Alexander Trainor

Hi! My name is Alex Trainor and I am a third-year biology major at the University of Prince Edward Island. I have a strong passion for learning about human biology and the application of related theory for medical purposes. My specific interest in neuroscience and in-vitro stem cell models led me to pursue a research project with Dr. Jay Penney in the Department of Biomedical Sciences at the Atlantic Veterinary College. I was fortunate enough to receive an NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Award to fund my project studying the effects of a Parkinson's disease risk gene mutation on human microglia. Throughout the project, I gained experience in cell culture, stem cell differentiation methods, flow cytometry, and immunological techniques, among other essential laboratory skills. This summer, I am excited to work with Dr. Rachel Harding to learn more about drug target validation and the molecular mechanisms of neurodegenerative repeat expansion disorders. 

Outside of academia, I am an avid long-distance runner and an active participant in a PEI-based running group. I also enjoy giving back to my community through my volunteer work in the Emergency Department at my local hospital, helping at events with Culture Summerside, and facilitating a Personal Finance Club at my former high school.