As appearing in source.colostate.edu | May 18, 2026| By Cheyenne Dolin

Crosby developed a strong background in cellular and neurological science while earning two bachelor’s degrees in biochemistry and biomedical sciences from CSU. Wanting to apply that knowledge more directly to improving human health, he’s pursuing a master’s degree in health and exercise science. He now conducts applied research in Dan Lark’s Extracellular Regulation of Metabolism Laboratory, investigating a potential treatment for Alzheimer’s disease. 

“David has been a tremendous leader and contributor in the laboratory, leading his project while also being enthusiastic and supportive of people around him,” said Lark, associate professor in the Department of Health and Exercise Science and principal investigator of the lab.

The project, a collaboration between Lark’s lab and Tom LaRocca’s Healthspan Biology Lab, is testing whether a modified virus can help brain cells restore a critical cleanup process. Instead of causing disease, the virus is engineered to deliver information that will help cells function properly. 

Taking out cellular ‘trash’ 

One of the defining features of Alzheimer’s disease is the buildup of abnormal tau protein inside brain cells. In healthy brains, cells remove damaged proteins. When this cleanup system breaks down, waste accumulates and interferes with brain function. To better understand what causes this cleanup failure, researchers began analyzing genetics. 

During the COVID pandemic, researchers in Lark’s lab analyzed genetic expression in people with Alzheimer’s disease and compared it with people without the condition. They identified a gene called CHMP2A that was less active in those with Alzheimer’s. Previous research showed that this gene plays a role in regulating tau protein and cellular waste removal. That finding led the research team to a new question: If they could restore the function of this gene, could they help brain cells remove excess protein and possibly improve brain health? 

But how does one restore gene function? That’s where a virus can be useful. Scientists can remove the parts of a virus that make people sick and insert a working version of a gene, such as CHMP2A. The virus then delivers that gene directly into cells. 

This approach, called viral vector gene therapy, has been studied for decades and is already used in FDA approved treatments, including therapies for spinal muscular atrophy. That long history has helped researchers better understand how to use viral vectors safely and effectively. 

In preclinical studies, Crosby and his collaborators have shown that the virus can successfully deliver the CHMP2A gene into brain cells derived from patients with Alzheimer’s. This prompted the brain cells to ramp up the secretion of tau, allowing the cells to “take out the trash” and remove harmful proteins that drive the disease. The team is now testing whether this genetic delivery improves cognitive function in mice with Alzheimer’s disease.  Such progress is made possible through federal investment in research.

“This research is supported by the National Institutes of Health’s National Institute on Aging, which makes this level of advanced research possible,” said Vice President for Research Cassandra Moseley. “Public investments like this are essential to advancing discoveries that bring us closer to treating Alzheimer’s disease, which affects millions of Americans and their caregivers.”

Explaining research in simple terms 

In addition to advancing his research, Crosby has learned how to explain complex ideas to a general audience. 

3MT competitions challenge graduate students to describe their research in just three minutes using a single slide. The 2026 CSU 3MT competition was organized by CSU Writes and hosted by the Office of the Vice President for Research, with awards sponsored by the Graduate School.

Explaining genetics, neuroscience and virology to a general audience under those constraints is not easy. 

“It’s incredibly challenging,” Crosby said. “You don’t know how much background the audience has, or how much basic science to explain. The 3MT pushed me to be clear, use metaphors and focus on why the research matters, not just the technical details.”  

Participation in CSU’s 3MT is by invitation only. Students must first receive an award at the Graduate Student Showcase. Crosby was among 59 students recognized at the 2025 GradShow and was invited to take part in a two-month science communication training program that led to the 3MT competition. 

Crosby credits Kristina Quynn, director of CSU Writes, with helping him refine his message.

“She’s the unsung hero in all of this,” he said. “She listened to my talk dozens of times and helped me improve it every step of the way.” 

Quynn has organized CSU’s 3MT competition and cohort communication training program for the past four years, coaching participants on presentation strategies. From the initial group of competitors, 10 finalists advance to the campus-wide competition. 

Calling future presenters 

Graduate students hoping to improve their communication skills – whether in scientific research, entrepreneurial ventures, or creative endeavors – are encouraged to submit abstracts to present at the Graduate Student Showcase. The call for abstracts opens on Aug. 27, and the GradShow will be held at the Lory Student Center on Nov. 18. Award recipients will be invited to participate in next year’s CSU 3MT competition. 

The research was supported by the National Institutes of Health’s National Institute on Aging, grant R21AG085586. This content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health’s National Institute on Aging.