Tracy Okine arrived in Prague in January 
2021, as one of the few Fulbrighters who could proceed with their original research project despite the limitations of the current pandemic. Coming from The College of Arts and Sciences at Ohio State University, Tracy came to Prague to move forward with her research project on E Coli bacteria called "Optimizing Microbiodata as a Treatment for Complex Diseases." The First Faculty of Medicine at Charles University in Prague was Tracy's natural pick, as she has been following their research in this area for a while. We look forward to follow the results of the 7-month cooperation.
Two years ago, I sat behind my laptop and sent an email to my university’s Fulbright Office about applying for the program. At the time I was working at the National Institutes of Health and living in Washington D.C. The Fulbright program operates with the goal to promote mutual understanding whether in the domain of science, politics, art, and/or culture. Cognizant of the interaction of science and the public, and surrounded by the passion of politics, the Fulbright was the natural next step in my career. 
As a student, my research experiences have primarily been Neuroscience focused. I began with an interest in mental health and psychological behavior and studied anxiety and depression through a pharmacological lens in college. At the NIH, my research was focused on investigating different treatments for pain and pain-related disorders. In synthesizing the skills I had gained from these experiences, I became familiar with the research at Charles University in Prague. Thus, my Fulbright proposal is aimed at syncing Neuroscience and Immunology to find better therapies for both pain and behavioral disorders.
Today, we are a society that is arguably more aware of science than ever. The coronavirus pandemic has rapidly transformed our vocabulary. Words like vaccine, mask, pandemic, flatten the curve and so many more have become a part of daily discourse. We are undergoing a conspicuous paradigm shift rapidly.
Upon arriving in Prague in January 2021, this shift was also apparent. My taxi driver greeted me through a mask at the airport, and offered hand sanitizer and cleaning wipes as I took my seat in the back of the vehicle. As we drove from the airport to Prague 1, the pictures I had seen online of crowded streets and busy pubs did not translate to reality. It was quiet and cold. After arriving, I quarantined and took a PCR test within the first 5 days. After my test returned negative, I quickly hurried to Old Town Square. Again, reality proved different than expectation. At Charles Bridge, Letna Park, and Petrin, the pattern repeated. COVID was here too, and like in the U.S, it was changing reality.
The effect of this pandemic on mental health is less conspicuous but of equal importance. According to mentalhealth.gov, “Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act.” Naturally, a global pandemic that puts our own health, and that of our friends and loved ones at risk can have impacts on this. Unfortunately, due to a myriad of factors, mental health is a topic that is not always easily and openly discussed. Even in the Czech Republic, this stigma also exacerbates the problem. My current work inside and outside of the lab hopes to address these stigmas through a scientific lens. Having conversations with professors, students, and the people I interact with in Prague has revealed that although there is a generational divide, there is much progress being made here. Trends in interest in positive psychology, and resilience point to hope.
From an immunological perspective, we are investigating a strain of E Coli bacteria, with the hope of discovering its ability to strengthen the interaction between our gut and brain. Soon, we will also begin a few studies on the COVID virus itself.
I am very grateful for the Fulbright program to conduct this research. And although Prague today is different from what I expected when I applied 2 years ago, there is still beauty and hope to be celebrated. I have enjoyed meeting the people of this city and hope that with my small effort we can make an impact that positively benefits this country and the world.
