Leonardo Montenegro

Since middle school, I have always known I was profoundly interested in science because of how it compelled me to ask questions and imagine concepts others wouldn’t have imagined possible. Upon arrival at college, I immediately fell in love with psychological research, and have since been a part of multiple directed research labs within social and multicultural psychology that use mixed-methods approaches to investigate unique research questions with real-world implications. Most recently, I was invited to study immigration policy and border communities on the US-Mexico border, where I administered, transcribed, and qualitatively coded surveys and interviews conducted with migrants and asylum seekers. After graduation, I plan to continue conducting research at the graduate level to continue my profound interest in utilizing psychological research as an action-driven practice for large-scale change.

Hara Collins

I am a Baltimore City native who loves the small-town vibe and that is what compelled me to study at SMCM. Since middle school, I have loved everything brain-related. I enjoy research on traumatic brain injuries and neuropharmacology. I am a third-year neuroscience student and will soon declare the topic of my senior thesis. Once I have completed my undergraduate chapter, I will get my masters in pharmacology with a concentration in neuropharmacology. During this time, I hope to work as a surgical technician before enrolling in medical school with the hopes of becoming a neurosurgeon. In my free time, I enjoy learning new languages and traveling. I am currently learning Mandarin and will move on to Arabic.

Em Allan

As a sophomore in college, I am just beginning my studies of neuroscience but I am excited for everything I have yet to learn. I have always been intrigued by science, psychology and the processes that are involved in cognitive function. I have also had a keen and more prominent interest in art and actually started college as an art major, which I quickly changed after taking an intro neuro course and being hooked. In the future, I hope to pursue neuroscience research, either in neurodegenerative diseases or women’s health. 

Jayden Washington

I am a senior in college. I went into college unsure of what I wanted to do. By chance, I took a physiology and sensory psychology course and found that I wanted to pursue a career in behavioral neuroscience. While in college, I have been a research assistant for labs studying the connection between the gut-brain microbiome and addiction and the potential of GABA-NAMs to act as fast-acting antidepressants. I hope to continue research on depression and potential pharmaceutical treatments in the future, with the end goal of becoming a professor.

Elise Kinyanjui

As a senior in college, I've had the opportunity to explore many different areas of neuroscience research. My interest in the field began during my sophomore year of high school in AP Psychology. Learning about the brain’s lobes and their functions really hit a nerve for me (no pun intended!). Since then, I’ve explored various subfields of neuroscience, including addiction, neurodegenerative diseases, and stroke research. What I love most about neuroscience is its versatility - it can apply to so many aspects of life and interact with such a wide range of disciplines. Moving forward, I plan to continue researching Alzheimer's disease as a post-baccalaureate researcher and eventually pursue a Ph.D. in Neuroscience!

Christina Rutherford

I am a current senior at St. Mary’s College of Maryland aiming for a double major in Neuroscience and Psychology. Learning more and more about the brain throughout my four years here has propelled my passion for learning about the brain. My interests lie specifically in diagnosing, treating, and researching brain diseases. My research experience in the field of neuroscience includes brain development of the hippocampus and the amygdala in early childhood, and the relationship between the brain and multiple other psychological factors. I hope to continue in medical school, specialize in neurology, and continue research on brain diseases, specifically Parkinson’s and Huntington’s Diseases.

Alba Gonzalez Ventura

As a senior Neuroscience and Psychology student, I have developed a deep passion for understanding the brain and nervous system. My academic journey has been driven by a strong curiosity about behavioral learning and sensory processing, leading me to extensive research experience in the Psychology department. Currently, my research focuses on investigating the role of melatonin in behavioral changes within the Suprachiasmatic Nucleus, Thalamus, and Pineal Gland, as well as exploring the cardiac rhythms of zebrafish. These projects have strengthened my analytical skills and deepened my appreciation for the intersection of neurobiology and behavior. After graduation, I plan to continue researching the field of neuroscience as a post-baccalaureate, particularly in the context of traumatic brain injury and its impact on behavior