LEXINGTON, Va. July 7, 2023 — Ellie Pickford '24 stood before a small glass tank, peering intently at the colorful Betta fish swimming within. Her summer research project was well underway, and she was determined to unlock the mysteries behind the interactions between nicotine and antidepressants. 

Pickford, an ambitious cadet at Virginia Military Institute, had chosen this field of research to fuel her passion for psychiatry and neuroscience. She believed that understanding the effects of nicotine and antidepressants on the brain could have a profound impact on the treatment of mood disorders.

With a clear vision of her future as both an M.D. and a Ph.D. holder, Pickford knew that the Summer Undergraduate Research Institute (SURI) at VMI was a valuable opportunity. It allowed her to work closely with her professors, building relationships that would guide her future endeavors. 

“I am forming much stronger relationships with my professors than I could possibly during the regular school year,” said Pickford. “I am able to perform fully funded research that directly relates to — and hopefully helps me reach — my future educational and career goals.”  

How fish contribute to psychopharmacology 

Her project aims to shed light on the interactions between nicotine and commonly prescribed antidepressants, such as fluoxetine, or Prozac, and the effects on individuals who use both substances.  

Using Betta fish as a model organism, Pickford is investigating the impact of nicotine on aggression levels and brain chemistry, ultimately hoping to contribute to a better understanding of psychopharmacology. 

The statistics Pickford cites are staggering — 80% of adult smokers started during adolescence, and adolescents who smoke daily have a 70% occurrence of psychiatric disorders, with higher rates of comorbidity in adulthood.  

Armed with this knowledge, Pickford recognizes the urgency of understanding the effects of nicotine in conjunction with antidepressant use. Her research aims to contribute to the development of more effective treatment strategies and interventions for individuals struggling with mental health disorders. 

The SURI program, offered by the VMI Center for Undergraduate Research (VCUR), provided her with a fully funded research experience that directly related to her educational and career goals.  

The "s” in SURI stands for Summer, but Pickford’s research began long before her program.  

“I began dedicating time to this project before the academic year ended because the first group of 20 fish arrived in the lab,” she said. “Since then, I have been in the lab every single day — checking on the fish and feeding them.”  

Immersed in the labs of Maj. Molly J. Kent and Maj. Mary Beth Manjerovic, both assistant professors in the Department of Biology, Pickford not only worked on her project but assisted with other ongoing research. This exposure deepened her understanding of biology and expanded her knowledge of scientific inquiry. 

Scientific inquiry extends into adulting   

As the days turned into weeks, Pickford’s dedication to her research grew stronger. The structured life of barracks was replaced by the independent existence of an adult.  

“I am learning how to live as an independent adult – managing finances, my own time, groceries, and everything else that comes with living in the ‘real world.’”  

For Pickford, collaborating with like-minded individuals fueled her passion for research and scientific discovery. She knew that these relationships and the research experience she gained would be invaluable for her resume and future higher education applications.  

“I hope to expand my relationships with the various mentors in the biology department ... with professors, as well as fellow cadets,” said Pickford.  

With the end of Summer Session I approaching, Pickford’s focus has intensified. She aimed to perfect her research and meticulously analyze the results well after the SURI program concluded. The data she’s gathered will form the foundation for her honors week thesis and senior capstone, fulfilling the requirements of the Institute Honor Scholars Program and her biology degree.

Through her dedication, Pickford was not only gaining insights into the effects of nicotine and antidepressants but also solidifying her path toward becoming a compassionate psychiatrist and a knowledgeable neuroscientist. 

She dreams of applying her research findings to help her future patients — by providing them with the best possible care. 

As the Betta fish continue to swim in their tanks, unaware of the significant role they played in advancing medical knowledge, Pickford remained steadfast in her pursuit of understanding the complexities of the human brain.  

The SURI program opened many doors for Pickford — allowing her to explore her passions, grow as a researcher, and make a lasting impact on the world of psychopharmacology. 

Olivia Polumbo
Photos by Kelly Nye
Communications & Marketing
VIRGINIA MILITARY INSTITUTE