scientific and medical research
scientific and medical research
Click on the article for a link to the journal
(+)-Catharanthine potentiates the GABA(A) receptor by binding to a transmembrane site at the β(+)/α(-) interface near the TM2-TM3 loop
Principle Investigators: Dr. R. Adron Harris & Dr. Robert Messing
Research Supervisor: Dr. Cecilia Borghese
Waggoner Center for Alcohol and Addiction Research (WCAAR) in Austin, TX
Throughout her undergraduate years, Natalie worked in the WCAAR where she utilized electrophysiology techniques on Xenopus oocytes. Her work focused on investigating the effects of different compounds on GABAA receptors and verifying the locations at which these compounds bind
This research culminated in a project that analyzed the β-selectivity of promising compounds (pyrazoloquinolinones) for aiding individuals with alcohol addiction.
Click on the poster for a link to the abstract
Pediatric Psychogenic Nonepileptic Events - Survey of Parent and Patient Perspectives
PI: Dr. Daniel Freedman, D.O.
Project presented at the AAN Annual Meeting 2025
Spurred on by her love of neurology and dedication to patients diagnosed with functional neurologic disorders, Natalie joined Dr. Daniel Freedman in surveying patients and parents from UT Health’s Psychogenic Nonepileptic Events (PNEE) Clinic to better understand their perspectives on a PNEE diagnosis in the pediatric population.
Through their survey, they collected and analyzed both qualitative and quantitative data to better understand parents and patients.
Click on the poster for a PDF copy
Enhancing Patient-Centered Discharge Instructions in Outpatient Care
Research Team: Natalie Lim, Bassell Alsad, Nuha Arefin
Research Supervisor: Dr. Eileen C. Bowden, M.D.
Project presented at the Interprofessional Health Showcase 2025
During their second year of medical school, Natalie, Bassell, and Nuha all had patients lost to follow-up and ones who created their own discharge packets. They decided to evaluate the current process of discharge and the state of discharge paperwork at Dell Seton Medical Center; they aimed to identify avenues to improve either the process or paperwork so patients could feel more agency and autonomy outside of the hospital.
Due to administrative hurdles in the inpatient setting, the team pivoted to working in an outpatient ophthalmology clinic to serve visually impaired patients after surgeries. However, their research was unable to be fully completed due to time constraints.