In her pursuit of scientific research, Ziqing Xu, AHS senior, has taken an active role in searching for causes of depression and anxiety. In the summer of 2018, she used the Chronic Social Defeat Stress model in mice to investigate the correlation between social stress and the subsequent development of symptoms related to depression and anxiety. “I became interested in this topic because social stress is one of the most critical factors in the onset of depressive disorders in humans. However, responses to social stress vary greatly, and there are few known predictors of susceptibility. I made it the focus of my research,” said Ziqing Xu.
Ziqing selected her topic in the three-year Science Research class at AHS. Her project included working at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. During her junior year of high school, she presented her research at multiple competitions. She won 1st Place in Physiological/ Experimental Psychology at the Tri-County Science and Technology Fair and she was a Bronze Medalist for Science at the International Genius Olympiad.
At the conclusion of her study, Ziqing found that the severity of stress does not change vulnerability of depression, but contributed to the level of anxiety. She says future research in this area should try to pinpoint predictors of depression and anxiety. Ultimately, Ziqing notes, “There is an emphasis on mental health in schools right now and my study highlights the need for school counselors and parents to closely monitor children who experienced stress because they are at great risk of becoming anxious and depressed.” This summer, Ziqing continued her research. However, her focus shifted to look at the neurological differences between depression and anxiety in mice, in hopes of determining parts of the brain to target through medication.
Ziqing can often be found in the Ardsley Science Research classroom. Whether she is helping younger students or just cracking jokes, Ziqing never fails to make her peers smile. If she is not talking about her research, she is most likely planning Amnesty International events for the community, texting, or drinking bubble tea. “Ziqing’s optimism and positive attitude are valued. I have been impressed by her diligence with her study” said Diana Evangelista, Science Research Advisor. If you see Ziqing in the hallway, feel free to ask her about her research!