The Jackson Laboratory

"It just feels like we're closer than we ever have been. The more of these gaps that we can fill in, the faster we're going to get to a real disease - modifying therapy.” - Kristen O'Connell, Alzheimer's researcher at JAX

By studying lipids, the molecules that help keep brain cells connected, O'Connell is uncovering how memory breaks down over time and how to preserve it.

To O'Connell this work is deeply personal and more than just research. Her grandmother, who supported her early interest in science, lived with Alzheimer’s for nearly 20 years before passing away in 2014. Watching her symptoms increase over time left a lasting impression on O’Connell, and has a big influence on the research she conducts today.

Learn more about this work and how O'Connell hopes to fill critical gaps in our understanding of Alzheimer's disease in the next five to 10 years:

The memory link By studying lipids, Kristen O’Connell is uncovering how memory breaks down over time and how to preserve it.

Thirty-nine curious, high-achieving students arrived on JAX’s campuses in Bar Harbor, Maine, Farmington, Conn., and New York, N.Y. to pursue 10 weeks of hands-on research this summer.

JAX welcomes summer students to Maine, Connecticut, and New York City Summer Student Program and JAX-NYSCF Collaborative Summer Science Internship welcome the next generation of scientists.