Pictured is Emmy Rothacker in the lab setting up a peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) to take a cross sectional area image of muscles.
Author: Emily Rothacker | Major: Exercise Science | Semester: Fall 2024
Over the 2024 fall semester, I conducted research in the Energy Availability and Muscle Metabolism Lab (EAM2) under the guidance of my mentor, Dr. Rosa-Caldwell. The lab focuses on studying the long-term effects of anorexia nervosa (AN) on the recovery process. My research focuses on the effects of AN on muscle quality following an extended recovery period. This research is critical as muscle quality influences age-related complications such as skeletal muscular injuries and muscle atrophy. The research indicates that patients with a history of AN have a significantly reduced muscle cross sectional areas (CSA) up to three months post recovery, suggesting that a history of AN leads to aging health complications and higher health care costs.
In spring 2024 I enrolled in the Honors Research Methods course, designed to teach students research grants such as grant writing and poster presentation. Initially, I struggled to narrow down my research interests, which led me to seek out a mentor. After meeting with Dr. Rosa-Caldwell I was fascinated by her work on muscle health and AN. Her research felt both impactful and applicable by addressing real world issues. Shortly after our meeting, I joined her research team and began my work in the summer and fall 2024 semesters.
Over the past nine months, I have learned about various components of research and have developed my lab skills. During the first two months in the lab, I completed many virtual and in-person trainings to help me move forward with research. After the trainings were completed I learned basic lab skills such as operating the autoclave, pipetting, and using the centrifuge. Once I became comfortable in the lab we moved forward with more specific skills for the current study. In May I began shadowing Dr. Rosa-Caldwell as she used the pQCT and learned how to analyze the data that would be collected for the study beginning in June.
In June, we began the simulated AN protocol, with two groups: 15 experimental (AN) and 15 controls (CON). Both groups were weighed daily and their food intake was monitored. The AN group underwent ~60% calorie reduction and the CON group were allowed to eat ad libitum. After 30 days of this protocol all animals were measured for post AN values and allowed to feed ad libitum. Monthly pQCT measurements were taken and analyzed, and continue to be taken.
Initially, I found operating the pQCT intimidating, but after months of preparation and persistence I gained confidence to use it on my own. The first day observing in the lab, Dr. Rosa-Caldwell demonstrated using the pQCT and the resulting images. Over the course of the year we worked together to set up the machine and take images. Although it took me several attempts to master, I successfully operated the pQCT independently during our four month testing period. Being able to independently use the pQCT was both empowering and transformative for me as a researcher. I gained confidence and a sense of accomplishment in my lab skills, making me motivated to come into the lab again.
Currently I am taking monthly pQCT measurements and analyzing muscle data for the long-term study. I am also preparing a research poster, using a template provided by my mentor, for the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Central States Conference, which I have submitted an abstract. Additionally, I submitted an abstract to the ACSM Integrative Physiology of Exercise Conference in Baltimore and am preparing for that event as well. I am also continuing my general lab skills by learning techniques such as staining, RNA isolation, and pipetting.
My time in the EAM2 lab has been rewarding, improving my confidence and enthusiasm in all realms of research. I continue to look forward to working with the lab in spring 2025.