As a graduate student in the Colorado State University Department of Health and Exercise Science, Bayley Wade has been recognized with an honorable mention for the Great Minds in Research award at CSU’s Graduate Student Showcase. This recognition signifies the impact of Wade’s research, seeking to hone therapeutic interventions and reduce disease burden for those with type 1 diabetes, increasing the quality of life and providing an excellent groundwork for further research.
What inspired you to conduct this research?
A combination of personal and academic interests inspired this project. Growing up, I babysat my young neighbor who was living with type 1 diabetes (T1D). From my experiences looking after her, I witnessed how T1D acutely challenges activities of daily living. This project has allowed me to investigate and gain a newfound appreciation for the chronic implications of T1D. Academically, a combined interest in metabolism and neuroscience inspires me. This research was the perfect opportunity to contribute to a body of literature working to help people just like my neighbor while continuing to pursue my academic passions.
What impact do you hope this research will have?
I hope this research will contribute to a growing body of literature related to the so-far unexplained postural instability observed in individuals with diabetes that do not have neuropathy. Falls significantly increase mortality risk and decrease quality of life. When we understand the mechanisms underlying these deficits, we can hone therapeutic interventions, reduce disease burden, and improve the quality of life for this population.
What does receiving this award mean to you?
Receiving this award is a tremendous honor. Recognition at the university level is a validation of my efforts thus far and motivation for the continued work ahead. This award also means a great deal while representing the Sensorimotor and Neuroimaging Lab.
No project is an individual effort. It is the labor of love of a team, and I am fortunate to have the best team in Dr. Fling, Ariana Crary, and the rest of my lab mates in the SNL. I am where I am today because of their unwavering support, so winning this with them means the world.
The Department of Health and Exercise Science is a part of CSU’s College of Health and Human Sciences.
