Meet Mary Ukpong, a 2022-2023 Graduate Dean's Award recipient. Mary is a Biological Sciences master's student majoring in Integrative Physiology and Neurobiology.
Please give a short overview of your research.
I’ll be starting research in Dr. Lique Coolen’s lab in the Fall, working on studying the spinal reflexes of rats with the goal of developing new treatments for spinal cord injury.
What made you choose to pursue your graduate degree here at Kent State?
I love how Kent State looks out for their grad students financially, and being supported as I study was really important to me. Coming to Kent State was a no-brainer in terms of the financial support of master's degree students in my program, and the quality of the research itself.
What do you enjoy most about attending Kent State for graduate school?
I will begin attending in the Fall, however I got to visit in the Spring, and I love how walkable the city is, as well as the kindness I was shown by just about everyone I got to meet.
What are your future goals?
After my master's program, I plan to go on to get my Ph.D. in a field related to Neuroscience. I will be using my time as a master’s student to narrow down my interests. I hope one day to do research that saves lives.
What does this award mean to you and how will it aid you?
It will help me very much to assist me with my lifestyle costs, on top of the generous stipend I’ve already been given. I’m very grateful to have this award, and I will use it well!