Dhanushki Abeykoon, University of Kansas Medical Center/University of Kansas
By Frontiers , Clinical and Translational Science Institute
Aug 30, 2024
Dhanushki Abeykoon, University of Kansas Medical Center/University of Kansas
Validation of a Novel CSF-Based Biomarker of Mitochondrial Function
Dhanushki Abeykoon, from KU Lawrence, participated as a scholar in the TL1 Predoctoral program. Her research project titled "Validation of a Novel CSF-Based Biomarker of Mitochondrial Function" was conducted at the University of Kansas School of Medicine in the School of Pharmacy under the guidance of Russell Swerdlow, M.D. This project commenced on July 1, 2023, and concluded June 30, 2024.
During the TL1 predoctoral award period, she worked on a research project to identify a novel cerebrospinal fluid-based biomarker for assessing brain mitochondrial function in living patients, acquiring valuable wet lab skills in exosome isolation, DNA isolation, and quantification methods like droplet digital PCR. She successfully completed the Master of Clinical Research degree, taking courses in biostatistics, data management, clinical research, biomedical informatics, epidemiology, and scientific writing. Additionally, Abeykoon enhanced her scientific knowledge, skills, and networking by attending national meetings, presenting at conferences, and participating in workshops and scholar club meetings, all of which have prepared her for a successful career in clinical research and patient care as a pharmacist.