This Veterans Day, student researcher Elizabeth Spurlock reflects on her experience investigating issues related to brain health in populations who have served. Her research is conducted in partnership with the Beckman Institute and the Chez Veteran Center at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
Traumatic brain injuries and post-traumatic stress disorder disproportionately affect the veteran community.
Spurlock, an undergraduate studying molecular & cellular biology and psychology at Illinois, discusses the role of research in understanding the needs of the veteran community and provides resources for supporting veterans locally and nationally.
"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.
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
- Chez Veterans Center
- Wounded Warrior Project
- Project Enlist (Concussion Legacy Foundation)
- To learn more about the Biomedical Imaging Center at the Beckman Institute, visit its website.