It's an understatement to say that the field of neuroscience is complicated, multifaceted, and not for the faint of heart or mind. And as an aspiring leader in the field of neuroscience or in any other STEM field — there's no better way to establish yourself as an expert than to pursue the highest level of excellence in your field — a doctorate degree.
That's why we talked with Raymond Anderson, a current Ph.D. student in West Virginia University's Neuroscience program. Here's what he had to say about how his advanced STEM education is preparing him for professional excellence.
What’s your name, age, and hometown?
My name is Raymond Anderson. I’m 26 years old, and I grew up in the small town of Salem, SD. I went to the University of South Dakota and majored in psychology and biology.
Tell me about your current program. What is the focus of your studies?
I am in the Neuroscience Ph.D. program under the biomedical sciences umbrella program working in a biochemistry lab. I study proteins involved in neurodegenerative disease primarily focusing on tau, which is a major protein involved in Alzheimer’s disease and frontotemporal dementia.
For more detailed information about my research you can take a look at this article!
What skills are you learning that will help you to promote innovation in your industry?
I’m learning all kinds of different skills. A bunch of different biochemical assays, protein purifications, working with bacteria, yeast, mammalian cells, and nematodes.
But the most important skills I have learned are the “soft” skills. Going to conferences and participating in journal clubs and research forums has taught me to effectively communicate my research and to critically evaluate other research.
In order for you to impact your field or the perception of your science to people in general, you must be able to communicate it in a way that is understandable to whatever audience you are presenting to.
Tell me about your work as a graduate researcher. What kind of responsibilities do you have?
I’m in my fourth year, so I’m done with my qualifying exam, proposal defense, and class requirements. My responsibilities now are to read journal articles related to my research focus and conduct experiments. In order to graduate, I need to have at least one author publication and successfully present and defend my dissertation.
Tell me about one faculty member who really made a difference in your education at WVU as a PhD student.
My mentor, David Smith, has without a doubt impacted me the most here. Dr. Smith has a way of getting others excited about his research, and this holds true for lab work as well. He holds us all to high standards, inspires us, and expects us to achieve maximum success in everything we do.
Why do you think pursuing an advanced degree in a STEM field is important?
Pursuing an advanced degree in STEM allows you develop communication and critical thinking skills. These skills are not only important for you to achieve your degree but can and will apply to whatever job you pursue post-graduation.
What’s your favorite thing about WVU?
The people — the people I’ve met from all over the world at this University have opened my eyes to the many different cultures, and I expect many of them to remain my lifelong friends!
Here at WVU, we can prepare you to be an exceptional leader in your field.
If you are looking to make a great investment in your future and receive a significant return on that investment, a graduate degree in a STEM field is the perfect place to start.
Let us help you get started on your path to STEM success!
The Admissions team at WVU is here to help you succeed!
Here at West Virginia University, we are dedicated to helping you be exceptional. Whether you're considering graduate school online, stressing about GRE test prep, worried about financing graduate school, thinking about pursuing a STEM education, or getting excited about a career change, the WVU Admissions team is here to help you succeed.
We invite you to request more info today!
Check out our digital resource — A Guide to Graduate Programs and Careers in STEM— and let us help prepare you as a future leader in STEM.
