Natalie DiProspero
Lab Research Projects
I contribute to the following research areas in the Translational Neuroscience Laboratory.
DiProspero N, Keator DB, Phelan M, van Erp TGM, Doran E, Powell DK, Van Pelt KL, Schmitt FA, Head E, Lott IT, Yassa MA. Selective impairment of long-range default mode network functional connectivity as a biomarker for preclinical Alzheimer’s disease in people with Down syndrome, Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease. 2022;85(1):153-65. doi: 10.3233/JAD-210572.
DiProspero N, Kim S, Yassa, M. Magnetic resonance imaging biomarkers for cognitive decline in Down syndrome. In: Head E, Lott I, editors. The neurobiology of aging and Alzheimer disease in Down syndrome. 1st ed. Cambridge (MA): Elsevier Academic Press. 2021. p. 149-172.
Reagh ZM, Roberts JM, Ly M, DiProspero N, Murray E, Yassa MA. Spatial discrimination deficits as a function of mnemonic interference in aged adults with and without memory impairment. Hippocampus. 2014;24(3):303-14. doi: 10.1002/hipo.22224.
Selected Posters:
DiProspero N,Lingad JN, Chappel-Farley MG, Henningfield CM, Yassa MO. Building a sustainable model of neuroscience education and community outreach. Poster presented at: Annual Meeting of the Society for Neuroscience; 2022 Nov 12-16; San Diego, CA.
DiProspero N,Sathishkumar M, McMillan L, Keator DB, Doran E, Hom C, Nguyen D, Rosas HD, Lai F, Brickman AM, Schupf N, Silverman W, Lott IT, Yassa MA. Default mode network and medial temporal lobe functional connectivity changes with Alzheimer’s disease severity and cognitive impairment in individuals with Down syndrome. Poster presented at: Alzheimer’s Association International Conference; 2022 Jul 31 – Aug 4; San Diego, CA.
DiProspero N, Keator DB, van Erp TGM, Doran E, Lott IT, Yassa MA. Reduced long-range default mode network connectivity predicts conversion to Alzheimer’s disease in older individuals with Down syndrome. Poster presented at: Annual Meeting of the Society for Neuroscience; 2019 Oct 19-23; Chicago, IL.
- Trainee Professional Development Award, Society for Neuroscience (2021)
- Director’s Excellence Award, Center for the Neurobiology of Learning and Memory, University of California – Irvine (2021)
- Predoctoral appointment to T32 Ruth L. Kirschstein Institutional National Research Service Award: Training in the Neurobiology of Aging and Alzheimer’s Disease (2T32AG000096-31), Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders, University of California – Irvine (2019)
- Jared M. Roberts Memorial Graduate Student Travel Award, Center for the Neurobiology of Learning and Memory, University of California – Irvine (2019)
- Outstanding Poster Award, NIH Postbac Poster Day (2017)
- NIA Scientific Director’s Award, NIA Scientific Retreat (2017)
- Outstanding Poster Award, NIH Postbac Poster Day (2016)
- College Honors in Arts and Sciences, Washington University in St. Louis (2015)
- Summer Undergraduate Research Award, Washington University in St. Louis (2012)
What the lab means to me…
“I was nervous to move across the country for graduate school, but looking back, it was one of the best decisions I have ever made. The Yassa lab has become my home away from home, and Mike has been a mentor every step of the way. He encourages us to pursue our research interests, even if they diverge from current or previous lines of research in the lab. He challenges us to grow our knowledge and skills by attending courses, workshops, and seminars relevant to our personal and professional development. But most importantly he fosters community among the members of the lab. We share our stories, our ideas, and our passions (especially food-related ones like homemade kombucha and baked goods!). I’m proud to be a part of this amazing science family.”