Anna Vincze ’26

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 
Commonwealth Honors College

Ipswich, Massachusetts

Anna Vincze, a biochemistry and molecular biology major, studies the molecular mechanisms that occur in cells of the brain in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s. Her honors thesis investigates how the neurodegenerative protein tau is processed in the brain by microglia, the macrophages of the central nervous system. Vincze has participated in experimental design, troubleshooting, and data analysis, contributing to findings published in the journal Neurobiology of Disease. She also presented her research at the Massachusetts Undergraduate Research Conference. Her ongoing work seeks to investigate genetic risk factors involved in Alzheimer’s disease.

What inspires you to do this work?

I find it motivating that with each experiment, I come closer to learning something new about how the cells in our brain work, particularly what happens when something goes wrong. When I design and perform an experiment that yields meaningful data and answers even just a small part of my research question, it always inspires me to ask more questions. Being able to contribute to a better understanding of how neurodegenerative disease progresses would allow for the discovery of potential therapeutics targets, and hopefully bring us closer to a cure.

What are you most proud of?

While I am very proud of my contributions to the work that is published in Neurobiology of Disease, I am even more proud of the skills and self-confidence I’ve gained over the past few years working in Professor Jennifer Rauch’s lab. I’ve been able to refine the way in which I approach a scientific question and my critical analysis of experimental results. I’ve learned exciting techniques such as how to culture and differentiate stem cells, as well as how to be resilient, creative, and a more rigorous scientist.

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How does your faculty mentor support your work?

My faculty mentor, Professor Rauch, has been an integral part of my research career. She is always available to help me with my projects, while also giving me the freedom to explore my interests and encouraging me to take a lead on my research and ask ambitious questions. During our meetings to discuss my progress, she provides valuable feedback and helps me troubleshoot and plan next steps in a way that pushes me to think deeper about my work. I am extremely grateful for the support I’ve received from both Professor Rauch and my graduate student mentors in the lab, Andrew Shultz and Daya Mena, who have helped me tremendously in all aspects of my work.

How has research enhanced your education at UMass?

By participating in research, I’ve learned more than I could in any class by applying theory to practice. I’ve also had the privilege of meeting and working with countless talented and passionate scientists. This experience has solidified my goal of continuing on to graduate school and ultimately pursuing a career in research. I’ll be starting my PhD at the University of Michigan next fall!

I’ve also had the opportunity to present my work at the Massachusetts Undergraduate Research Conference and to work as a research mentor at the Office of Undergraduate Research and Studies to guide my peers toward finding research opportunities they are excited about. 

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