PhD-ing and Becoming after COVID

I am a late-stage Ph.D. student in Biomedical Sciences, thirsty for additional contacts in the fields of neuropsychopharmacology and the neurobiology of disease. The timing of my graduate work within the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly limited my ability to network and make contacts with neuroscientists outside of my home institution. Although, I have had an extensive research background which includes a master’s degree in biological sciences, productive research experience in cellular, molecular and developmental biology, and neuroscience. Moreover, I've already participated in several research conferences, acquired foundational teaching experience, and authored or co-authored several peer-reviewed scientific papers prior to my graduate academic journey. Importantly, I also recognize that I need help with networking!

With a passion for STEM education and advocacy, and actively engaging in efforts to improve access to this career path for others from less-traditional social, ethnic, and racial backgrounds. I remain confident that my persistence and focus will facilitate a successful career as a neuroscientist. However, I still need to receive additional academic exposure, guidance, and practical education in funding opportunities for trainees.

I have an exciting thesis project that focuses on the neurodevelopmental basis of brain disorders, with an emphasis on gene-environment interactions and susceptibility to mental health diseases. My specific dissertation project focuses on the effect of neuron subtype-specific loss of dopamine D1 receptors during a critical period of brain development in mice. The fundamental finding is that these conditional knockout mice exhibit strong antidepressant-like effects and reductions in stress hormones, likely through downregulation of an important neurexin molecule. These data suggest a new previously unidentified mechanisms to potentially exploit in the treatment of mood disorders. I expect this work to result in 2-3 primary manuscripts for publication – the first is currently in preparation.

So far, I've been PhD-ing quite alright. I’m involved in graduate student advocacy and leadership on campus with the main goal of protecting a healthy and productive academic environment for graduate students. I am an executive member of the congress for graduate students (COGS) and in addition, I have participated in multiple panel discussions geared toward minorities in STEM both on and off-campus.

This blog was created to provide a space for myself and others with additional opportunities for scholarly contribution, networking, and scientific exposure. Hopefully, this platform will pave the way for access to more competitive postdoctoral positions and other scholarly experiences that will consequently enhance future opportunities and skills as a future principal investigator.