I鈥檓 Anna Anello, I鈥檓 a double major in neuroscience and computer science with a minor in psychology and I鈥檒l graduate in fall 2024.
I chose Kent State because I really loved the campus and when I discovered that they added the neuroscience program when I would be starting, it cemented my decision. I was also drawn to Kent State because of how easy it is to study abroad and because of the Brain Health Research Institute (BHRI) which is a giant neuroscience collaboratory that really intrigued me. I liked the idea of a bunch of neuroscientists on campus.
I worked in three labs while at Kent State. The first lab was a neuroendocrinology lab studying the effects of serotonin on kisspeptin neurons. These neurons are responsible for starting ovulation in females. The second lab I worked in studied the effects of a high salt diet on anxiety-like behaviors in mice.
I鈥檓 currently researching in a computer science lab, studying how we can use mixed reality and haptics for Parkinson鈥檚 disease upper limb rehabilitation. We track participants鈥� hand movements, and we analyze their tremors to see if we can give real-time feedback to improve the severity of their tremors. I also work as a research ambassador on campus for the Office of Student Research.
When I first heard the news that my first publication was accepted for publication, I screamed out of excitement. I also enjoyed talking to experts in my field, and learning more about my major and the different paths I could take.
Personally, I improved my verbal communication skills through opportunities to present my research at different conferences and events. I also had my interests evolve from neuroscience to neurotechnology and computational. I鈥檝e learned how to do a brain extraction, how to handle live mice, work with Parkinson鈥檚 patients and complete data analysis for a research project.
Additionally, I gave a capstone presentation as a BRHI fellow. I've joined a few clubs on campus like the Neuroscience Club, a STEM women鈥檚 club called the and which is a computer science club. All of these were essential in learning more about my majors, future career paths, and gaining leadership experience and connecting with professionals in my fields of study.
I also got the experience of spending a summer at the Florence Institute in Florence, Italy. While in Florence, I took a sensory neuroscience course that had us explore the city through our senses.
After I graduate, I would like to either get my Ph.D. in computational neuroscience or data science. I am also looking at going into the industry for neurotechnology or software development of neurological devices.
I would love to be able to combine both of my degrees since I think it鈥檚 a great combination of interests and it鈥檚 a growing field. I鈥檓 excited to see what new discoveries will be made in the future and I would like to be a part of that.
I have stumbled upon all my labs and experiences by accident. I had no clue what I wanted to do when I first started and thankfully, I accepted the different opportunities that have come up. Without these opportunities, I would not have had the personal and professional growth and network that I have today.
