“
My interest in neuroscience sparked when I took Medical Mysteries of the Mind. I was captivated by the intricate workings of the brain, and this resulted in a hungry drive to learn more about the mind. I was fortunate in having the opportunity to conduct research at Rosalind Franklin during the summer of my freshman year. Working in a lab allowed me to develop new skills that helped instill confidence in my abilities as a student and researcher. My future plan consists of applying to PT school and earning my degree to become a Doctor of Physical Therapy.
Nia Alfaro
“
Will begin MS-Physician Assistant Practice Studies in fall 2022 at Rosalind Franklin University
Neuroscience was the right choice for me as it allowed me to explore my interest in the human brain. My experience in research labs was a principal component of my career and allowed me to see the direct result of my work. Neuroscience has prepared me for the future by requiring me to adapt my mindset to evaluate multiple dimensions: both tangible science and ethereal philosophy create the basis of neuroscience as well as most issues. Learning how to tackle a concern with a multi-faceted view is important. My future plan is to practice medicine as a physician assitant, continuing my pursuit of science.Carolynn Boatfield
“
Understanding the biological basis of our brain and how it influences our development and behavior is of great interest to me. After taking an introductory class in Neuroscience I wanted to keep learning as much as I could on the subject. I hope to further my learning of Neuroscience in the future, especially focusing on brain plasticity in children. A major in Neuroscience has prepared me greatly for the future and marked a clearer path for my professional life, which I hope is on the health care field working with pediatrics.
Cristina Casado
“
When I came to Lake Forest College, I intended to major in neuroscience even though I knew little about neuroscience as a whole. My FIYS class, The Science of Cooking, opened my eyes to the depth of neuroscience when I learned how cooking made the brain much more efficient in early-day hominoids. Neuroscience at LFC has taught me how to focus on the bigger picture when working on a micro-level while also considering the other sciences' role, public speaking's importance, and unremitting determination. I plan to go to either medical school and focus on research or get a Ph.D. in computational neuroscience.
Reed Connor
“
I have been heavily influenced by my family to pursue the sciences. Neuroscience has a great mix of known and unknown. Research continues to done in the field of Neuroscience, I continue to learn more and more about the human brain but I’m still left with new questions! My freshman year really allowed me to dive deeper, Medical Mysteries of the Mind really boosted my curiosity and my Neuroscience classes continue to do so. I plan to pursue a career in medicine, Neurology and Women’s Health really spark my interest.
Victoria Cruz
“
Our brains make us who we are, form our thoughts, make us move, breath, and survive, but how do they work? I chose to study Neuroscience to learn about how our brains function and the underlying molecular mechanisms that ensure they function correctly. Over my four years, I have been fortunate to work with incredible mentors in the classroom and research labs, and I also learned how to effectively collaborate with my peers. This has provided a strong background in science and interpersonal communication, which will be vital as I hope to pursue a PhD in Molecular Biology for a career in research.
Jessica Day
“
I chose to pursue neuroscience because the brain is a vast landscape of secrets that have yet to be uncovered, leaving endless possibilities for research. This field allows for an extension of psychology as we can understand further who we are and how we interact. The neuroscience department has showed me how far I can push myself to do my best and what is necessary to achieve the results I want. Beyond graduation, I will continue to focus my career efforts on psychology research, possibly transitioning into the fields of law or fashion styling/marketing.
Sydni Foley
“
I chose Neuroscience as my major because I have known for a while that the brain is very important for life and consciousness in humans and many other organisms. I am interested in trying to understand how the brain works in order to try to make advancements in the slowing of brain aging and in the preservation of brain tissue and function as a neuroscience researcher. An experience that I think has helped me the most with developing professionally is the RFUMS-LFC Summer Scholars Internship program, which allowed me to gain experience working in an amazing neuroscience lab!
Andrew Forrest
“
After taking AP Psychology, I realized my love for understanding humans. Specifically, understanding how we comprehend the world we are made from and how it’s physically possible to be conscious at all. Attending the CSfN conference my freshman year solidified that neuroscience was a passion of mine. Seeing scientists at the conference with so much knowledge surrounding the organ that allows us to think in the first place was stimulating. Gaining knowledge through collaboration has taught me there will always be more to learn. I hope to become a medical student and learn much more from many other scholars.
Kealey Humphrey
“
I initially chose neuroscience because of how fascinating I found the Bio130 class to be. As a freshman, I was drawn to the interdisciplinary nature of studying the brain. The detailed presentations in the neuroscience program helped me develop better critical thinking and public speaking skills. For me, the highlight of the neuroscience program is the school outreach programs and teaching young children the material we have learned. They have inspired me to continue in a career pathway focused on children, as I pursue a master's degree in psychology.
Margaret Kersting
“
I chose neuroscience as my major because of its interdisciplinary nature, but also because neuroscience allows us to learn about the unique complexity of our brains. The experiences in neuroscience that stand out to me are the trips we take to scientific conferences, which opened my eyes to how meaningful neuroscience is and how important it is to understand. My neuroscience major has prepared me for the future by allowing me to be more confident in my presentation and speaking skills, and my plan for the future is to apply to dental school and pursue a career in dentistry.
Bilal Khan
“
Biology has been one of my interests for a long time. It was by chance I took a neuroscience course. Since then, I have become fascinated by the biological mechanisms of behavior and cognition. My experience with studying neuroscience wasn’t easy. There were many challenges I had to overcome. For example, my speaking skills are not the best, but this experience has helped me express my voice. The practice of explaining my understanding has helped me personally and professionally. In the future, I plan on continuing my education and getting a job as a researcher working in a lab.
Barry Khim
“
I first became interested in neuroscience because of its close ties to psychology. I decided to continue with neuroscience as a minor because the classes were fascinating as well as intellectually challenging. Studying neuroscience has not only required me to think more critically but has also demanded that I perfect my presenting skills. Neuroscience has prepared me for the future in many ways, the biggest impact it had however was showing me just how capable of succeeding I could be with determination and hard work. After graduation, I plan on applying for jobs related to economics and psychology.
Josephine Klein
“
I chose to study neuroscience at Lake Forest College after working in Dr. Jean-Marie Maddux’s lab during my Richter Scholar experience. As I continued to work in her behavioral neuroscience lab, I soon realized how passionate I was about investigating questions related to how the brain functions to elicit behaviors we experience every day. Through the invaluable experience of continuing work in Dr. Maddux’s lab, which I have been fortunate enough to present at conferences, I hope to receive a PhD in Neuroscience, continuing to research the behavioral mechanisms of learning and attention, with application to understanding and treating addiction.
Nathaniel Kregar
“
I chose neuroscience as my major because it involves both of my favorite subjects: psychology and biology. Beyond all the knowledge given by the rigorous curriculum in the classroom, this major has provided me with opportunities outside of the classroom as well. I got to do research with fellow professors, visit and speak at conferences, serve as a mentor for other students, among many other examples. This major has been a fuel for my passion for the brain and its mysteries. I hope to one day use this passion to become a psychiatrist to solve some of these mysteries.
Aleksandra Kulesza
“
I've always had a passion for both biology and psychology, and a neuroscience major presented the perfect opportunity to combine both interests. During my time in college I also developed a love for anatomy, both of the body and the brain. In the future, I hope to work in pediatric Occupational Therapy. I want to use my knowledge of the anatomy and connections between the brain and body to develop new and inventive therapy techniques and help improve lives.
Jaleesa Lalani
“
Neuroscience has a special place in my heart. When I visited my grandpa at Shirley Ryan Ability Hospital because he was diagnosed with Brain Cancer, I was reading my psychology textbook because I had homework to do and realized how applicable the classes in the major were to my life and my grandpa. I shadowed chemotherapy nurses thanks to Lake Forest College, and I further realized how powerful the mind and proper brain function is to the human body. I plan to become a chemotherapy nurse and Neuro has prepared me to speak with confidence and think professionally and analytically. Despite how challenging the major was, I knew that anything worthwhile was worth the try!
Daisy Lazcon
“
I chose to major in neuroscience upon transferring to Lake Forest College because it allowed me to combine my knowledge from studying biology and psychology at a different institution. When I transferred, I was a strong test-taker, but had minimal experience with group projects and presentations. LFC provides excellent instruction on this skill. Though this is not my greatest strength, it is among the more important as a professional, so I am grateful to my professors and peers for pushing me outside my comfort zone. I am excited to pursue a healthcare career and make a meaningful impact.
Jenna McCaslin
“
I chose neuroscience as my major because I have always been drawn to the human brain and its fascinating functions. My first semester at LFC I took BIO 130. This course pushed me both academically and intellectually. It gave me extensive experience with group work, problem solving, and it was my first big dive into neuroscience. Overall, neuroscience prepared me to be a critical thinker and to be a hard worker. I will take these skills with me as I work my way through graduate school to pursue speech-language pathology.
Grace Michel
“
Upon entering college, I wanted to explore neuroscience as I saw it to be a wonderful blend of biology and psychology. I am fascinated by the brain, and I enjoy exploring its intricate mechanisms. Learning about neurodegenerative diseases in BIO 130 during my freshman year of college only confirmed that I wanted to continue my education in Neuroscience. While pursuing this major, I’ve gained confidence in myself and have acquired many skills such as: presenting, critical thinking, and team building. After graduating, I plan to become a clinical neuropsychology technician and later pursue a PhD in clinical neuropsychology.
Zahra Nadeem
“
I wanted to pursue a major in Neuroscience after watching Ted Talks about all of the complex aspects of the brain. Our brains influence how we go about our daily lives and I wanted to understand the underlying mechanisms. My favorite academic experience at LFC was presenting my ALS project at a symposium event my Freshman year. I also have a big passion for fitness and health. My dream job would be to own a business where I can educate others on fitness and health so that people fall in love with improving their mental and physical selves!
Alexia Pickens-Desouza
“
I chose to pursue a neuroscience major after taking a bio inquiry class about the brain my freshman year. This class introduced me to both the molecular basis and the psychology of the brain, which intrigued me greatly. In this class, we were required to present in Brain Awareness Week, which allowed me to be more comfortable with public speaking in a more technical manner. After graduating, I plan to earn my PsyD to become a clinical psychologist.
Jessica Pope
“
The biology of how the brain works” is a phrase that I use to describe neuroscience. I find it really interesting to learn about the common organ that makes each person unique. The experience that sticks out the most from my years here has been presenting during Brain Awareness Week and everything leading up to it. I now feel confident doing things I previously would not have, such as presentations and even my writing in science. I hope to take everything I’ve learned here into my goal of becoming a nurse practitioner specializing in mental health.
Jessica Rivera
“
Being able to use neuroscience to explain psychological processes is one of the reasons I chose neuroscience as my minor. Neuroscience courses at LFC have elucidated the molecular basis for neurocognition as well as other neuroscience branches. Understanding the fundamentals of cognition is important to me as a mental-healthcare worker. I plan to further expand my knowledge of neuroscience and relate it to medicine one day. Neuroscience has reinforced my love for medicine, and I plan to apply to medical school in the near future.
Amairani Romero
“
I knew when I came to Lake Forest College that I wanted to learn about the brain as I have always been intrigued by how we understand, process, and perceive information. It always amazed me how my neuroscience courses were able to interconnect with so many other fields both inside and outside of science. Neuroscience has taught me how to problem solve by utilizing critical thinking skills and attuning to detail. I plan to pursue a career in education after I graduate. I plan to utilize the information I have gained such as how we learn, and how humans perceive their environment so that I can help others find their passion and broaden their horizons like neuroscience helped me do.
Mckinley Scheppler
“
I chose neuroscience as my major because brain is the most fascinating and complex thing in this world. We know so little about the brain, and we have a lot to learn about its working mechanisms. I appreciate the lecture seminars where Lake Forest College hosts other neuroscience professionals. Because of this unique experience, I have go to learn a lot from outside the books and network. Neuroscience has prepared me for my future plan by giving me opportunities to explore different areas of science and has nourished my interest towards research.
Neeva Shrestha
“
I chose to study neuroscience because it represents the intersection of my academic interests - biology, psychology, and computer science - and integrates them to tackle the mysteries of the human mind and health. In group projects, we deconstructed all aspects of neurodegenerative disease: the symptoms, risk factors, cellular basis of dysfunction, and treatments both theoretical and currently in clinical trials. These experiences were invaluable for understanding the tenuous balance in the nervous system. Research experience gained at the college has helped me identify my future plans to pursue a career using neuroscience and machine learning to revolutionize medicine.
Jessica Teichman
“
I chose neuroscience as my major because I have always been interested in the human brain and its complex mechanisms. Being a neuroscience student has not only challenged me intellectually, but has also allowed me to take a variety of interdisciplinary electives, analyze primary articles, work as a peer mentor, and improve tremendously in my public speaking and presentation skills. Because of the quality of the neuroscience program at LFC, I feel well-prepared going into the healthcare field and the education ahead of me. After graduating from Lake Forest College I will be attending pharmacy school with the goal of specializing in oncology pharmacy.
Madeline Tolwinski
“
What drew me to neuroscience was how it addressed the biology of the mind and its precise control over the body. I’ve always been fascinated by the intricacies of the brain and how it manifests nearly every aspect of who we are. Through LFC’s neuroscience program, I was fortunate to delve deeper into these mysteries, while also gaining essential team-building and problem-solving skills. One of my cherished experiences was in BIO 130 lab when I held a human brain for the first time. With my neuroscience background, I aspire to help those with neurological diseases by attending medical school.
Katrina Topacio
“
My favorite classes in high school were Biology and Psychology so Neuroscience was the perfect blend of both. In the beginning, I didn’t know much about it, but the complexity and the specificity of the brain in relation to systems, processes and behaviors intrigued me from my first NEUR 130 class. It was then that I knew that I wanted to major in Neuroscience. Not only did it give me a holistic understanding of the brain, but it gave me many opportunities on campus as well. I was able to become a peer teacher and conduct research on campus. This helped me develop my presentation, public speaking and leadership skills. After graduating, I hope to enroll in Nursing school and use what my Neuroscience major has taught me.
Yeshi Tshering
“
My initial exploration of Neuroscience classes provided explanations for human behavior and disease that were both interesting and captivating. One of my goals in attending a liberal arts college was to study both arts and sciences and I immediately appreciated the interdisciplinary nature of Neuroscience, and the freedom I had to study abstract and concrete ideas. I’ve also had the opportunity to work on exciting hands-on projects that equipped me with practical and critical thinking skills that will be invaluable in my career. I plan on applying to a PhD program to investigate Public Health concerns from an evolutionary perspective.
Desire Nalukwago Uwera
“
Being a neuroscience major in lake forest college I have gotten opportunities to explore science up close. As a kid I always wanted to be at the frontiers of science, and I have been given the opportunity to handle brains and conduct research. Though the college I have been able to do summer research at Rosalind Franklin University. I have learned the basics I need to go further and learn as much as I want.
Kyle Wallis