Student Perspectives
AA Guo - 1st 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 - 2nd 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 - 2nd 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 - 3rd 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!
Dennisha King, MS - 4th Year
Undergraduate Education
Agnes Scott College- BS in Neuroscience & Public Health
Research Focus/Interest
I study how early life stress alters microglial morphology and functional interactions with neural development in the primate amygdala.
Fudge Lab
Why The University of Rochester
I chose the University of Rochester for its collaborative , visibly diverse neuroscience community and strong emphasis on translational, mechanistic research that bridges basic science and mental health.
Advice for Prospective Students
Seek out mentorship early and often. The right mentors can help you grow scientifically, professionally, and personally. You cannot get everything you need from one single mentor so establishing a network is important.
Favorite thing To Do In Rochester/Hobbies Outside the Lab
The food scene in Rochester is amazing. I enjoy exploring new cafes and brunch restaurants. My top 3 are Layali Coffee House, Butterjoy, & The Toast Factory.
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.
Paige Nicklas, MS - 5th Year
Undergraduate Education
Psychology - Edinboro University of Pennsylvania
Research Interest
I am broadly interested in cognitive neurodevelopment and how the brain adapts when typical development is interrupted through injury or disorder.
Cognitive Neurophysiology Laboratory
Why The University of Rochester
When I interviewed with the UR Neuroscience Graduate Program, I was immediately struck by the clear sense of connectedness the current students had. It was obvious to me that fostering a network of support and community was important to the program.
Additionally, I was very impressed at the plethora of student resources, affinity groups, and recreational groups that UR had for its graduate students. It was clear to me that UR wants to support its students holistically, going beyond their roles as trainees and researchers.
Favorite thing To Do In Rochester/Hobbies Outside the Lab
Rochester is such a "sweet spot" for city-life and small-town feel. I love that within a single day I can hike a beautiful nature trail, go to a baseball game, and then enjoy dinner at a locally-owned, unique spot! Everything you could be in the mood for is within 30 minutes.