England: The Effect of Nucleoside Uptake on Modulating the Activity of Efferent Motor Neurons in Rat Spinal Cord
The experience of living and studying in England has had an immensely positive impact on my learning and research. Both studying at a foreign institution, and particularly working abroad in a research laboratory have broadened my views and exposed me to new ideas in my major of neuroscience. Conducting research at the University of Leeds has given me a new perspective on neuroscience. The faculty advisors I work with teach and research other aspects of neuroscience than the faculty at my home university, so I have had the opportunity to explore new areas within the field and develop my knowledge in ways that I would not have been able to had I not come to Leeds. The principle investigator of the lab in which I do my research approaches neuro-science from a physiological and pharmacological view point, while my studies at Berkeley have primarily focused on the molecular biology of neuroscience. Through my work at Leeds I have been able to focus on and expand my knowledge in areas in which I would not have otherwise had the opportunity to study. It has been a rewarding and exceedingly exciting year for my academics as well as my research, and will impact my studies upon my return to Berkeley in the fall. Not only has my year at Leeds exposed me to new topics in neuroscience but my research has enabled me to learn first-hand additional techniques and methods used in a neuroscience research laboratory. I have now become proficient in electrophysiological techniques as well as spinal cord and tissue preparations. This exposure to lab techniques has increased my confidence as a neuroscience researcher and has given me a greater grasp of the possibilities and frontiers of the subject. Being an international exchange student has also allowed me the flexibility to arrange my schedule so that I can work longer hours in the lab through a special study project that gives me academic credit for my research. Thus, I have concentrated more fully on my research project, which I developed and completed independently, and through which I have gained knowledge about the entire scientific process. Furthermore, since I have been working on the project under the direct supervision of my advisor, I have developed a sense of ownership of my project and a responsibility to complete it successfully. I have also gained an understanding of how to conduct research, which, along with the knowledge, confidence, and research skills I have developed through my international experience in research abroad, I hope to use in my neuroscience and scientific research and course work in my final year at Berkeley. —Armen Moughamian, UC Berkeley
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