Neuroscientist
By: Emmy Sharaan
Why I Choose This
Career Research
Neuroscientists usually do research in offices or laboratories, although some work in clinics & hospitals & deal with evaluating & treating patients.
Required Education:
Ph.D: usually in either neuroscience, biology, or some other related field. An M.D. is needed for any clinical work.
Necessary Skills:
- The ability to think critically
- The ability to make informed decisions
- The ability to communicate complex information clearly and concisely
- The ability to recognize patterns among concepts, ideas and mathematical arrangements
- The ability to bring deductive and inductive reasoning skills to complex problems
Job Outlook:
The job outlook is as fast as average (about a 13% increase for medical scientists in general), although increased dependence of pharmaceuticals & a larger population with longer life expectancies are expected to increase a demand for medical scientists/neuroscientists.
Salary: Beginning salaries are about $52,200-$68,220
Work Environment: Neuroscientists normally preform research in offices, laboratories, or hospitals. There are sometimes risks involved in dealing with potentially dangerous biological samples, chemicals, etc.
Career Connections
-Teacher at East Leyden High School
-Degree in Neuroscience
-Contact Info: jgagliardi@leyden212.org
Nick Tsihlis
-Research Assistant Professor at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
-Ph.D. in Biochemistry
-Profile: http://www.feinberg.northwestern.edu/faculty-profiles/az/profile.html?xid=23680
Preparation In High School
Related Courses
- Biology AP- Biology is important to have a strong foundation on, if one day I may want to do research.
- Chemistry AP- A good background in science is very important, so like the class above, chemistry would be something I should prepare myself for the future by taking.
Psychology AP- Psychology is a class I would want to take because my interest is in how the brain works, & AP over the other Psychology course because this is year-long & will give more details & information.
Extra-Curricular Activities
Principia: a science-related club, which is extremely relevant to this field
Work/Volunteer Experience
A good way to get experience early on that would help prepare for this career would be interning/volunteering at a laboratory or hospital.
My Refrences
Ralph Stephens- Supervisor/Boss [Rosemont Park District]
Michael Tazic- Teacher [East Leyden High School]
Chris Prohaska- (Previous) Teacher [Rosemont Elementary School]
My Future Path
Many people who get a degree in neuroscience don't necessarily go into the 'neuroscience' field. They can do a multitude of things with the degree, including teaching (science or psychology-related courses), researching (which is what I would like to do), & more.
I plan to go to university right after high-school, & continuing with my education after just a single degree (up to a Ph.D).
Some Options That Interest Me:
- Amherst College (Amherst, MA)
- Dartmouth College (Hanover, NH)
- Columbia University (New York, NY)
- Princeton University (Princeton, NJ)
~I want to go somewhere on the East coast. Some of the universities that I find appealing (including others not on this list) are very competitive & not very easy to get into, however, as a high school student I should work hard to make sure I put myself in a good position to be able to get into a good school.
"There's not a whole lot you can do as a high school student that directly relates to neuroscience. The best thing you can do at this point is to make yourself as competitive as possible to be able to get into the school of your choice & possibly be able to receive financial aid." -Mr.Gagliardi
Possible Degrees For This Field:
- Neuroscience
- Biology
- Psychology
- Biochemistry