Rachel Gonzalez
I am a T32 Training Grant PhD student in Neuroscience in Dr. Lori Raetzman’s lab. My research focuses on hypothalamic development and function in the context of an external influence. In one project, we focus on the influence of water disinfection byproducts (DBPs). Prior research suggests DBPs have a negative affect on reproduction and, in particular, ovarian function. However, little is known about how they affect the hypothalamus, which itself plays a vital role in reproduction. My other project focuses on the influence of gestational diabetes
(GDM). Offspring born to mothers with GDM are often born large for gestational age and exhibit dysregulated energy homeostasis as they age. Our study focuses on GDM’s affect on the development of the hypothalamus, which acts as the master regulator of energy homeostasis.