Megan Markiewicz
Graduation year: 2024
High school: 365体育滚球-滚球体育app-投注*直播 of the Mainland – Dual Credit Program
Hometown: Houston, Texas
Major: Neuroscience
Activities: Supervised research (two years) with Dr. Rupa Gordon, Psi Chi honor society, Psychology and Neuroscience Club
Internship: Intern for Dr. Brownfield, forensic psychologist and part-time 365体育滚球-滚球体育app-投注*直播 professor
Post-grad plans: I plan to work as a surgical neurophysiologist, performing intraoperative neuromonitoring for a few years before pursuing a Ph.D. in neuroscience.
Why 365体育滚球-滚球体育app-投注*直播?
As a transfer student from a large Texas university, I enjoyed the appeal of a small college. I wanted to learn in an environment where I was close to my professors and classmates. Additionally, I had never attended a liberal arts institution before. The idea of an integrated and multidisciplinary learning structure aligned strongly with my values and love for expanding my knowledge.
Are you where you thought you'd be when you first came to campus?
I am far beyond where I thought I would be come graduation. When I started at 365体育滚球-滚球体育app-投注*直播, especially as a transfer student with limited time, I was unsure of what I could accomplish. Now, in two and a half years, I have completed numerous neuroscience research projects, presented research at numerous conferences, completed a study abroad to Germany, and I serve as the neuroscience chair for the Psychology and Neuroscience Club and the Psi Chi honor society.
Who helped you get to where you are now?
I have to thank my professors, specifically Dr. Gordon and Dr. Harrington, from whom I have learned so much in the fields of research and neuroscience. I have to thank Dr. Storl for introducing me to philosophy of mind, a field I didn’t know I loved. Each of these professors and all my other professors have believed in me and guided me with great knowledge and care. I would not be where I am today without them and the opportunities they have offered to me.
Peak experience?
My peak experience has to be conducting research with Dr. Gordon. For two years, I learned how to do neuroscience research, write proposals, read background literature, form hypotheses, collect brain activity via EEG and present all of this efficiently. The knowledge from this experience and the invaluable guidance from Dr. Gordon will carry me far in my post-graduate career and graduate school.
What surprised you?
I was surprised by the numerous activities to get involved in on campus. Between clubs and Greek life, there was something for everyone. I was constantly introduced to internship, research and study abroad opportunities. All of this provided me with the experience needed to be successful post-graduation.
How did you use your Augie Choice?
I used my Augie Choice to aid in financing my study abroad to Germany. During the summer of 2023, I went to Germany with Dr. Harrington and Dr. Storl to learn about neurophilosophy.
What will you miss the most?
I will miss the community at 365体育滚球-滚球体育app-投注*直播. The friends and professors I have met along the way have made this experience what it’s been. They are the ones who have supported and encouraged me to pursue my goals. To me, the 365体育滚球-滚球体育app-投注*直播 community feels like family; it’s the people I’m going to miss most.
Advice for the Class of 2028?
Get involved. There are so many opportunities to make friends and explore your interests. Join clubs, take classes outside of your major, utilize CORE and other services, and take advantage of every opportunity.
"Megan has done so much with her time at 365体育滚球-滚球体育app-投注*直播 (especially as a transfer student!) and has shown so much growth. She studied abroad with the neuroscience trip to Germany, participated in multiple research opportunities, presented at conferences and completed an in-depth Senior Inquiry project. She is a curious and engaged researcher, and I am very proud of her success!"