Kyle Brotkowski
Kyle Brotkowski
Class Year
’14
Hometown
Roscoe, Ill.
Major(s)
Psychology, Neuroscience
Minor(s)
Spanish
Kyle Brotkowski wants to be more than just a number in a classroom. “I want to be able to speak to my professors and have them know my name,” he said.
Here at Carthage, he has experienced that, and more.
He is packing a lot into his four years of undergrad. He’s double-majoring in psychology and neuroscience, with a minor in Spanish. “The Neuroscience Program gives you the chance to combine psychology, biology, and chemistry into one major,” Kyle said.
He has always been fascinated by the brain. While he enjoyed biology classes, he wanted to dig deeper into how neurons work, what consciousness is, how people learn, and what thoughts look like. “With the information neuroscience has given me, I feel like I can answer those questions and more.”
Studying neuroscience at Carthage gives students the exceptional experience to participate in ongoing research, Kyle said. “The data you collect in Research Methods has the possibility to be used in an actual journal article due to the collaboration of Dr. Miller and Dr. Servatius, the Director of the Stress & Motivated Behavior Institute.”
With this kind of experience and opportunity, he feels ready to take the next step in his career. He plans to go to medical school and become a neurologist.
“I have been given research experience, knowledge on how to read and write journal articles, and a set of skills I feel will be instrumental to medical school,” he said. “I couldn’t ask for more from an undergraduate program.”
Career goal
To go to medical school and become a neurologist.
How have Carthage faculty had an impact on your life or Carthage career?
“Without a doubt, my favorite professor is Dan Miller. He is both kind and brilliant in his classes and I’ve loved learning from him. His teaching style is a challenge, and I like that. He doesn’t spoon-feed answers during class, but makes you work out the answers for yourself while he guides the discussion.”
Favorite class
“I would probably say Research Methods in Neuroscience. Not many people can say that they have done surgery and lesions on live rats at our age.”
Campus involvement
“I am a Resident Assistant in Johnson Hall, part of Psi Chi, and a member of the Honors Program.”
Toughest class
“I think Organic Chemistry might be. I’m taking it right now and it’s one of the first classes I’ve really had to work hard in to understand the content.”
Favorite moments and memories at Carthage
“RA training last year with Courtney Drew. There were a few times she had me doubled over from laughing so hard.”
Favorite spot on campus
“Sitting on the rocks by the lake. It’s my quiet spot when I just need to take a relaxing nap sometimes. Although, I wish the campus was on the other side of the lake so everyone could catch the sunset over the water.”
Biggest surprise so far
“I never expected to be on a first-name basis with some of my professors. That’s pretty cool to me.”
Why should other students consider your major? What advice do you have for them?
“Be passionate about what you learn in these classes. A lot of people sit through the intro classes every week just waiting for the time to pass. Don’t do that. You need to be excited. The brain is an amazing and undoubtedly complex structure that makes you who you are. Millions of chemical reactions and electrical pulses are taking place each second inside your head that give you the ability to sense, analyze, experience, fell, react, and live. Take the time to learn about it and I guarantee you that you will be amazed with what you find out.”