Meet Shannon Ackerman, a 2022-2023 Graduate Dean's Award recipient. Shannon is a Biomedical Sciences doctoral student majoring in Neurosciences.
Please give a short overview of your research.
During my undergraduate studies, I was researching COVID-19, specifically long-COVID. I was looking at the long-term effects of COVID-19 on the brain.
What made you choose to pursue your graduate degree here at Kent State?
Kent State University has a variety of options for research, but one of it's biggest facets is that Kent delves into research that most universities do not. The research is remarkable and it allows students to explore their options without being tied to one form of exploration.
What do you enjoy most about attending Kent State for graduate school?
The community, the campus, the labs, and most importantly the professors. Having professors who believe in me and plan to help and watch me succeed is what I enjoy and look forward to.
What are your future goals?
It's impossible to list out every goal I have. However, my biggest goal is to be a neurovirologist and to make a large contribution to the body of human research. I guess a second additional goal, is to give hope to first-generation students like myself as well.
What does this award mean to you and how will it aid you?
This award came as a surprise when I was awarded. It felt that everything I had worked hard for during my undergraduate studies was being recognized, especially considering the hardships I had faced. This award will aid me in many ways taking into account that I am also a low-income student. I am grateful for this award and grateful to Dr. Coolen for nominating me.