Name: Eden McMillin Gallegos
Year in Program: 2 (2nd year medical student)
Hometown: Vidalia, LA
Education: B.S. in Biochemistry, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA
Past Research Experience:
- Undergraduate: I worked in Dr. Marcia Newcomer’s biochemistry and structural biology
lab investigating the structure and function of human 5-lipoxygenase, a critical enzyme
in the process of inflammation. We discovered new insights concerning conformational
dynamics that impact the enzyme’s enzymatic activity and are in the process of submitting
our work for publication. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VE12EAthFqs
- Medical School: I worked in Dr. Patricia Molina, Dr. Stefany Primeaux, and Dr. Liz
Simon’s labs investigating the pathophysiology of HIV infection and alcohol abuse
as a T32 intern for two summers. On my first summer rotation, we investigated circulating
brain-derived neurotrophic factor as a predictor of disease severity in people living
with HIV. In my second summer, we piloted an investigation of liver histology and
gene expression of rhesus macaques that were fed a short-term high fat, high sucrose
diet. This pilot study will be built upon in my PhD, wherein the synergistic impact
of chronic alcohol administration and a high fat, high sucrose diet will be investigated.
Finally, I have been working to understand the impact of chronic alcohol administration
on liver function in SIV infected female rhesus macaques.
- Medical School: I have been working with Dr. Alison Smith to investigate intensive care protocols for organ donors in the trauma surgery patient population. Our current focus is the impact combination hormone replacement therapy has on the number of organs donated by brain-dead organ donors.
Current Research Interest:
For my PhD, I am currently interested in how chronic alcohol abuse may alter liver function and influence liver and skeletal muscle cross-talk in rhesus macaques and people living with HIV. In addition, I am interested in discovering the cumulative impact of SIV or HIV infection and/or a high fat, high sucrose diet on 1) liver function and 2) the liver’s influence on pathophysiology observed in other vital organs.
Secondly, I am interested in the influence intensive care protocols have on donated organs from brain-dead trauma patients. I am working with the trauma surgery team to establish protocols for potential organ donors after catastrophic, irreversible brain injury that would preserve the opportunity for donation.
Current Medical Interest: Abdominal Transplant Surgery; General Surgery.
Career Goal: To be a transplant surgeon-scientist that addresses the co-morbidities transplant patients face with innovative research; to address disparities in medicine and academia by helping adolescents interested in science and healthcare reach their goals through mentorship and supportive programs
What makes you unique? I am a camping and backpacking enthusiast!
What makes you common? I love cooking.