Meet Raina Vin: Bridging Neurology and Psychiatry
Dr. Carolyn Fredericks (left), Raina Vin (middle), and Dr. Albert Powers (right).
Meet, Raina Vin, a third year PhD student at Yale University co-mentored by neurologist Dr. Carolyn Fredericks and psychiatrist Dr. Albert Powers. Raina uses fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging), graph theory, and dynamic causal modeling to explore how brain networks are altered in diseases like dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB) and Parkinson’s disease (PD).
Background
My undergraduate research experiences sparked my interest in exploring brain function in terms of dynamic, interconnected networks. Initially, my research was centered on brain networks involved in healthy language function, but over time, my curiosity expanded to encompass broader cognitive functions and how disruptions in brain networks contribute to neuropsychiatric symptoms. Neurodegenerative diseases like DLB and PD, which arise from abnormal protein accumulation in the brain, provide an opportunity to examine focal disruptions in brain networks and their downstream effects. The prospect of studying these networks at both cellular and systems levels to understand cognitive, motor, and psychiatric symptoms in these disorders really excites me.
Research
What is it like being co-mentored?
It has been an incredible experience! I am very grateful to have both of them as my mentors on this journey. Psychiatry and neurology have traditionally been separate fields, but this co-mentorship has opened my eyes to the meaningful overlap between them and the unique insights gained from combining perspectives. On a personal level, being part of two labs has been amazing – I’ve met wonderful people in both and truly feel like I have two families here at Yale :)
Is there anything about this process that has surprised you so far?
What surprised me most about this domain of research is that, even though DLB and PD are 'sister' illnesses stemming from the same underlying protein—and DLB accounts for a significant portion of dementia cases—most current research focuses on PD, leaving much less known about DLB. Additionally, speaking with individuals affected by DLB has been eye-opening; it has given me a deeper understanding of the disease's impact and the potential significance of our research.
Favorite Tools/Techniques
The primary neuroimaging modalities I have used to study brain networks, particularly in neurodegenerative diseases like DLB and PD, are functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and positron emission tomography (PET). While PET allows us to locate, label and measure specific proteins of interest, fMRI measures blood flow as a proxy for brain activity. My core analyses include functional connectivity (examining synchronized activity between brain regions over time), graph theory (to assess network properties of clusters of brain regions), and dynamic causal modeling (to explore directional influences between regions). Together, these techniques help reveal how brain networks are altered in these diseases.
How do you envision the findings from your research being applied?
Nearly 90% of individuals diagnosed with REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD) develop dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) or Parkinson’s disease (PD) within 14 years. However, what governs the transition to either DLB or PD remains unknown. Our research aims to uncover changes in brain structure and function during this transition to identify biomarkers that may predict conversion. Given the decade-long interval between RBD onset and PD or DLB diagnosis, our hope is that this work will lead to earlier diagnostic and intervention strategies that could potentially minimize or prevent neuropsychiatric symptoms before they emerge.
What’s been the most rewarding part of your PhD journey so far?
I am incredibly grateful that my mentors have entrusted me with leading my thesis project from start to finish. Along the way, I have had the opportunity to meet and interact with DLB, PD and RBD patients who have generously provided us with their valuable data, learn new analysis techniques, and collaborate with amazing scientists around the world. The immense learning I’ve gained in all spheres has been the most rewarding part of my PhD journey so far.
Outside Interests
When you’re not working on your PhD, what’s your favorite restaurant around New Haven to grab a meal?
I’m a big foodie, so this is a tough one! For Thai food, I love Noa – their drunken noodles and curries are delicious. Skappo is my go-to for Italian, and Miso never disappoints when I’m in the mood for Japanese!
Hobbies
To unwind, I like reading, being outdoors (a good hike really does wonders) and playing with my cat!
Words of Wisdom
When I was applying to grad school, and even after I began, I found the ambiguity and uncertainty quite challenging. There were so many decisions to make, and I often worried about making the ‘right’ ones. A piece of advice that’s really helped me handle this uncertainty—and that I’d love to share—is this: you either make the right decision, or you make your decision right. Do your best in the moment, but remember that even after a decision is made, if things don’t go as planned, with perseverance and determination you can always adjust course.
Joyce