Impact Stories

We strive to give our interns truly transformative experiences, both in terms of acquired technical skills and professional development. Alongside some of the brightest minds in the neuroscience field, each participant contributes to projects in meaningful ways and obtains an invaluable understanding of what life is like as a practicing researcher. But don’t just take our word for it! See how our former interns enjoyed the process.

Apply Now

Read the Stories

Breaking Barriers, Building Futures, Advancing Science

Read the inspiring stories of how our alumnae are shattering barriers and unleashing their full potential.

Erin Riley

2025 Graduate from Rhodes College Bachelor’s Degree in Neuroscience

WiN helped me tremendously in gaining independence and confidence as a researcher. Through the program, I received the mentorship from graduate students and faculty that I needed to reinforce my decision to pursue graduate school. One of my greatest takeaways as a WiN alum is that good mentorship can make a big difference in one’s confidence and growth as a scientist. I am so grateful that WiN gave me that mentorship, and I hope to provide the same support to students I mentor throughout my time in graduate school and my career.

Once I complete my PhD, I hope to establish my own lab and continue conducting research on the neural mechanisms underlying maladaptive decision-making as a professor. My long-term goal is to conduct meaningful research while teaching the next generation of scientists to do the same. Erin was an intern with Dr. Caitlin Orsini, and now is a graduate research assistant in the Orsini Lab.

Become an Intern

Internship Program 2025

Sohmee Kim

2025 Graduate from The University of Texas at Austin Bachelor’s Degree in Neuroscience with Honors & 2nd Year PharmD Student – UT Austin

As an Animal Behavior teaching assistant and five-time Nudelman Pioneer intern, Sohmee supported her peers and championed more inclusive approaches to science. Driven by a curiosity about how we understand the world around us, she graduated as a Dean’s Honored Graduate—the highest undergraduate honor at her institution, awarded to the top 1% of each graduating class through faculty nomination and holistic review. Sohmee also received two CNS distinctions in Research and in Service, Leadership & Community Engagement, honors awarded to just 5% of the graduating class. Her thesis, Meta-analysis reveals the functional associations of major white matter tracts, conducted in Dr. Franco Pestilli’s lab, examined the structural and functional role of white matter in the human brain. She also contributed to research on sleep behavior in Ank3 mouse models in Dr. Laura Colgin’s lab and fear memory attenuation in Dr. Stephen Maren’s lab. Across her academic and research experiences, Sohmee has developed a strong interest in using data-driven approaches to connect basic science with real-world applications.

Some of her Peer-reviewed publications include:

Eberechi Wogu, Patrick Filima, Bradley Caron, Daniel Deabler, Peer Herholz, Catherine Leal, Mohammed F. Mehboob, Sohmee Kim, Ananya Gosain, Alisha Flexwala, Soichi Hayashi, Simisola Akintoye, George Ogoh, Tawe Godwin, Damian Eke, Franco Pestilli. A labeled Clinical-MRI dataset of Nigerian brains. (2025). Scientific Data 12(518).
Juan E. Villacres, Nicholas Riveira, Sohmee Kim, Laura L Colgin, Jeffrey L Noebels, and Angel Y Lopez. Abnormal patterns of sleep and waking behaviors are accompanied by neocortical oscillation disturbances in an Ank3 mouse model of epilepsy-bipolar disorder comorbidity. (2023). Translational Psychiatry, 13(1), 403.
Reed L. Ressler, Travis D. Goode, Sohmee Kim, Karthik R. Ramanathan, Stephen Maren. (2021). Covert capture and attenuation of a hippocampus-dependent fear memory. Nature neuroscience, 24(5), 677–684.

Become an Intern

Internship Program 2020-2024

Anjana Ganesh

Bachelor’s Degree in Neuroscience & 3^rd Year Medical Student – UTRVGSOM

WiN was one of the most meaningful experiences in my undergraduate career. As an early undergraduate student, I had little understanding of how to find research opportunities and connect with mentors – and the process of cold emailing professors felt very daunting, especially when I didn’t know what I wanted to research. WiN changed that by providing a structured pathway into research and intentionally matching me with mentors who aligned with my interests. Through WiN I had the opportunity to work on marker-less motion capture technologies – a field I didn’t know existed until I was paired with my mentor Dr. Joshua Chang. Coming from a background in dance, I was always interested in studying human movement, and this project allowed me to connect that passion with neuroscience. It sparked my interest in rehabilitation science, a passion I continue to explore in my research in medical school. Just as important were the relationships and mentorships I built through WiN. My cohort included upperclassmen who were navigating the medical school application process, and they served as a great resource when I was applying as well.

I recognize that my own journey has been heavily shaped by the support and mentorship provided by others. WiN played a large role in allowing me to find and work with those mentors in my undergraduate career. Additionally, programs like WiN serve not only to help individuals succeed but also set them up to create larger impacts on their community. Having navigated the medical school application process largely alone, I recognize how hard it can be to understand the process. I hope to pay it forward by providing mentorship to students who may need it and creating a supportive environment (like I found through WiN) to help empower undergraduate students to succeed!

Become an Intern

Internship Program 2022 & 2023

Destiny Okwubodu

Bachelor’s Degree in Neuroscience & African & African Diaspora Studies

Through the Women in Neuroscience internship, I found a lasting community that made me feel seen and heard. I gained much confidence in always wanting to strive higher. It was highly encouraging to have a group of women around me, encouraging me every step of the way. Now, even 5 years later, I still tell everyone who will listen the impact that WiN has had on me and where I am today. I am so excited to hear about the many stories similar to mine that WiN has impacted. My faculty host was Dr. Laura Colgin, Learning and Memory, Dept. of Neuroscience.

I started my Physician Assistant master’s program at Boston University. I received my first white coat on August 8, 2025, and plan to graduate in 2028.

Become an Intern

Internship Program 2021

Valeria Marquez

Bachelor’s Degree in Neuroscience & Life Sciences Teaching Certificate – UT Austin Graduation Date: May 2026

Being a WiN intern has quite honestly forged the directory of my career in neuroscience. When I worked with Dr. Sara Hussain in the Summer of 2024, I got the chance to do lesion tracing, which involves identifying lesions in order to calculate the overlap that it has with our region of interest, the corticospinal tract. This experience led me to realize that I want to focus on human neuroscience as a methodology. My summer with Dr. Adrienne Dula allowed me to see the behind the scenes of what it means to do a meta analysis and to explore different realms in the field of stroke such as acute care. After these experiences, my interests in neuroscience have developed into stroke, TBI, Fronto temporal dementia, and addiction research.

I am currently doing my teaching placement teaching high school biology, and will be able to teach across the state of Texas. I am also taking a gap year before pursuing a PhD in neuroscience and am currently looking for positions as a lab technician or research assistant in a neuroscience lab.

Become an Intern

Internship Program 2024 & 2025

Lauren Rudder

Bachelor’s Degree in Neuroscience & Psychology – UT San Antonio, December 2024 – Summa cum laude

During my time with Women in Neuroscience (WiN), I had the privilege of joining an immersive internship that shaped both my technical skill set and my broader perspective on the possibilities within the field. As part of the Sarah Hopp Lab at the Biggs Alzheimer’s Institution, I contributed to research on microglia activity, calcium dysregulation, and neuroinflammation—an experience that furthered my interest in neurodegenerative diseases and the scientific questions surrounding them. Another aspect of the lab that I feel was an integral part of the experience was working collaboratively with all lab members. Our time spent in meetings aimed at gaining an understanding of the lab’s progress amongst each individual, as well as analyzing active research papers coming out so that we could discuss them openly as a team.

What made WiN truly special was its thoughtful integration of hands-on laboratory training with professional development and mentorship. It offered a space where rigorous research was balanced with collaboration, analysis, and open dialogue. I was encouraged to ask questions, explore different facets of neuroscience, and envision multiple paths that a scientific career could take—each shaped by personal passion and curiosity spanning from being in school to having the career itself. WiN made every vision each internee had an attainable reality, rather than idealized possibility that felt just out of reach. It was an environment that nurtured growth in all dimensions, and I felt fully supported to explore, learn, and contribute in ways that felt unique to my path.

This experience also further affirmed my commitment to a career focused on Alzheimer’s and dementia care. Throughout college, my interest in these conditions continued to grow as I studied their complex impact on patients and families. WiN brought that learning to life and showed me just how meaningful and multidimensional research in this field can be.

Since completing the internship, I’ve earned a B.S. in Neuroscience & Psychology from UTSA and am currently working as a Registered Behavioral Technician (RBT), where I use Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) strategies to support client development. This role has expanded my understanding of how neuroscience intersects with real-world behavioral care, especially in the context of cognitive and developmental challenges.

Looking ahead, I’m eager to continue building experience in geriatric-focused work, with a particular focus on Alzheimer’s and dementia. I’m currently exploring programs and opportunities that align with my long-term goal: contributing to both research and patient care alongside families in this deeply important field.

If you’d like to connect—whether to share insights, discuss potential collaborations, or point me toward new opportunities—I’d be happy to hear from you!

Become an Intern

Internship Program 2023

Giselle Pedraza

College: Senior – UT Austin

As a first-generation student, I had to learn how to navigate everything on my own, from choosing classes to figuring out how to get involved in research. It was exciting, but also intimidating. I’ve known for a long time that I wanted to study music and the brain. The challenge wasn’t in figuring out what I wanted to do (I’ve always known that) but in finding the ways to get there.

As part of the Women in Neuroscience (WiN) program, I had the opportunity to work in Dr. Amy Lee’s lab, where I focused on establishing and validating the pilocarpine model for mesial temporal lobe epilepsy. This experience allowed me to expand my research skills in the neuroscience realm and build on my previous work in other labs—studying rodent models of maladaptive behavior and exploring biochemical approaches using affibodies. Across all of these experiences, I found myself absorbing knowledge like a sponge, and each opportunity reinforced that I love research. At the same time, it clarified my true passion: music cognition. That realization is what led me to pursue a double major in neuroscience and music at UT, bridging my scientific curiosity with a lifelong love of music.

This past summer (2025), I finally had the chance to take that passion abroad. I went to London to explore the field of music cognition and perception more deeply, and it was a transformative experience that opened new possibilities for me. With this experience in London, I’m now hoping to collaborate with WiN and another organization there called Women in Higher Education Network (WHEN). My hope is that by building those bridges, students in the future can have access to the same kinds of opportunities that shaped me this summer.

Become an Intern

Internship Program 2023

Sydney Tu

Junior at UT Austin (at time of internship)

When I shared the news of my acceptance into the University of Texas at Austin (UT) with my parents, their elation was palpable. Their excitement only heightened when I presented a YouTube video, which showcased the prestigious reputation of UT, offering a glimpse into the remarkable journey that awaited me the following fall.

While they were proud of me for pursuing my dream of going to medical school, they were unfamiliar with the processes of selecting the right classes or guiding me toward resources that would help keep me on track for medical school. As a first-generation college student, I found it difficult to navigate the complexities of higher education.

When I first heard about Women in Neuroscience’s (WiN) program from my freshman year tutor, it sounded exactly like the support and mentorship that I needed. WiN’s program offers young women an 8-week paid internship, complete with lab research experience, mentorship and a speaker series from neuroscientists across the country.

As a WiNtern, I was paired with a UT faculty member, Dr. Caitlin Orsini, in the Psychology and Neuroscience Department. I spent an entire summer working in Dr. Orsini’s lab, contributing to ongoing research. My project focused on motivation and the role of dopamine, a neurotransmitter, in influencing motivation. While the work itself was indeed fascinating, I noticed something distinct in this lab compared to my previous experiences in others. For the first time, my lab consisted of all women.

In the past, I’ve noticed many of the people surrounding me in research labs in this and other STEM fields have been white men. The underrepresentation of women and people of color in scientific fields remains a significant challenge. While I haven’t faced much discrimination personally, I’ve seen some individuals encounter biased comments and discrimination in their academic and professional journeys. This can be extremely discouraging to stay in the field.

The presence of other resilient women in this lab, who had encountered similar obstacles in their quest for success, served as a powerful testament that progress was being made. Programs like WiN play a pivotal role in breaking down barriers and fostering opportunities for aspiring women in neuroscience. This shift towards greater representation is instrumental in expanding the diverse perspectives and life experiences brought to the decision-making table, ultimately enhancing the potential for innovative, holistic approaches in addressing neurodegenerative diseases and neurological disorders.

Through the unwavering support and guidance of WiN and the lessons learned on my personal journey, I was inspired to pay it forward. Today, I proudly serve as a mentor in my Scholars Program at UT Austin, assisting incoming first-year students in navigating the challenging transition from high school to college. My mission is to empower and support underrepresented STEM students, ensuring they can overcome obstacles and confidently pursue their dreams. In doing so, I hope to contribute to a future where diversity and inclusion flourish in the scientific community, paving the way for groundbreaking discoveries and novel solutions to some of the most pressing neurological challenges of our time.

Become an Intern

Internship Program 2023

Maria Rangel

Senior at Trinity University in San Antonio (at time of internship)

From a young age, I knew I wanted to go to med school. What I didn’t realize at the time was how complicated it would be to get there, especially as a first-generation college student. Luckily, I was introduced to Breakthrough Central Texas, a nonprofit committed to helping students forge their own paths to earn their college degrees. Starting in the 6th grade, Breakthrough helps first-generation college students overcome systemic barriers and find college success. The Austin-based nonprofit assisted in making sure I had everything I needed as I applied for college and made me feel confident heading off to campus when I was accepted into Trinity University in San Antonio.

Even during my freshman year, the support never waned. My mentor, David, went above and beyond, pointing me towards a special opportunity. He suggested a program, the Women in Neuroscience (WiN), made to help women in neuroscience. Urging me to apply, he highlighted its benefits: a fully paid summer internship with 8 weeks in a lab and ongoing mentorship throughout my career. David’s guidance and continual support made my journey into higher education smoother and more confident.

Once I learned more about the program, or ‘WiNternship,’ I realized how crucial the experience could be for my college career. I had seen more privileged peers secure lab internships to enhance their resumes, but I lacked the same connections and means to gain research experience beyond the classroom. This seemed like the perfect opportunity, so I applied immediately.

I was extremely excited when I found out I was accepted! But the intimidation came flooding in when I saw who I would be paired with. Dr. Michela Marinelli is such a smart, amazing professor and researcher that I wasn’t sure my lack of experience would live up to her expectations. But, when I stepped into the lab for the first time, she and everyone else in the room immediately quashed any doubts I had about myself.

They were extremely welcoming, answering any questions, addressing all concerns and assuring me that I would be supported throughout the course. I was expecting to be more of a fly-on-the-wall in the lab, but I ended up getting hands-on experience that tested my confidence.

During my first two weeks, I mainly focused on training and familiarizing myself with the lab’s operations, including testing rodents. Initially, I was extremely apprehensive about getting close to the adult rats. I had a speech prepared in my head that outlined why I didn’t think I could handle the rodents on my own. However, with the guidance of one of the lab managers, who stayed by our side and provided step-by-step instructions, I finally felt comfortable enough to give it a try. Over the next several weeks, I continued to build my confidence and eventually started conducting experiments independently, which was a remarkable experience.

While that interactive lab experience was fantastic, the support WiN provides is truly unmatched. This journey taught me that with the right opportunities and steadfast encouragement, I can conquer self-doubt and achieve extraordinary accomplishments. Programs like Breakthrough and WiN give first-generation students like me the confidence we need to pursue a career we’re passionate about, making the impossible seem possible. I hope that my two little sisters, with whatever career path they choose to pursue, experience this same level of support.

Become an Intern

2023 Intern

Katherine Vasquez

Empowering Journeys: Navigating Neuroscience, Mentorship, and Resilience with Women in Neuroscience

In 2020, amidst the chaos of the pandemic, I found myself at a crossroads. I had recently transferred to the University of Texas at Austin (UT) from a community college in East Texas, pursuing a degree in Neuroscience. While I was passionate about the field, catching up on research experience posed a challenge. Such opportunities aren’t readily available in community colleges, so I didn’t even know where to start. That’s when I received an email that changed my life.

The email introduced me to Women in Neuroscience (WiN)’s internship program, aptly nicknamed ‘WiNternship,’ which sponsors young women for paid 8-week internships with scientists in the UT Department of Neuroscience. The best part? The program didn’t require prior neuroscience research experience. I felt an immediate sense of relief and applied right away. It was precisely what I needed, and I was ecstatic when I found out I was accepted that summer.

Due to the pandemic, the research aspect of the program shifted online instead of in-person lab work. To compensate, WiN’s founder, Judi Nudelman, arranged virtual sessions with some of the best neuroscientists in the country throughout the summer. Hearing about their successes was enlightening; they openly shared the hardships they faced. They emphasized that nobody’s career or education path is linear, and it’s okay to explore and change directions.

Working with Dr. Nico Osier was a highlight of my summer. Like me, Dr. Osier was also a first-generation college student. Our one-on-one conversations were invaluable, providing guidance and support beyond research. Dr. Osier exemplified the importance of mentorship and showed me it was possible to succeed in a field that often felt daunting.

When these scientists shared their challenges and the winding routes to success, it dispelled the illusion that there’s only one right way to achieve goals. It’s liberating to know that setbacks and detours are part of the journey, and resilience can overcome them. This realization has not only bolstered my self-belief but also reinforced my commitment to supporting and inspiring the next generation of young Latina scientists.

Today, I find myself on the East Coast, enrolled in Boston University’s NIH Postbaccalaureate Research Education Program (PREP), applying to PhD programs in Cancer Biology and Immunology. My path has taken unexpected turns, and I’m grateful for every one of them. The support I received from Women in Neuroscience has been a constant guiding force.

While everyone’s stories are unique, I understand what many Hispanic first-generation college students feel in science — not knowing whether it’s our home or what steps we need to take to reach our goals. However, I’ve learned that even in moments of feeling lost, I’ve always had a community willing to support me. WiN bridges the gap, providing both scientific training and a nurturing community.

I hope as many young women as possible can gain the same support from the WiNternship for decades to come. I can’t wait to see the amazing things they achieve. It’s not just about learning neuroscience; it’s about gaining lifelong mentorship, building a supportive community, and discovering the confidence to pursue dreams, no matter where the journey takes you.

Become an Intern

2020 Intern
Doctoral Student in Bioengineering – Rice University

Tieranni

2021 Intern, Huston-Tillotson University

One of my favorite things about being a WiNtern was that no two days were exactly the same. Dr. Henry made sure that I was exposed to new projects, information, and experiences throughout the summer. I had access and opportunity to meet and interact with many people in the lab. I love that I was given both structure and the freedom to branch out into the areas that interested me.

Conducting neuroscience research with WiN allowed me to build up the scientific analysis skills and experience I needed to be accepted into medical school and to continue doing research at a graduate student level.

In 2021, I finished my pre-clinical year of med school and completed my pediatrics, ob/gyn and surgery rotations in the middle of the pandemic. Along with this, I conducted research in ophthalmology and am hoping to get some papers published soon. I’ll be finishing up my rotational year this year and hope to do an MPH next year.