Everett native Navkiran Aujla presents at Murdock College Science Research Conference

WALLA WALLA, WA (11/01/2012)(readMedia)-- Everett native Navkiran Aujla recently presented her findings on the neurology of drug abuse at the Murdock College Science Research Conference at Whitman College.

Aujla spent 11 weeks conducting research for her thesis at the Schoenbaum Lab at the National institute on Drug Abuse. Her goal was to find out how two brain regions, the dorsolateral striatum and dorsomedial striatum, are involved in mediating goal-directed behaviors versus habitual behaviors as it relates to drug addiction. Further knowledge on the subject may be helpful in improving treatment for drug abusers.

Aujla is the daughter of Jatinder Singh and Mukhpal Jeji of Everett, Wash., and a 2009 graduate of Mariner High School.

At Whitman, Aujla is a Biophysics, Biochemistry, and Molecular Biology major. She enjoys running and attending plays and a capella performances.

Whitman College, Walla Walla, Wash., is honored to attract students like Aujla who represent the Whitman mosaic- down to earth, high achievers with diverse interests.Whitman is the premier liberal arts college that combines academic excellence with an unpretentious Northwest culture and an engaging community. An independent, non-sectarian residental college, Whitman fosters intellectual vitality, confidence and leadership in its 1,450 students. Also noted for its commitment to environmental principles, Whtiman is characterized by intellect, down-to-earth sensibilities, collaboration over competition and active lifestyle.