Student Profile in Autism
Aleya Shedd
Mentors: Kimberly Huber, Ph.D. & Jay Gibson, Ph.D.
Undergraduate Degree: Biology
Undergraduate Institution: University of Texas San Antonio
Hometown: Universal City, TX
Awards/Fellowships: MARC U-STAR Scholar, UTSA AMGEN Scholar, UTSW Who’s Who at UTSA Award Highest Honors, UTSA Honors College Jane Findling Award, UTSA
How did you become interested in science and/or research?
Science was easily my favorite subject in school because active learning was seamlessly incorporated into the course material and made the class more fun and interesting than lecture heavy subjects. As I started learning about the brain, I became fascinated by how much was still unknown. At UTSA, I decided to study neuroscience, but I had no idea what I was going to do next. As I learned more about research, I thought it would be a perfect fit for me. My third year, I was accepted into the MARC program and started working in my first lab. I was immediately hooked and knew I wanted to be a researcher. Being able to ask and answer new questions in a field that I had been interested in for so long solidified my desire to further pursue research as a career.
Please describe your research.
Fragile X Syndrome is a common cause of intellectual disability and autism that typically results in sensory processing deficits. Cortical circuit abnormalities such as hyperexcitability and disrupted network synchrony contribute to these deficits. My work in the combined Huber and Gibson lab aims to understand the mechanisms that underlie dysfunctional cortical circuit development and validate a new potential therapeutic target.
Why did you choose UT Southwestern?
After completing the AMGEN program at UT Southwestern I knew I wanted to come back for my Ph.D. The record of outstanding science at UTSW speaks for itself but what really stood out to me was the collaborative environment. The atmosphere at UTSW was ideal for my graduate studies because it enables students to conduct excellence science with the aid of experts who will happily assist. Overall, the record of incredible science and the community on campus lead me to attend UTSW.
In your opinion, what makes the Neuroscience Graduate Program one of the top in the country?
The faculty in the neuroscience department are leaders in their field and produce outstanding science. The graduate program is structured so that students get the best neuroscience education from leaders in various specialties. Not only do we have access to experts across the fields of neuroscience, but there are also smaller focused interest groups that enhance the collaboration in related labs. The program offers training to enhance base knowledge, evaluation of literature, and writing and presentation skills. Additionally, we have the opportunity to network and discuss our career trajectory with invited speakers from the weekly seminar series, which aids in our career development. Together, the training provided through the neuroscience program aids students as we prepare for a future as independent scientists.
What do you love about the Neuroscience Program?
Overall, I love the collaborative atmosphere at UTSW and in the neuroscience department which has enhanced my experience and the quality of science conducted on campus. The faculty in the program are very committed to student success which fosters a supportive training atmosphere. I believe UTSW creates an ideal environment to conduct top tier research in a collaborative and supportive environment. Doctoral students in the neuroscience program will leave as well-rounded scientists, equipped to find successful careers after graduation.
– Aleya Shedd, Neuroscience Graduate Program
