Elizabeth Aulino
Elizabeth Aulino, a doctoral student in integrative physiology and neurobiology, was one of thirteen advanced doctoral students awarded the University Fellowship for the 2020-2021 academic year. Read further to learn more about her research, future goals and Kent State experience.
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- Please give a short overview of your research.
I study how the hormones oxytocin and vasopressin help shape brain development in embryonic mice, and what impact that has on social behaviors of adult animals.
- What made you choose to pursue your graduate degree here at Kent State?
Dr. Heather Caldwell, my advisor, is the reason I chose to pursue my Ph.D. at Kent State. I was working for her as a research technician at the time and loved my project so much I chose to apply here and stay to see it through.
- What do you enjoy most about attending Kent State for graduate school?
I have enjoyed the collaborative environment at Kent State the most, which is fostered by things like journal clubs and the annual Neuroscience Symposium. Additionally, I appreciate the numerous neuroscience faculty who have helped make my time here productive and helped shape me into a successful scientist.
- What are your future goals?
My next step is to work as a postdoctoral researcher and further develop my skills, but ultimately, I want to be a primary investigator and run my own lab, either in academia or government.
- What does this award mean to you and how will it aid you?
This award represents years of hard work and scholarship! Being awarded the University Fellowship means I can focus on my dissertation full time and will ensure I successfully complete my work and graduate.