Meet 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 Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ 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 Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ 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.