Where Research Meets Purpose: Inside MUSC’s Health and Rehabilitation Science Ph.D. Program

Pooja Pradeep, a Ph.D. candidate in the Health and Rehabilitation Science program at MUSC, is tackling one of today’s most urgent public health challenges—Alzheimer’s disease—through the lens of diet, metabolism, and neuroinflammation. With a background in biochemistry and a growing passion for translational research, she shares how the program’s collaborative culture, hands-on coursework, and research opportunities have shaped her development as a scientist, and how she hopes to use that foundation to impact both patient care and public policy.

What’s your academic background, and what drew you to CHP’s Ph.D. program?
My academic journey began with a bachelor's and master's degree in Biochemistry from Kerala University and Mahatma Gandhi University, respectively, in India, where I built a foundation in molecular biology and biomedical research. During my studies, I interned at the Indian Institute of Science and the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, which ignited my passion for neuroscience. My interest deepened when I worked as research assistant in a neuroscience lab at MUSC, where I was introduced to two-photon imaging [a fluorescence imaging technique that is particularly well-suited to image scattering living tissue of up to about one millimeter in thickness.] Witnessing the brain’s dynamics in real time was an exciting experience that solidified my interest in neuroscience research.

My mentor at the time encouraged me to explore the Ph.D. program in Health and Rehabilitation Science at CHP. After learning more about its interdisciplinary approach and strong research focus, I realized it was the perfect place for me to expand my knowledge and work on real-world health challenges.

What’s your current research focus, and why is this work important to you?
My research focuses on how diet-induced midlife obesity influences neuroinflammation and the progression of Alzheimer’s disease-related dementias (ADRD). Specifically, I study how a high-fat diet activates the receptor for advanced glycation end-products (RAGE), a key player in neuroinflammation that also interacts with amyloid beta, a hallmark of Alzheimer’s pathology.

As nearly 40 percent of the U.S. population consumes at least one high-calorie, high-fat meal daily, understanding the connection between diet, metabolic dysfunction, and cognitive decline is critical. With Alzheimer’s cases expected to double by 2050, understanding how lifestyle factors like diet influence disease progression is more urgent than ever. My research focuses on how RAGE-mediated signaling links metabolic dysfunction to neuroinflammation, providing insights that could help shape future interventions, paving the way for interventions that target lifestyle factors like diet to improve neurovascular health and cognitive function. This research is meaningful to me because it bridges molecular mechanisms with real-world health outcomes, offering insights into prevention strategies and potential treatment approaches.

How did you initially connect with your mentor, and how has she helped shape your experience in the program? What does mentorship mean to you?
The program co-directors recommended that I meet with Dr. Catrina Robinson in the MUSC College of Medicine, and from our first conversation and my interactions with the lab members, I knew she would be an excellent mentor. She presented several project opportunities, allowing me to choose the one that aligned most with my interests.

Dr. Robinson played a key role in refining my research focus and guiding me through experimental design and data analysis. Beyond technical expertise, she encouraged independent thinking and helped me develop confidence in formulating my own research questions. When she transitioned to NIH, the program facilitated my smooth transition to Dr. DeAnna Baker Frost’s MUSC lab, where I am currently receiving strong mentorship and support in shaping my final dissertation aims. Dr. Baker Frost provides valuable insights into my research methodologies and innovative approaches to studying neuroinflammation.

To me, mentorship goes beyond academic guidance; it builds confidence, resilience, and growth. A good mentor helps navigate challenges and pushes you to reach your maximum potential, providing necessary support. It's about pivotal moments when someone believes in you before you do. Dr. Robinson and Dr. Baker Frost both challenged and supported me, shaping my confidence as a researcher.

What’s been your favorite part of the program so far?
One of the best aspects of the program has been the collaborative and supportive community. Engaging with peers from diverse backgrounds has broadened my perspective and made discussions more enriching, whether through scientific conversations, interdisciplinary collaborations, or casual brainstorming sessions. As an international student, I was initially unsure of how easily I would integrate into a new academic and cultural environment, but the program has made me feel truly included.

I also appreciate the program’s emphasis on translational research, which connects fundamental discoveries to real-world applications in health care. Additionally, the hands-on coursework, including systematic review and grant writing classes, has been incredibly valuable, providing practical skills that will be useful throughout my research career. Regular check-ins with the program co-directors have also been helpful in staying on track and making steady progress.

What are your goals once you earn your degree?
After completing my Ph.D., I plan to continue working as both a researcher and an educator, developing interventions that improve neurovascular health and cognitive function in Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD). Mentoring is also something I look forward to.

In the long run, I hope to transition into policymaking, where I can help bridge the gap between scientific research and public health initiatives. By integrating research findings into health care policies, I want to contribute to meaningful changes that promote brain health and improve aging outcomes on a broader scale.

My Ph.D. journey so far has been both challenging and rewarding, encouraging me to think critically and approach problems with a multidisciplinary mindset. I’m grateful for the mentorship, collaborative environment, and research opportunities that have shaped my experience. Moving forward, I’m excited to apply what I’ve learned so far to make a meaningful impact in the field of ADRD research and beyond.