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APEX Fellowship provides research, lab experience for neurobiology major

During his time at Rosalind Franklin University, William McMichael ’22 served as a researcher analyzing the neural activity of rodents. He also educated the public on how neuroscience research can help discover new information on neurodegenerative diseases and mental health disorders.��

“I am excited about the implications for the research I was working on.” -William McMichael��

How did you learn about the internship opportunity for your APEX Fellowship? Why was the position a good fit for you?��

“I learned about this opportunity through my local neighbors. The position was a good fit,��but an��in-person��experience would have been a better fit.”��

What interests you most about the work you did? What were some of the things you did each day?��

“I am excited about the implications for the research I was working on.��Specifically,��my work shined��a��light on anxiety and social behavior in rats and how dopamine signaling��affects neuronal circuitry connecting the amygdala and frontal lobe.”��

Who was your Fellowship mentor and how did they help you to succeed in this position?��

“My primary mentor is Dr. Nicole Farrara, and the instructor of the lab is Dr. Amiel Rosenkranz.��Dr. Farrara��is very patient and easy to communicate with which encouraged��me while working virtually.”��

What are some skills you’ve learned that you see carrying forward into your career?��

“I have learned how to use ImageJ��[an imaging process program], but more importantly I worked on communication skills with my mentor,��which is certainly something I will take with me into my career and graduate school.”��

Is there anything else you want to share about your APEX Fellowship?��

“I really want to praise the people at Rosalind Franklin University. The lab group has been extremely welcoming and adaptive for undergraduate students. I really enjoyed��working with the people there.”��

Posted in Experiential Learning on October 27, 2021.