Why did you decide to take Science Research?

“I decided to take Science Research because I hoped to look for practical ways to use my education.  The Science Research program at Sacred Heart has a reputation for allowing students to pursue problem-solving in an area of interest to them.  I hoped to use the program to gain knowledge, work with others who have research experience, and apply my knowledge in a meaningful way.”

What project are you currently working on for the course?

“I am currently studying the effect of musical therapy on cognition in patients with Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia.  Thus far, I have read journal articles to become aware of current studies in the field and contacted potential mentors about working with them on their research.  This summer I will be working with a Brown University study, connected with the National Institute on Aging, tracking the impact of music on the cognitive function and quality of life of older adults with Alzheimer’s or Dementia.”

Why did you choose to work on this topic and how do you hope your research will affect others?

“I became interested in the effect of music therapy after completing my eighth-grade ‘Making History’ community service project.  I have always been interested in music and wanted to find a way to combine that interest with my volunteering.  I found a local organization that used music therapy to improve the lives of older adults who suffer from various stages of Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia.  After seeing the positive effects of musical therapy first-hand, particularly the way it re-connects patients to the world, I wanted to learn more about how music stimulates memory.  I hope my research will make people aware of the connection between music and memory so that music therapy can be used more commonly as a way to alleviate the daily symptoms of Alzheimer’s and Dementia.”