Educational Experiences – The Journey of a Black Behavioral Neuroscientist

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admin — Thu, 05 Dec 2019 21:24:59 +0000

Neural Systems & Circuits 2019

admin — Thu, 05 Dec 2019 08:05:38 +0000

Neural systems & Circuits provides students with an understandng of the structure, function, and arrangement of the mammalian nervous system. This course follows the Foundations I course that establishes an understanding of the structure and function of the cellular components involved in the nervous system. In this course, we discussed the mammalian brain, the purpose of the nervous system, regulatory circuits that dictate certain behaviors, and systems that assist with learning and memory. For the lab component of this course, we worked with laboratory rodents which required me becoming CITI certified in mouse husbandry and handling. My lab group and I created an original project analyzing the effects of chronic ethanol consumption using the open field test and the forced swim test to analyze anxiety- and depressive-like behaviors respectively. Our results showed that our experimental mice displayed a trend toward taking longer to perform behavioral assays compared to their wild type littermates. At the end of this project I assisted with the euthanasia and decapitation of the mice following IACUC protocol.

We later presented this research at the Spring Annual Research Conference (SpARC) and the Scotties with Nerves Research Symposium (SwN), both hosted by Agnes Scott College.

Molecular Biology 2019

admin — Thu, 05 Dec 2019 08:03:55 +0000

Molecular biology explores topics that provide a foundational understanding of a variety of science disciplines. In this course, we discussed transcription, translation, gene expression, proteomics, and much more. We applied our understanding of these topics to cancer biology, plant biology, evolution, and neurobiology. Based on the information learned I am better able to understand how organisms utilize and create molecules necessary for survival. This understanding allows me to analyze and address many intricate aspects of knowledge. The lab component of this course allowed us to create independent research projects to explore different molecular systems impaired in individuals with Rett Syndrome (RTT) and Schizophrenia (SZ). My lab group chose to focus on mitochondrial dysfunction in cells found in patients with RTT and SZ. Our study provided novel information on the function of mitochondria in the two disorders, and along with future research, may provide new therapeutic avenues for researchers to focus on developing more effective treatments for each disorder. Upon completion of this project we each created a manuscript to outline the findings of our research.

We presented this research at the Spring Annual Research Conference (SpARC) and the Scotties with Nerves Research Symposium (SwN), both hosted by Agnes Scott. Our presentation at SwN led to us winning the award for Best Poster!

Strengths

Anastasia Owen — Tue, 03 Dec 2019 08:10:04 +0000

Prior to entering Agnes Scott, all students are required to take the Clifton Strengths Quest test. In taking this assessment and understanding the key aspects that help define who we are as students it also helps us to use our strengths to navigate new spaces. My top 5 strengths are positivity, self-assurance, arranger, individualization, and learner. Although these aspects can stand alone to give insight of who I am, when combined they show the type of person I am at the core.

Positivity

People exceptionally talented in the Positivity theme have contagious enthusiasm. They are upbeat and can get others excited about what they are going to do.

Self-Assurance

People exceptionally talented in the Self-Assurance theme feel confident in their ability to take risks and manage their own lives. They have an inner compass that gives them certainty in their decisions.

Arranger

People exceptionally talented in the Arranger theme can organize, but they also have a flexibility that complements this ability. They like to determine how all of the pieces and resources can be arranged for maximum productivity.

Individualization

People exceptionally talented in the Individualization theme are intrigued with the unique qualities of each person. They have a gift for figuring out how different people can work together productively.

Learner

People exceptionally talented in the Learner theme have a great desire to learn and want to continuously improve. The process of learning, rather than the outcome, excites them.

Resident Assistant

admin — Tue, 03 Dec 2019 07:57:10 +0000

As a Resident Assistant of two years, I am a paraprofessional student staff member of the Office of Residence Life. I am responsible for cultivating a safe and welcoming environment to support and enhance the personal development of the residential community. By working closely with the college and my residents, I maintain a clear and open line of communication regarding the expectations of the college’s residential policies. Through this position, I have strengthened my leadership and problem-solving skills while also becoming more flexible and dedicated to assisting the changing needs of the residential community.

Research Statement

admin — Tue, 03 Dec 2019 07:11:12 +0000

Personal Statement

ABRCMS & SfN 2019

admin — Fri, 22 Nov 2019 22:43:45 +0000

This fall I had the opportunity to present my summer and semester research at the Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students (ABRCMS) for the second year in a row! In traveling to ABRCMS I was excited to see this national conference with the understanding of what to expect based on my previous experience, but to also get a new experience as a soon to be graduate looking for programs to transition into the next stage of my life. This year I presented my research looking at sexual dysfunction in female mouse models of epilepsy. At ABRCMS presentations are judged by three judges give a score of 1 (the lowest) to 5 (the highest) and look at the overall content of the research (hypothesis/ methods/ results/ conclusion), the presenter’s skills and abilities to answer questions, and the quality of the presentation. My final judge of the evening was a Biostatistician from Hawaii and he absolutely loved my work! He made a connection with my project and his own previous experience and understanding of female sexual behavior. He explained that he loved the way I introduced the problem and smoothly transitioned through each component of my poster and that he fully understood the content. It made me feel great that my investment in my research was clearly shown in the way I presented and was accessible to those outside of my discipline. This was confirmed the next evening at the Awards Banquet where I won a presentation award! Traveling to ABRCMS I was excited to meet with people I got to know the first time around and to meet new people. During my poster presentation, I had three judges that were excited to hear about my work and the inspiration behind it. After I finished going through my poster with my final judge he told me about his own experience with understanding female’s sex and behavior and how long ago it had been. He stated that he loved the way I introduced the problem and smoothly transitioned through each component of my poster and that he fully understood the content. It made me feel great that my investment in my research was clearly shown in the way I presented. This was confirmed even more the next evening at the Awards Banquet where I won a presentation award in Neuroscience.