Biology Students Hear from Doctoral Associates and Students About Academic Journeys, Potential Paths for Students
Post-doctoral associates and scholars visited Point Park University to discuss their academic journeys with students. Pictured, from left to right, are Hannah Dollish, Ph.D., assistant professor of biological sciences at Point Park, Brady Hasse, Ph.D., Masha Kaminsky, Ph.D., Laurel Dieckhaus, Ph. D., and Michael Cardenas.
Students in Point Park University's biological sciences program recently had an opportunity to network and explore potential academic paths.
During class, students were introduced to a panel of postdoctoral associates and scholars who are working on exciting projects in neuroscience. The panel discussed their projects in areas such as non-human primate research, bipolar disorder, circadian rhythms and aging, offering students a glimpse into the academic journeys available to biology students.
"These opportunities are important so that students can see what a future career in research looks like, gain advice on achieving their academic goals, gain insight into what it's like to be a postdoctoral professional and hear about some of the exciting science happening in their own backyard," said Hannah Dollish, Ph.D., associate professor of biological sciences.
Throughout the presentation, students showed particular interest in graduate programs and in how to use their time at Point Park to gain a competitive edge in the industry. The panel addressed misconceptions about graduate programs and highlighted their personal journeys in their fields, sharing both the real struggles and the sense of achievement and community within those spaces.
Students at Point Park benefit from smaller class sizes, similar to those in graduate programs, and learn from faculty through hands-on experiences. Through in-class events like this, biological sciences students can see where their degrees may lead them and learn about the research local professionals conduct every day.