Olya Brazhnikova

Undergraduate Researcher

obrazh@umich.edu

Hello! I’m an undergraduate student at the University of Michigan, majoring in Neuroscience and Biophysics through the LSA Honors College. I have a strong interest in researching neurodegenerative diseases, and I hope to pursue a PhD after graduation.

In the Kaczorowski Lab, I am mentored by Dr. Elizabeth Litkowski and contribute to a project investigating how genetic differences shape molecular and cellular features relevant to cognitive aging and Alzheimer’s disease. My work focuses on using Western blots and other molecular techniques to measure differences in protein expression across genotypes in a mouse model.

Outside the lab, I love spending time outdoors—whether hiking, running, backpacking, skiing, paddleboarding, or traveling—as well as reading and cooking. I’m also a big fan of Michigan sports (Go Blue!).