MSM Launches New Honors Track in Translational Neurobiology
The Center for Community Health and Service Learning in collaboration with the Department of Neurobiology recently started an honors program in translational neurobiology.
The program is modeled after the highly successful honors track in community health and service.
The goal of the new honors track program in translational neurobiology is to create opportunities for the transfer of knowledge acquired through biomedical research to the community.
"We recognized the need for an innovative concept," said Meryl McNeal, Ph.D., director, Center for Community Health and Service Learning. "It made sense to marry science with community service and community participatory research. The translational part makes this program unique."
There are five students enrolled in the extremely competitive and rigorous track program. The students must participate in MSM’s Neuroscience Institute Summer Research Program or an acceptable summer research program at another institution. Students will work closely with their advisors and the steering committee who will guide them through the three-year program.
Profiles of Students:
Deniece Johnson
Second-Year MD Student
Undergraduate Studies
Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry, Florida State University
Master of Science in Neurobiology, Georgia State University
Research Interest/Experience
My first experience in research was at Florida State in a Neurobiology and Behavior laboratory studying sex differences and salt intake in rats. I have been interested in research since, and while not in school I have completed research in transgenics and clinical research. In my master’s program I returned to neuroscience research, studying behavioral models of food intake and energy balance using hamsters.
Future Plans
When I graduate I plan to pursue a career in the neurosciences and build a strong foundation in clinical and translational research. I am strongly considering a neuroendocrinology specialty, with a practice focused on using neural mechanisms to treat obesity.
Why MSM?
I came to MSM because I wanted a family environment, and to pursue my education with people that I would enjoy as colleagues for the rest of my life.
Why participate in new honors track?
The honors track in translational neurobiology is the perfect progression of my efforts toward reaching my goals. I completed a summer research project in clinical and translational research at Harvard’s Joslin Diabetes Center, and the honors track in translational neurobiology will bridge through the rest of my time at MSM, allowing me to graduate with a strong sense of research and community, and place me miles ahead of the competition.
Asheena Keith
Second-Year MD Student
Undergraduate Studies
Bachelor of Science in Biology, Oakwood University
Research Interest/Experience
I am still developing my research interest, but right now I am between Lithium Receptors and Circadian Rhythms.
Future Plans
After graduating from MSM I plan to enroll in a neuropsychiatry residency or a psychiatry residency followed by a neuropsychiatry fellowship.
Why MSM?
I chose MSM because I liked its focus on the community and I enjoy being in a small school environment.
Why participate in new honors track?
I interested in the honors track because I want the opportunity to pursue some of my other interests instead of only focusing on studying. I also want to learn more than just information from books. I hope to learn practical knowledge with hands-on experience.
Shawnay Mazell
Second-Year MD Student
Undergraduate Studies
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Washington and Lee University
Research Interest/Experience
The majority of my research during college was based on child and adolescent psychological development. One research project of particular interest that I assisted in was the Transitions Project, which focused on how families foster positive development as their sons and daughters move from childhood into adolescence. In conjunction with the project, I completed my independent study on the mediating effects of body dissatisfaction on pubertal development and depressive symptoms, which was used in designing one of the hypotheses for the project.
Last summer I took part in the Grady Project, which is a study aiming to determine the relative contribution of genetic and trauma-related risk factors for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in a cross-sectional study of a highly traumatized, low socioeconomic status, minority urban population.
Future Plans
I have a strong interest in pursuing a career in neurology or psychology, potentially finding a way to incorporate both of my interest. As a future physician I envision a career that will blend my interests in directly helping patients through my clinical services, as well as pursuing clinical research in order to continue advancements in the medical field. I inspire to reach out to the community and address the issues that are transpiring among our society.
Why MSM?
The cohesiveness among the students, innovative curriculum, the range of community activities, and the location of Morehouse School of Medicine were among a few of the distinguishing characteristics that made the school an excellent match for me. I feel the program offered at MSM, an institution dedicated to improving the care of underserved populations, puts an emphasis on training physicians to recognize and overcome disparities in health care.
Why participate in new honors track?
Upon learning about this exceptional opportunity, I feel that the program will be extremely beneficial in providing me a more in depth exposure to the field of neurobiology, while also providing insight into how to incorporate research findings into community service prevention and awareness programs. I believe that the program, with its strong clinical exposure and community service interaction, will allow me the opportunity to obtain first-hand experience in developing a community service project that will provide prevention and awareness about a neurobiological based issue.
Casey McCraw
Second-Year MD Student
Undergraduate Studies
Bachelor of Science in Biology, Tufts University
Research Interest/Experience
I am doing research on cytokine patterns in response to ischemic strokes in non-human primates.
Future Plans
I have an interest in possibly pursuing a neurosurgery residency in the future.
Why MSM?
I chose MSM because it has smaller class sizes; therefore, each student gets more individualized attention. MSM also has an impeccable board passing rate, which was very appealing to me.
Why participate in new honors track?
I am pursuing this honors track because I feel it is important for all medical doctors to participate in some form of research in order to stay current with new scientific discoveries. Also, doctors should be highly attuned to their surrounding community and do all that is in their power to improve the lives of the people who reside there. This program is great because it bridges scientific bench work and community involvement that are imperative to being a good physician.
Huma Mirza
Second-Year MD Student
Undergraduate Studies
Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology, Emory University
Research Experience
I participated in the Society for Pediatric Research Summer Research Program 2009, University of British Columbia under Steven P. Miller, M.D., where I researched the impact of maternal pre-natal risk factors (pre-eclampsia and magnesium sulfate therapy) on brain injury and development in the pre-term newborn. I’m interested in research involving neonatal/pediatric neurology and neuroradiology.
Future Plans
I hope to pursue further studies in the field of pediatric neurology, continue clinical research on brain development and injury in the newborn, and in time, develop a career in academic medicine with a focus on the neurosciences.
Why participate in new honors track?
I have always had an interest in the neurosciences, having grown up with a psychiatrist in the family. After graduating from Emory University with a degree in Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology, I felt that I had found my calling in neurology. Research and clinical experience in my undergraduate institution shaped my interest in pediatric neurology. Growing up in Atlanta, I heard about the work done at Morehouse School of Medicine and the interest in serving the underserved. My collective passion for neurobiology, clinical science, and working in underserved communities has led me to the translational neurobiology track. I hope that I can educate and excite people about neuroscience while making an impact in the community.