Project by: Alessandro Pearlroth (11th Grade)
Project Advisor: Alexis Khan and Daniel Li
Student(s)’s Advisor(s): Karyn Silverman

As someone who has always had an interest in psychology, learning more about obsessive-compulsive disorder, something I was diagnosed with at the age of 16, seemed like an excellent opportunity to broaden my knowledge of psychology and learn more about something I have dealt with for years. For this project, I learned more about the molecular biology regarding psychological disorders to give me a baseline understanding of the topic. I read a series of research papers on the subject and took notes on them. Throughout this process, I met with Alexis to have a better understanding of OCD as a whole. Through this work, I learned more about OCD and how it manifests in the brain; I also expanded my knowledge about psychology, a topic that I am deeply invested in.

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PROJECT PROPOSAL

Please write a description of the project you are proposing. Why do you want to take this on, and what do you hope to learn?

As someone who has always had an interest in psychology, learning more about obsessive-compulsive disorder, something I was diagnosed with at the age of 16, seemed like an excellent opportunity to broaden my knowledge of psychology and learn more about something I have dealt with for years. During this project, I am planning on learning more about molecular biology regarding psychological disorders to have a baseline understanding of the topic. While learning about this, I will be reading a series of research papers on the subject and taking notes on them. Throughout this process, I will occasionally be meeting with Alexis to have a better understanding of OCD as a whole. I hope to learn more about OCD and how it manifests in the brain while learning more about psychology, a topic that I am deeply invested in.

Critical thinking, creativity, citizenship and courage are essential LREI learning values. Explain how you’ll draw on at least one of these values to complete your proposed project?

I plan on using creativity throughout the process of my honors project. Although the subject matter may seem dull to some, the colorful and creative notes that I will include in my presentation and/or poster will hopefully bring the topic to life. Also, I believe that it takes a lot of courage to openly talk about my OCD, something that I used to be ashamed of.

What is your proposed outcome? How will you be able to demonstrate successful completion of this Project? How do you plan to share your learnings with the larger LREI community (e.g., exhibit of work, poster of learnings, performance, etc.)?

My proposed outcome is having a better understanding of the disorder and its molecular makeup. Since there is little consensus on the topic, I would like to find my stance on it and be able to evaluate the other opinions. A successful completion of the project will be the culmination of notes that I will take along with a possible poster and/or presentation on the subject matter. I could possibly write a research paper on the different views while incorporating my view into it.

Please provide a general outline that indicates your work plan for the trimester? What are some of the key project benchmarks (i.e., goals that will help to ensure that you finish the project)?

First, I will learn the basics of microbiology and the intricacies of psychology, so I have a better understanding, and so the research papers that I will read will make more sense. Then, I will both be meeting with Daniel to discuss the papers while meeting with Alexis when possible to examine how the papers relate to the psychological symptoms of OCD. Throughout the entire process, I will be taking copious notes focusing on diagrams and the big ideas of each article. Some key project benchmarks are having the initial understanding of microbiology concerning OCD and the notes that will come with it. Having a culmination of papers with their own notes and summaries will be another benchmark. The final one being either a poster and/or presentation with a possible paper.

When do you plan on meeting?
Every Wednesday during X-block with Daniel and whenever Alexis is available