Student Voices

Dana Watt, '10

Majors: Neuroscience, Biology
Minors: Chemistry, Classics
Hometown: Barrington, Ill.

Neuroscience was a surprise to Dana Watt. When she first came to Carthage, her goal was to become a whale and dolphin trainer. Now she’s majoring in neuroscience and biology, and plans to pursue a Ph.D. in developmental biology with a focus in neurodevelopment.

"I'd like to conduct research in neuro-regenerative treatments for spinal cord injuries," she said.

Why the change?

"Penny convinced me [to major in neuroscience] when I asked her about designing my own major in animal behavior," says Dana of neuroscience professor Penny Seymoure. "I stuck with it because of the active research students are allowed — and expected! — to participate in, and based on Dan [Miller's] and Penny's dedication to their students.

She's had one opportunity after another at Carthage, she said. "Since it is small, Carthage can give undergraduate students real hands-on research experience, rather than keep them as lab lackeys. My relationships with professors have also been outstanding. Being in a small class, my professors really got to know me. This not only made me more passionate about the subjects, but also meant that when I needed letters of recommendation for various other opportunities (like my internship this past summer at Marquette), they have something substantial to say."

"In terms of coursework, my J-Term classes have all been eclectic and one of a kind," she continued. "I have taken classes in bookmaking, western film, and comedy in politics. I have also had the opportunity to travel to present my research. This fall I will be presenting my research from Marquette with Carthage at the Pew conference at Washington University in St. Louis."

What's so great about studying neuroscience at Carthage? "The dedication of the professors, especially in regards to the focus on student research both at Carthage and other institutions," Dana said. "Active research is required in neuro insofar as all majors have to take a research methods class, which is an active research class. I think this is really important, since so much of neuroscience has yet to be discovered, and since an understanding of the research process is imperative to understanding the research in neuroscience that is coming out all the time."

Favorite professor: "Dan Miller. When I first mentioned to him the idea of pursuing my Ph.D., he seemed so excited! He really convinced me that I was smart enough to pursue all of my career goals. He truly believes in his students, and is brilliant (and hilarious) to boot."

Favorite class: "Research Methods in Neuroscience. The class is structured around an active research project that the class conducts as a whole. I liked the hands-on approach of the class in regards to every part of the research process, from conceptualization to performing the experiments to analyzing and presenting the data."

Toughest class: "Research Methods in Neuroscience. Active research requires a lot of reading, time and dedication."

Favorite moment at Carthage: "I joined a sorority freshman year and have had a blast going to functions and hanging out with my sorority sisters. I have also been on the debate team since freshman year, and have had a lot of fun traveling to different competitions."

Favorite spot on campus: "The cafeteria. I LOVE cafeteria food. I could eat it all day. The worst part about living off campus is living without the cafeteria. Good, good times in the Caf."

Biggest surprises so far: "Being a neuro major! I originally went to school to be a whale and dolphin trainer, and now I want to get my Ph.D.!"

Advice for students considering neuroscience: "Start early, and do it like you mean it! The program can be the best thing in your life, or just another couple of classes. It is what you take out of it, how hard you try, how much you research, that makes the program so great. And the professors are always willing to help an ambitious student."

The photograph above is a choleratoxin-HRP labeled motorneuron.
Photo courtesy of Dr. Joe Steinmetz, Indiana University.

Student Voices

Jamie Hamill, '11

"Toughest class? Research in Neuroscience Methods, learning new skills in the rat lab, like surgeries and brain histology." Read more.

Courtney Snelten, '10

"Neuroscience is perfect for me. ... I am fascinated by the brain and its capacity for so many things. Read more.

Dana Watt, '10

"Favorite professor? Dan Miller. He truly believes in his students, and is brilliant (and hilarious) to boot." Read more.

Holly Sikora, '10

"I loved all the hands-on experiences we had using various neuroscience techniques, including surgery, behavioral data collection, euthanasia and histology. There were some weeks that I chose to attend more than my required lab section because I found the laboratory time very enjoyable." Read more.

David Reis, '10

This fall, David and his research partner will have the opportunity to attend a professional neuroscience conference and present their research in Vermont. Read more