Ines Žabkar Concludes Her Research Visit at the Feinberg School of Medicine, NU
We are pleased to announce that Ines Žabkar, MD, Junior Fellow generation 2023, has successfully completed her 10-week research visit at Professor Dr Dimitri Krainc’s lab at Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University, Chicago.
During her time at the lab, Ines focused on developing a predictive model for identifying Parkinson’s disease patients by analyzing proteomics data from urine and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) datasets. Ines identified key proteins that could be integrated into a multi-modal prediction model encompassing genomics, transcriptomics, methylomics, and proteomics data. This project not only enhanced her coding abilities but also provided her with valuable experience in independently developing computational research projects.
In addition to her computational work, Ines also gained hands-on experience in “wet lab” techniques. She learned the process of differentiating induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) into cortical neurons, which are used to create cellular models of specific neurodegenerative diseases. This experience taught her how to develop essential research questions that can be translated into clinical research applications.
Ines also had the opportunity to observe the clinical environment within the American healthcare system, particularly in the specialized movement disorders clinic. This exposure provided her with a valuable view of how ideas are brought from the clinic to the bench and vice versa. Additionally, she gained valuable clinical experience as a doctor in training.
Beyond her research work, Ines made the most of her free time in Chicago. She explored the city’s vibrant cultural scene by visiting renowned art institutions such as the Art Institute of Chicago and the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA), enjoying live music at historic jazz venues like The Green Mill, and participated in an architectural river tour. Ines connected with members of the Slovenian community in Chicago, including past, present, and future ASEF fellows, and visited the Slovenian Cultural Center in Lemont.
She further extended her exploration beyond Chicago and Illinois, spending a weekend in St. Louis, Missouri where she met other ASEF fellows and members of the Slovenian community from Cleveland. She also enjoyed a hiking visit to Starved Rock State Park.
Ines is deeply grateful to Professor Dimitri Krainc, MD, and his team for providing her with this invaluable experience. Their exceptional quality of research and dedication have inspired her to cultivate a critical approach to studying movement disorders. Ines plans to apply the knowledge and skills she gained during her time in Chicago to her clinical work in Slovenia, with the goal of developing new, independent research projects in the future.
We offer our heartfelt congratulations to Ines and wish her all the best in her future endeavors!
We also thank the Office for Youth and all ASEF donors for supporting the work of ASEF and our Junior Fellows.