College of Mount Saint Vincent students Present Research at Student Research & Service Symposium May 17, 2012

RIVERDALE, NY (04/24/2012)(readMedia)-- College of Mount Saint Vincent students Chelsea Modafferi and Katlin Enriquez will present their original research, "Estrogens increase generalized arousal by modulating adenosinergic (A2A) neurotransmission in the VLPO," at the College of Mount Saint Vincent Student Research and Service Symposium at 5 p.m. Thursday, May 17th in Smith Hall, Founders Hall, on the College's Riverdale campus.

Their research focuses on the role of estrogen in the modulation of generalized arousal and sleep-wake cycles in mice. In their study, using brain microinjections, they demonstrate that adenosine signaling, specifically in the VLPO of the brain, is involved in estrogen's effects of modulating the sleep-wake cycle.

Ms. Modafferi, a senior biology major from Nyack, N.Y., and Ms. Enriquez, a senior biology major from Centereach, N.Y., with their mentor Dr. Ana Ribeiro, will present their findings at the 26th Annual American Professional Sleep Society Meeting in Boston, Mass. from June 9-13th, 2012.

The College of Mount Saint Vincent Student Research and Service Symposium is held to recognize students who have engaged in significant research and service initiatives, as well as the faculty and staff who serve as their mentors. Students will have the opportunity to present and highlight their recent research and service accomplishments to the campus community along with College benefactors, peers, parents, and local guidance counselors and principals.