Name: Nikko Gutierrez
Hometown: Glendale, CA
Lab: Regulatory Biology Laboratory of Satchidananda Panda
Lab websites: https://panda.salk.edu/
Hobbies: Eating, sports
What do you study? I am part of a lab that studies Circadian biology which means we look at all aspects of biology that involve circadian rhythms. Circadian rhythms are a natural process that our bodies go through and it helps regulate our sleep-wake cycles every 24 hours. One of the main focuses of circadian biology is how circadian rhythm affects metabolism. Circadian rhythms affect our metabolism in how we lose weight, eating at specific times, and control metabolic diseases and obesity.
Why is it important? With a rising number of Americans with obesity, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and diabetes, finding lifestyle changes are an important part of treating and preventing these chronic diseases.
How did you become interested in science? Being at the forefront of scientific discovery; the process of learning about science while discovering science simultaneously.
What do you like about being a scientist? Seeing/recording positive results and thinking about the potential benefit to humans.
What are 5 general vocabulary terms someone should know going into your field of science?
Circadian, endogenous clock, heat map, double-plotted actogram, entrainment
What are 5 specific vocabulary terms someone should know about your research?
Continuous glucose monitor (CGM), Actiwatch, Primary outcomes, Inclusion/exclusion criteria, TRE