Student researcher Elizabeth Spurlock reflects on her experience working with populations who have served.Traumatic brain injuries and post-traumatic stress disorder disproportionately affect the veteran community.
This Veterans Day, student researcher Elizabeth Spurlock reflects on her experience investigating issues related to brain health in populations who have served. She discusses the role of research in understanding the needs of the veteran community and provides resources for supporting veterans locally and nationally.
Her research is conducted in collaboration with the Beckman Institute and the Chez Veterans Center.
"Veterans Day is a great day to say not just 'thank you,' but to reflect upon how you yourself can be of service to the veterans in your community," she said.
Spurlock is a fifth-year, pre-med student studying molecular and cellular biology and psychology at the University of Illinois. At the Beckman Institute, she conducts research alongside Aaron Anderson, the assistant director of the Biomedical Imaging Center. Following her graduation in spring 2022, she hopes to continue using MRI technology to study brain health in the veteran and athlete communities.
Use these resources to support veterans in your community:
- Illinois Joining Forces: https://www.illinoisjoiningforces.org/
- Chez Veterans Center: https://chezveteranscenter.ahs.illinois.edu/
- Wounded Warrior Project: https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/
- Project Enlist (Concussion Legacy Foundation): https://concussionfoundation.org/programs/project-enlist
To learn more about the Biomedical Imaging Center at the Beckman Institute, visit its website: http://bic.beckman.illinois.edu/
