Showcase

Welcome to my personal site where I post small articles about the different projects I’m working on, tools I’m learning, or any other fun thoughts I have. This site focuses on the more technical side of myself and focuses heavily on projects, skills ... , and thoughts around technology. I encourage you to read around and explore some of my thoughts! Read more

This honors ePortfolio showcases my work as a nontraditional neuroscience student focused on translational neuroscience, chronic pain, and substance use disorders (SUDs), integrating bench research, preclinical models, clinical studies, and science c ... ommunication. Across projects, I connect neurobiology and behavioral science to study interactions between chronic pain, addiction/SUDs, and mental health, aiming to translate mechanistic neuroscience into more effective, evidence-based clinical interventions. A central feature of this ePortfolio is a year-long independent research project using a preclinical mouse model of interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) to study VEGF-driven neuroinflammation, NLRP3 inflammasome signaling, and novel therapeutics targeting pain behavior, central sensitization, and brain–bladder communication. I present this work in dual formats: scientific language for researchers and trainees, and plain-language summaries for patients, families, and the general public, demonstrating my ability to translate complex mechanistic neuroscience, behavioral assays (mouse grimace scale, von Frey, voiding behavior), and imaging data into clear, accessible narratives. Beyond the IC/BPS project, this ePortfolio features a self-directed substance use disorder (SUD) research and science communication project, where I synthesize literature on the cellular and molecular effects of alcohol, methamphetamine, and opioids on the brain into accessible, educational materials for learners without a neuroscience background. A series of edited “I am / I want to become” statements and reflective essays connect these projects to my coursework in neuroscience, health psychology, sociology, and I/O psychology, tracing how my perspective as a nontraditional student shapes my goals. Together, these artifacts highlight my growth as a translational scientist, science communicator, and advocate committed to building neuroscience-informed, data-driven, trauma-informed care systems for people living with chronic pain and substance use disorders. Read more

My name is Leah VanMeter and I'm currently a senior at Indiana University Indianapolis studying to get a Bachelors in Sociology. My passions include early childhood education, studying economic disparities and focusing on mental health among students ... dents. My hope is to use my sociology degree to become a director of a childcare facility or a preschool and eventually go to grad school to pursue a master's in early childhood education. In my free time, I enjoy reading, crocheting, going on hikes, being with friends and family and researching various sociological topics. When I'm not at school, I work part-time at a daycare to gain more experience in my desired field. I also spent time in Haiti in 2016 volunteering to build houses alongside One Mission Society and have also partnered with the Midwest Food Bank in the past to assist with packaging food for those who are underprivileged throughout Indiana. I'm always excited and eager to learn more about any subject! Read more

ePortfolio display various projects accomplished throughout my time at IUI

Records an Honors Project from spring of 2024 where I illustrated and assembled of book of botanical illustrations. Includes a Sea Hibiscus, Rattlesnake Plant, Common Lantana, Metallica Palm, and Crown of Thornes with their scientific names and facts ... about the plants. Read more

Hi! I'm Jess, a returning undergraduate student with a background in retail management and hospitality pursing new service opportunities, specifically working in libraries or museums after graduating from IU Indianapolis in December 2025. I am a retu ... returning college student, so this is an overview of my professional career as well as the coursework towards my major. Read more

Overview of my experiences at IUPUI in the Herron School of Art and Design.

Art history major with a focus on Modern and Classical eras as well as sociology minor. Collaborator on IU student research initiatives, including the MURI program and most recently as part of the digital content and Wikipedia specialist team.

I am finishing my senior year at Herron School of Art and Design after a 12 year journey in academia. As an adult student, I was able to apply my work and life experience to my studies and succeeded in public speaking, writing, art creation, and tech ... nology use. I am excited to complete my degree and someday continue my studies in graduate school. In the meantime, I have personal goals of advancing my language skills, furthering my art practice in book arts, photography, and other mediums, and gaining more professional experience in the art industry though internships and jobs. I have a variety of research interests that span from ancient Roman archaeology, Medieval jewelry, and Renaissance painting to new media like collage, video games, and comics. As an artist myself, I am interested in projects where I can use my skills in combination with my enjoyment of reading, writing, and research. My ultimate goal is to relocate internationally for work or school (whichever comes first) so that I can use my language skills and be surrounded by the art, architecture, and cultures I have studied for over a decade. Read more