Alyssa Silva '23
Class Year
2023
Area(s) of Study
Neuroscience and Biology
Hometown
Wood Dale, IL
Co-curricular
Nu Rho Psi Honor Society, Tri-Beta Honor Society, Biology SAAC Representative 2021-2023, Eukaryon
Graduate Study
Rosalind Franklin University
Current Job
My current career goal is to be an Emergency Medicine Physician Assistant at a Trauma-1 Chicago Hospital.
Why did you choose Lake Forest College?
I chose Lake Forest College for their reputable neuroscience program and the financial aid package they offered me. I also appreciated the college’s small class size, which would allow me to build stronger relationships with faculty and peers.
What attracted you to the Neuroscience major?
I appreciated how interdisciplinary the neuroscience major was. While taking core neuroscience courses like “Brain to Behavior”, I was also taking courses such as “Religion and Science”.
What are your career goals and how did Lake Forest College help you arrive at and achieve these goals?
My current career goal is to be an Emergency Medicine Physician Assistant at a Trauma-1 Chicago Hospital.
After obtaining my EMT State and National Licensure as a sophomore, I wished to work as an EMT. Lake Forest College connected me to Superior Ambulance, who worked around my class schedule and provided me the opportunity to work with various people living in rural, suburban, and urban communities. Furthermore, the college also connected me to my current graduate school, Rosalind Franklin University, through the Health Professions Program (HPP). The HPP Program allowed me to develop a greater understanding of the social determinants to health and the various possible health professions available.
What are one or more distinctive experiences in your major that make it stand out?
One distinctive experience in my major was holding a human brain in my hand for the first time during freshman year. I remember feeling so appreciative of the person who donated their brain for learning, and for going to a school with access to such great learning opportunities.
What advice would you give to a high school student looking to pursue neuroscience and is considering Lake Forest College?
Find a faculty member and ask to sit in on their class. The neuroscience community at Lake Forest College (faculty and students) will ensure your success, as long as you put in the effort by caring about your passion.