How earning a neuroscience certificate is preparing me for my future
Editor’s note: The College of LAS' certificate programs typically involve fewer courses than a minor, while enabling students to develop additional knowledge in a field or subfield. In this post, Adrianna Jelen writes about earning a neuroscience certificate.
When I arrived at the university, I always knew that the human body was of interest to me. As I progressed through my classes, the brain and central nervous system, specifically, amazed me. While studying for anatomy exams and learning about the processes of the brain, it never felt as if it was a hassle to dive into the work.
From that point, I heard about the the Department of Molecular & Cellular Biology's neuroscience certificate from my advisor and decided to pursue it further. I officially claimed my certificate during my junior year, and immediately hoped to take part in research.
I never had a great drive to join an MCB lab because I was not a fan of constant bench work. Soon, I became involved in two research laboratories that enhanced my interest of neuroscience. I am currently a part of nutritional sciences professor Charles Hillman’s FitKids program, where we examine the impact of exercise on cognition in elementary school kids.
I am also an undergraduate research assistant in psychology professor Joshua Gulley’s behavioral neuroscience lab, in which we examine the effects methamphetamine induces on rats that are both young adults and adults, male and female.
In addition, I have been able to learn from extremely intelligent professors during neuroscience-designed courses. Classes such as NEUR 461, Cell and Molecular Neuroscience; NUER 462; Integrative Neuroscience, PSYC 413, Psychopharmacology, and PSYC 414, Brain, Learning and Memory have deepened my understanding of the field significantly. Each class has been engaging and eye-opening. I feel like I am constantly learning new information and developing my own brain. It is amazing to think about what is going on inside your own mind as you go about your normal daily activities.
With this experience, I hope to eventually pursue some of my own research in the neuroscience field. As I apply to medical schools, I want to eventually specialize in neurology and potentially enter the field of neurosurgery. I feel that the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences at the University of Illinois has done an impeccable job of exposing me to what I am truly interested in and preparing me for my future endeavors.
The College of Liberal Arts & Sciences at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign offers more than 70 majors and provides a world-class interdisciplinary education that prepares students for lives of impact. Learn more about LAS.