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High School Student Researcher Kamalika on Effects of Parkinson’s Disease on Facial & Emotion Recognition

Kamalika Devabhaktuni is a student at San Marcos High School in the United States. She is also a member of the California Junior Scholarship Federation. From a young age, she has been fascinated by the human brain. Over time, this curiosity developed into a strong interest in neuroscience.

Kamalika’s interest deepened after learning about Parkinson’s disease. She became particularly curious about how the condition affects the brain and causes involuntary physical movements. As a result, she developed an interest in understanding the neurological changes associated with the disease.

At CCIR Academy, Kamalika conducted a research project titled “The Effects of Parkinson’s Disease on Facial and Emotion Recognition.” Her study investigates how Parkinson’s disease affects cognitive processes, particularly facial recognition and the ability to interpret emotions.

Specifically, the research examines cognitive and neurological changes in individuals with Parkinson’s disease. It compares their performance in facial and emotion recognition tasks with that of healthy individuals. Through this comparison, Kamalika aims to identify differences in recognition abilities.

Furthermore, the study explores the broader cognitive and social effects of Parkinson’s disease. Understanding these challenges may provide valuable insights into the experiences of individuals living with the condition. It may also contribute to discussions about improved patient support and disease management strategies.

Kamalika’s research reflects her curiosity about the human brain and her growing interest in neuroscience. Her achievement at CCIR Academy also demonstrates her dedication to scientific inquiry. She expressed gratitude for the guidance and support provided by her professor and CCIR Academy throughout her research journey.

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