Ellen KW Brennan
B.S. in Neuroscience, University of Vermont, 2016
Masters of Science, University of Michigan, 2018
Admission year: 2016
Advisor: Dr. Omar Ahmed
Research Interest: I study the cells and circuits that facilitate the navigational functions of the retrosplenial cortex. My focus ranges from the single cell to the larger circuit that connects the thalmus, claustrum, anterior cingulate cortex, and dorsal subiculum with the retrosplenial cortex.
Other interests: In addition to research, I am passionate about science communication and am involved in several scicomm and communication training efforts.
Teaching experience: I served as a graduate student instructor for an undergraduate course in Neural Circuits.
Honors, grants, and awards:
- Rackham Predoctoral Fellowship – 2020-2021
- AAAS Annual Meeting Student Research ePoster Presentation Competition – First Place 2020
- NSF GRFP Fellow – 2017-2020
- Excellence in Basic Science – 2019
- T32 NS 76401-16 Training Grant – 2016-2017
Service and leadership:
- Outreach chair for Neuroscience Graduate Student Organization - 2016-2017
- Neuroscience Graduate Program NoBrainers Lead Committee - 2019-2021
- Communications Director for Michigan Science Writers - 2019-2021
- ComSciCon-MI 2020 Co-Chair
- ComSciCon-MI 2019 Organizing Committee
- Social Media Intern for Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies - 2019-2020
- PhDBalance Editor - 2018-2020
Career goals: I plan to pursue a career in science communication, serving as a support for researchers to disseminate their work across various audiences and formats.
Hobbies: I picked up many hobbies to give me some time away from the graduate life, including woodworking, improv, cocktail making, reading, gaming, and doing anything at all with my dogs!