I’m Anna Anello, I’m a double major in neuroscience and computer science with a minor in psychology and I’ll 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 recognized that this would lead to amazing opportunities in my future.
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’m currently researching in a computer science lab, studying how we can use mixed reality and haptics for Parkinson’s disease upper limb rehabilitation. We track participants’ 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.
I found it really rewarding to be able to present my research and get recognized for my contributions.
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’ve learned how to do a brain extraction, how to handle live mice, work with Parkinson’s patients and complete data analysis for a research project.
I also published three journal papers and had the opportunity to present at a few national conferences.
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’s club called the Scientistas, and HacKSU 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.
This was a unique experience that I would not have gotten through any other university.
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’s a great combination of interests and it’s a growing field. I’m excited to see what new discoveries will be made in the future and I would like to be a part of that.
So, be open to all possible opportunities.
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.