Independent Project Kickoff Day! by Eri Maeda

Hello everyone!​

This week, I started my independent project. I started brainstorming with Dr. Purdy and Dr. Leystra two weeks ago, and I now have a question that interests me. My research revolves around the impact of isolation on mental health and aggression. This experiment reflects on how there was/is growing concern for mental health during the coronavirus pandemic. In 2021, the number of adults that reported symptoms of anxiety/depression was 40%, a steep increase from the 10% in 2019. My objective for this experiment is to understand whether this is caused by purely societal pressures (ex. unemployment) or if isolation itself affects mental health, and to what degree. In Japan, this is not just a coronavirus-related problem. Japan has a long-standing problem of "hikikomori," or people in societal withdrawal. While clinicians consider it a disorder, incessant broadcasting of specific cases like the Sagamihara stabbings created a strong social stigma associating these recluses with violence. My objective is to prove that isolation severely affects both socialization and aggression to determine how these recluses can impact society. 

​I'm relieved that the fruit flies are easy to work with. Once I got into the rhythm, handling the flies became much more manageable. I was a little nervous about "flipping" the flies (to move them from one container to another), but now I’m efficient with it. One important takeaway from my TRIP experience is to practice the protocols/processes beforehand. It's helpful if you have some experience with similar protocols, but it's best to have some practice under your belt if you don't. I am making a new protocol for an aggression assay, so I'm glad that I took the time to practice and troubleshoot my protocol before beginning my trials.

I am so glad that I'm getting to participate in TRIP! I didn't know many people outside of my school because I moved during the pandemic, so it's interesting to learn more about the schools around the area. It's been a blast so far, and I can't wait for next week! ​