Mary Ann Stephens and John R. Graham Award: Shandna Burroughs

Shandna Burroughs HeadshotMeet Shandna Burroughs, a Mary Ann Stephens & John R. Graham Award for Excellence in Graduate Research & Scholarship recipient. Shanda is a Ph.D. student in the School of Biomedical Sciences.

Please give a short overview of your research:

My research is investigating repeated exposure of CORT (representative stress) in priming the immune system to induce low-grade inflammatory (indicated by the presence of pro-inflammatory cytokines) and reducing motivation and reward-seeking behaviors (behaviors associated with depression).

What made you choose to pursue your graduate degree here at Kent State?

The Biomedical Science Department is expanding. Thus there are more research opportunities available in Neuroscience. I met with a principal investigator who was investigating stress physiological, and behaviors associated with depression.

What do you enjoy most about attending Kent State for graduate school?

What I like the most about attending KSU is the personal and professional development opportunities and one-on-one interactions with my research advisor.

What are your future goals?

My long-term professional goals are to fill the research gap to better advise therapists on treatment for black minorities. I intend on pursuing a career in academia or medical writing.

What does this award mean to you and how will it aid you?

I greatly appreciate receiving this award, as supporting myself through graduate school has been a challenge. My stipend does not cover additional expenses such as my health insurance and parking permit. I was afraid I would not be able to cover these expenses. This scholarship ensures that I will be able to cover those expenses.

UPDATED: Friday, March 29, 2024 03:03 AM