Enhance Your Education

Distinctive Programs in Neuroscience

Expand Your Education
There are ample opportunities to enhance your studies in neuroscience through independent research, off-campus study, and internships. In fact, all Knox students undertake an experiential learning project as part of their education. These programs are integral to a Knox education, teaching you how to apply your skills in "real world" situations.

Student Research
Knox is a leader in promoting undergraduate research. In fact, more than 90% of all Knox students complete an independent research project by the time they graduate. Students often receive research grants to support these projects. In fact, last year, Knox provided more than $200,000 in research grants from the following sources: Richter Memorial Scholars Program, Ford Foundation Research Fellows Program, Ronald E. McNair Fellows Program, and departmentally-supported independent studies.

In addition, special fellowships awarded to Knox through national competitions and research grants, such as the $1 million grant from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, make Knox a leader in promoting undergraduate research. Examples of some recent student research projects in neuroscience funded by research grants include: "The Ameliorating Effects of Saliva Lavandulaefolia on Morris Water Maze Performance in Mecamylamine-Treated Rats: Implications of Alternative Medicine in the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease," Megan Bertholomey, '04 and "Coenzyme Q10 Affect on Parkinson's Disease,"Javed A. Malik, independent study/senior research project funded by Richter program,'05.

College Honors
Outstanding students may elect to undertake College Honors in their senior year, carrying out an advanced research project presented and defended to a faculty committee that includes a distinguished outside examiner. Recent College Honors awarded in neuroscience include:

• "Effects of Temporary Inactivation of the Basolateral Amygdala During Extinction of Cocaine Conditioned Place Preference in Rats," Nicholas Fasolt, '09.
• "The Effect of Stress on Spatial Memory Performance and Hipocampal Tissue in Rats," Lana Jean Fryer, '05.
• "Are Hormones Alone? The Effects of Sex and Sexual Orientation on Bodily Fluctuating Asymmetry," Stacie S. Miller, '03.
• "The Effects of Chronic Mild Stress on Corticosterone Levels in a Reserpine Model of Parkinson's Disease," Erin Marie McCune, '03.
• "An Investigation Into the Neurological Basis of the Search Image in the European Starling, Sturnus Valgaris," Joyce M. Christensen, '03.

Study Abroad
Knox offers you plenty of opportunities to begin exploring the world while still a student. Almost 50% of Knox students participate in study abroad and consider their studies abroad to be the highlight of their college experiences. Recent study abroad programs attended by neuroscience students include:

• University of Aberdeen, Scotland
• University of Magdeburg, Germany
• University of Copenhagan, Denmark

Internships and Off-Campus Research
As a student of neuroscience at Knox, you'll have the opportunity to expand your education through internships and off-campus research. These opportunities give you the chance to explore and test career options, to gain experiences and skills needed to succeed as a professional, to build a resume, to network and make critical connections, and to experience a work environment. More and more employers are looking for college graduates with career-related experience. Knox's Center for Career and Pre-Professional Development can help you find an internship or opportunity for research that best matches your goals and interests.

In past years, Knox neuroscience students have conducted off-campus research at the Burdenko Neurosurgery Institute, Russia; Lobatse Mental Health Hospital, Botswana; Northwestern University (Alzheimer's Research); and Medical University of North Carolina (Multiple Sclerosis research). Other recent internships and off-campus research include:

• Medical assistantship, University of Michigan, working on stem cell research -- axonal guidance during neural development. Andy Prendergast '07.
• HHMI medical assistantship (HHMA), University of Wisconsin, Madison, working on animal models of epilepsy. M. Leanne Lilly '06.
• Internship with Dr. Marc Katchen, Central Illinois Neurosciences, Galesburg, Illinois, working with deep brain stimulation as a mechanism for treating Parkinson's patients. Javid Malik '05 and Erin McCune '03.