Dermatology Doctoral Student Wins Prize at National Conference

Kristen Sanders, a fourth-year doctoral student in the Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, won a top prize for her presentation at the 2018 Eastern-Atlantic Student Research Forum in Miami.

Kristen Sanders with award.

Sanders’ presentation, “Characterization and Optogenetic Manipulation of the Affective Itch Circuit in Mouse Models of Itch,” took first place in the Outstanding Basic Science Oral Presentations competition during Graduate Student Research Day, which was sponsored by the Medical Faculty Association. Her project focused on modeling the relationship between neurological activation and changes in behavior related to itch.

“I’m honored that my work was recognized at a national conference at which there were dozens of entries by graduate students from across the country,” said Sanders. “I hope that my work will draw greater attention to the field of itch research.”

Tags: Eastern-Atlantic Student Research Forum, Kristen Sanders, medical education