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12 Headlines Grace Johnstone “Have you heard of the term three-alarm fire?,” asks Grace Johnstone, who completed her summer studentship at the University of Otago, Wellington last year. In the United States, ‘three-alarm fire’ is a way of classifying the severity of a fire for emergency services. To most Kiwis it does not mean anything, yet it is one of several ‘Americanisms’ used in neuropsychological memory tests in New Zealand, that are crucial for diagnosing, treating, and managing many neurological conditions. “Presently, there are limited options for cognitive assessments that have been standardised or normed within an Aotearoa New Zealand context,” Grace explains. “As a result, psychologists in Aotearoa have largely adopted overseas approaches which are not always the most suitable for individuals who have been raised in New Zealand, particularly Māori and Pasifika.” “For instance, to us, Subway is a sandwich restaurant, but in the tests they are referring to public transportation. Or the test might use Cleveland, Ohio as an example of a place, and if you don’t know where that is, it may not connect with you on the same level. These subtle ‘Americanisms’ can alter your performance and scores on the tests.” Over the summer, Grace completed an in-depth analysis of current practises related to neuropsychological testing in New Zealand. She focused on memory, as it is the most commonly reported neurological complaint. “We found clinicians were adjusting the test so it made sense within a New Zealand context, but then the tests are not necessarily standardised, which is problematic.” Grace is studying psychology and became interested in neuropsychology after suffering severe concussions while playing basketball in high school. “I still have ongoing migraines, which have been debilitating and can really impact my ability to study or work. It made me realise how severe concussions can be and that they are not limited to rugby players. My concussions have motivated me to want to understand the brain a lot more and how it interrelates with our behaviour.” At the age of 21, Grace will soon have four published research papers to her name. Both papers written during this studentship are in the process of being published in neuropsychology journals. She has previously published works on COVID-19 lockdowns and the mental health of people with rheumatic disease, thanks to a scholarship provided by Arthritis New Zealand. Alastair Hadlow Fifth-year medical student Alastair Hadlow was thrilled to spend his summer contributing to a project that could improve the lives of people with spinal cord injuries. He joined a research team at the University of Otago’s Department of Anatomy led by Dr Laura Gumy. The team studies how to encourage damaged neurons and axons to regenerate after spinal cord trauma. “In the human nervous system, peripheral nerves like those in your hands, legs and feet can regenerate after damage. But those in your brain and spinal cord lack the same ability,” Alastair explains. The study he joined is investigating whether axons, the threads that join neurons, have an intrinsic ability to regenerate and if this could be encouraged by altering the proteins within the cells. Alastair’s role was hands-on. He led his own experiments, observing how stem cell-derived human neurons react to the absence of a protein within the cell. “A big reason I wanted to do this was because of the direct experience you get in a lab. I was encouraged to take initiative on my own experiment, while my supervisor and other co- supervisors were always nearby to help if I needed it.” THE NEXT GENERATION Each year the Neurological Foundation selects three promising students to receive a Summer Studentship. The scheme helps them to gain research skills and experience in the field of neuroscience. Priority is given to those with little or no research experience. We catch up with the three bright young minds who completed their studentships last summer.