Menopause, Stroke, and Skeletal-Muscle Sarcomeric Proteins
Investigating how menopause and stroke affect skeletal-muscle sarcomeric proteins in a rat model
This 2026 undergraduate summer research project investigated the effects of menopause and stroke on skeletal-muscle sarcomeric proteins in a rat model. The work was led by Faraja Herve Habiyakare with support from a Program for Undergraduate Research Experience (PURE) Award.
Research Focus
Sarcomeric proteins form the molecular machinery that allows skeletal muscle to generate force. Changes to their organization or composition may help explain how muscle function is affected by physiological transitions and neurological injury.
Faraja’s project examined this molecular component of muscle health in the combined context of menopause and stroke. It complemented parallel work on muscle weakness by helping connect functional outcomes with the proteins responsible for muscle contraction.
Student Support
Faraja received a $7,500 PURE Award in 2026 to conduct this work.
Research Team
- Faraja Herve Habiyakare — PURE summer research student
- Nicole A. Conquergood
- Dr. Venus Joumaa
- Dr. Robert John Holash
- Dr. Walter Herzog
- Dr. Stephanie A. Ross
Dissemination
Faraja presented the project at two University of Calgary summer research events:
- McCaig Summer Student Symposium — August 12, 2026
- Biomedical Undergraduate Research Program Summer Student Symposium — August 13, 2026
The project provided experience in collaborative muscle-physiology research, molecular analysis, and scientific communication.