I developed an initial interest in biomedical research from personal life experiences. When I was in elementary school, I had a pretty severe phobia of thunderstorms. To overcome this fear, I practiced a technique known as systematic desensitization, or graduated exposure therapy. As a young third grader, I exposed myself to increasingly anxiety-provoking thunderstorm-related stimuli while engaging in newly learned relaxation techniques. This exposure therapy coupled with relaxation techniques eventually reduced my fear of thunderstorms to a level I didn’t think was possible.
For years after this experience, I wondered how my brain could rewire itself to eliminate my phobia. This is when my fascination with the brain began. I carried this fascination with me to college as a Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology major working in a neuroscience lab. I enjoy my research because it allows me to ask why something is happening, rather than just what it is. I strive to understand why my brain processes information, such as a thunderstorm, in a particular way that differs from my peers.
Ultimately, research has taught me to ask puzzling questions and learn more about the fundamental aspects of science. I know that research often does not lead to a concrete answer, however, I am motivated to continue exploring questions about my brain’s plasticity and the world around me.
By: Arielle Segal
Comments
Post a Comment