MY GRANDMOTHER forgot who I (Megan) was about six years ago. As I watched her slowly fade away because of Alzheimer’s disease, I became increasingly interested in how to fight the disease’s progression.

When Dr. Omonigho Michael Bubu invited us to join him in Alzheimer’s research, it gave us an opportunity to be a part of answering this question.

Our research—which required a great deal of time, energy, and discipline— gives evidence that sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is a modifiable risk factor for Alzheimer’s. Diagnosing and treating SDB could slow the progress of Alzheimer’s.

It was an incredible opportunity to be part of this research and to present at the Alzheimer’s Association International conference. Among more than 6,000 researchers and clinicians, we were some of the only undergraduates. Kristine Yaffe, M.D., a top leader in sleep research, introduced our presentation and remarked on what a head start in the sciences we were getting. She said, “Wheaton is certainly doing something right with women in STEM.” When Dr. Bubu engaged us in his project, he provided us with invaluable experience.

We’re grateful to be a part of this research and for an institution that has made it possible.