Amanda Gibson

Biography/Resume:

B.A in Psychology and Spanish, Hope College, 2018

Admission year:  2018

Advisor: Dr. Suzanne Moenter

Current project: We are using electrophysiological techniques to assess how early-life and adult stress affect the physiological activity of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons and their afferent inputs. Furthermore, we will use chemogenetic and optogenetic tools to ascertain the role of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) neurons in these circuits.

Teaching experience: I was a graduate student instructor in Winter 2020, leading a discussion section for Human Physiology (PHYSIOL 201). I also served as a teaching assistant in undergrad for neuroscience, physiology, and organic chemistry courses. During the summer of 2020, I am helping to lead a virtual professional development workshop with Drs. Audrey Seasholtz and Keith Duncan for 10 rising undergraduate seniors who were unable to conduct research on-campus due to COVID-19.

Honors, grants, & awards: National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate Fellowship (NDSEG); Rackham Graduate Student Research Grant (Pre-candidate); Maas Fellowship

Service & leadership: Vice-president of BrainsRule!; Volunteer for Science Engagement and Education for Kids (SEEK)

Career goals: I aspire to be a scientist-educator at a primarily undergraduate institution where I can merge my passions for research and teaching