Student Perspectives
AA Guo - 2nd Year
Undergraduate Education
Colorado College, B.A. in Neuroscience (major) and Molecular Biology (minor)
Research Focus/Interest
Sensory and cognitive processing from synaptic to circuit scales.
Why The University of Rochester
It is such a supportive and inspiring environment! I love the people, the science, the mentorship, and the student-centered culture.
Advice for Prospective Students
(An advice to myself as well) Know yourself and know what you want very well; and then, just do it, trust yourself, and enjoy the journey! UR awesome!
Favorite thing To Do In Rochester/Hobbies Outside the Lab
Living. There are a lot of fun pop-up or seasonal events at Rochester, and it is always nice to go with friends and meet new ones.
Adam Roszczyk - 3rd Year
Undergraduate Education
I went to the University at Buffalo and majored in Biochemistry, with minors in Neuroscience and Pharmacology/Toxicology. Afterwards, I was a post-baccalaureate fellow at NIDDK.
Research Focus/Interest
My research seeks to understand how astrocytes respond to a decrease in neuronal metabolism, which is induced by a model of acute insulin resistance.
Science of Neuro-Glia Interaction Lab
Why The University of Rochester
From a research perspective, the University of Rochester is very strong in the glia field, and I knew when I joined that I wanted to study glia. From a graduate student perspective, the NGP student body has done a great job of fostering a welcome community. Collaboration and a social life are strongly encouraged.
Advice for Prospective Students
The human in you is just as important as the scientist in you. Build a support group with your peers, find a mentor whose style fits you best, and take care of yourself.
Favorite thing To Do In Rochester/Hobbies Outside the Lab
The music scene in Rochester is very underrated. The big names go to Buffalo (which is only an hour’s drive away), but there are plenty of festivals, events, and venues in Rochester to appeal to anyone. Rochester also has a lot of greenery so fall and spring are very beautiful.
Pavel Rjabtsenkov - 3rd Year
Undergraduate Education
Computer Science @ University of the People (UoPeople)
Research Focus/Interest
Neural computations of speech processing.
Computational Neuroscience of Audition Lab
Why The University of Rochester
Strong research in the field of my interest.
Advice for Prospective Students
Consider joining Graduate Labor Union (GLU).
Favorite thing To Do In Rochester/Hobbies Outside the Lab
Hiking, mushroom foraging.
Aaron Huynh - 4th Year
Undergraduate Education
University of Rochester ('22), Brain & Cognitive Sciences
Research Focus/Interest
Improving our understanding of upper extremity motor rehabilitation in stroke survivors.
Movement and Plasticity Lab
Why The University of Rochester
Having completed my undergraduate degree and postbac training at the University of Rochester, staying seemed like a no-brainer. The strong connections I had built in the community both on and off campus were the biggest reasons to pursue my graduate training here. Beyond that sense of community, the Neuroscience Graduate Program was an excellent fit—it checked all the boxes for me. The program offered everything I was looking for: opportunities for lab rotations, collaborations with Strong Memorial Hospital that support clinical and translational research, and access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources. I was also drawn to its strong alumni network and its emphasis on science outreach and communication.
Advice for Prospective Students
I have two: (1) mentorship can be as, if not more, important than the projects, reputation, and funding. Find what style works best for you to help achieve your goals during training, but also in setting you up for after graduate school. The next one is something I'm still learning to do but (2) try not to compare yourself to your coworkers. Everybody moves at their own pace and has their own path—control what you can and always put yourself first.
Favorite thing To Do In Rochester/Hobbies Outside the Lab
Film photography in the city and nearby parks as well as exploring all the great food and coffee in Rochester!
Margaux Masten, MS - 4th Year
Undergraduate Education
BA in Epidemiology from University of Rochester in 2020
Research Focus/Interest
Impact of air pollution on the developing brain in the spiny mouse.
Cory-Slechta Lab
Sobolewski Lab
Medical Scientist Training Program (M.D., Ph.D.)
Why The University of Rochester
The collaborative research within and across departments means that my project can span many facets, and I can learn new skills from people who have expertise in many areas.
Advice for Prospective Students
Choose a program based on the people more than the research. Obviously make sure there are a few labs at the program that interest you, but beyond that you will be spending a lot of time in grad school with the people so it is important you are happy.
Favorite thing To Do In Rochester/Hobbies Outside the Lab
Going to the finger lakes wineries, eating out on Park Ave, Saturday mornings at the public market, game nights with my friends, knitting, quilting, and watching bad TV.