocytes following dura graft reintegration. Ta-Tyonna will gain an extensive skillset in biomedical imaging and microscopy, all of which are needed to progress in the proposed goals. Ta-Tyonna will meet weekly with Dr. Williams and the Williams lab for mentoring, research updates, feedback, and reviewing updated literature. Additionally, Ta-Tyonna will meet monthly with the parent grant investigator team for mentoring and updates on all studies. She will participate in workshops for research and writing success at UF, attend national conferences to present her work, and mentor undergraduates conducting research in the Williams Lab. Furthermore, she will attend professional development activities at conferences and research symposia to take advantage of their many networking and learning opportunities. The combined research and learning activities have been strategically outlined to support Ta-Tyonna’s progress throughout her Ph.D. and as she pursues a career in research.