Katie Greskovich

Neurodegenerative amyloid diseases, including Alzheimer’s Disease and Parkinson’s Disease, are an increasing health burden in the United States. These diseases are characterized by the intracellular or extracellular agglomeration of peptide β-sheets (amyloid fibrils) associated with neuronal cells. As of now, no cure nor early diagnostic test exists for these diseases. My research involves the synthesis of gold nanoparticle agents that absorb in the near-IR region and are functionalized with small molecule agents that target amyloid fibrils, allowing for early-stage detection and possible interception of amyloid fibrils in vivo.