Emma McGuirk is a neuroscience PhD candidate at Brandeis University
On May 2nd, 2024, we talked with Emma McGuirk, a fourth-year PhD candidate at Brandeis University, about the lucky moments and strategic decisions that have shaped her career trajectory. Emma describes her journey from high school biology enthusiast to her current day-to-day work. Her story underscores the importance of exploring various research projects during graduate school to discover your true passions, offering invaluable advice for students navigating their own academic and professional paths.
In this conversation, Emma also takes us through her hands-on experiences with animal behavior assays, and how she uses mouse models to study diseases such as Angelman syndrome. From her transition from a role at Sanofi to pursuing a PhD, Emma emphasizes the value of keeping an open mind and seizing diverse opportunities.