Honors Student Advances Alzheimer’s Research Through Prestigious Fulbright Canada Internship
By Gary Hyatt, WSU Honors College, gary.hyatt1@wsu.edu
For Honors student Gabriella “GiGi” Searle, this past summer provided an opportunity few undergraduate researchers ever experience: conducting international biomedical research through the prestigious Fulbright Canada Mitacs Globalink Research Internship.
A Genetics and Cell Biology major from Burlington-Edison, Washington, Searle spent the summer in Sherbrooke, Quebec, working in the laboratory of Dr. Benoit Laurent at the Université de Sherbrooke. There, she joined a team investigating one of the most pressing challenges in modern medicine: understanding and treating Alzheimer’s disease.
Searle’s project focused on the choroid plexus, a structure in the brain that helps regulate and protect the central nervous system. Using organoid models derived from human patient cells, she investigated how genetic risk factors associated with Alzheimer’s disease may affect the development and function of this important tissue.
The experience allowed Searle to move beyond the classroom and immerse herself in the realities of scientific discovery. In the laboratory, she gained experience with advanced research and learned how researchers navigate the challenges and unexpected results that are a natural part of the scientific process.
Just as valuable was the opportunity to work alongside an international community of scientists. Researchers in the laboratory came from countries including Canada, France, Tunisia, and Scotland, exposing Searle to a variety of perspectives and approaches to scientific research.
“Working in a research laboratory abroad allowed me to develop as both a student and a scientist,” Searle said. “I gained experience with new laboratory techniques, strengthened my ability to think critically and independently about scientific questions, and learned how to approach the challenges that naturally arise during research.”
Outside of the laboratory, living in Quebec offered its own lessons. Navigating a new city, university, and culture challenged her to become more independent and adaptable while broadening her understanding of the global scientific community. 
By the end of the summer, Searle returned with more than research experience. She gained confidence in her abilities as a scientist and an even stronger commitment to a future in biomedical research.
The internship also reinforced her long-term goals. After earning her undergraduate degree, Searle plans to pursue a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences and ultimately lead her own university research laboratory as a principal investigator.
“Most importantly, this experience reinforced that scientific research is the career I want to pursue,” she reflected.
Through opportunities like the Fulbright Canada Mitacs Globalink Research Internship and support from The Honors College, Honors students continue to expand their learning beyond campus, applying their knowledge to real-world challenges while preparing to make meaningful contributions in their fields. For Searle, a summer spent researching Alzheimer’s disease in Canada brought her one step closer to a future dedicated to scientific discovery and improving human health.
