Student Perspectives
Meaghan McKenna - 1st Year
Undergraduate Education
I graduated from Mount Holyoke College with a double major in Neuroscience & Behavior and Latin.
Research Focus/Interest
Using neuroimaging to investigate biomarkers of psychiatric symptoms.
Why The University of Rochester
When I came to Rochester for Discovery Weekend, I was struck by the sense of community and belonging amongst the NGP students and faculty. Such a supportive environment allows students to thrive both in and out of the classroom. In addition, the CABIN provides state of the art equipment for neuroimaging and several amazing research opportunities. The Neurobiology and Anatomy Track is also unique to Rochester in that it allows Ph.D. Students to supplement their learning with medical school courses.
Advice for Prospective Students
A Ph.D. is a marathon, not a sprint; make sure to pace yourself and take care of yourself along the way. Also, the best mentor is not necessarily the one with the most similar research interest, but one who can support you and your learning styles along the way.
Favorite thing To Do In Rochester/Hobbies Outside the Lab
Visiting the museums and galleries around the area, and exploring the multiple parks and beaches along Lake Ontario.
Justin Zielinski - 1st Year
Undergraduate Education
I graduated from the University of Vermont with a B.S. in biochemistry (minor in writing).
Research Focus/Interest
The role of glia in neurodevelopment and neuropsychiatric disorders.
Why The University of Rochester
The University of Rochester has a strong research focus on glia combined with expertise that spans the breadth of neuroscience: from the molecular all the way up to behavioral. This provides students with the necessary foundation to explore all aspects of the field, and gain a deeper understanding of the integrative nature of neuroscience. In addition to the science, the researchers and fellow students provide a welcoming and supportive environment where it feels safe to explore and grow together rather than alone.
Advice for Prospective Students
Remember that you are not alone, and that this is a process where we all face unique challenges. It is important to take care of yourself. I can also not stress the importance of mentorship enough: find a lab where you feel supported, and somewhere you know you can thrive and grow.
Favorite thing To Do In Rochester/Hobbies Outside the Lab
Rochester is situated in a beautiful area where there are many trails to enjoy nature. Personally, I love exploring new trails and going for runs. It is refreshing and a perfect way to destress.
Zimin 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.
Patterson Lab
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.
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.