Nkatha M
- Research Program Mentor
PhD candidate at Northwestern University
Expertise
Neuroscience of compulsive disorder, behavioral neuroscience, neurodegeneration
Bio
I am a PhD Candidate at Northwestern University in the Neuroscience program. I am working on a project that focuses on the neural circuitry that underlies compulsive behavior and specifically how dopamine is involved in these behaviors. When I am not in lab, I enjoy going to the lake, playing piano, and spending time with friends and family. I am also currently learning how to roller skate!Project ideas
Project ideas are meant to help inspire student thinking about their own project. Students are in the driver seat of their research and are free to use any or none of the ideas shared by their mentors.
Dopamine : more than just a "happiness" neurotransmitter
Dopamine plays an important role in the brain and is often associated with rewards. However, dopamine several aspects of brain and body function including motivation, memory and regulation of motor control. Choose 3 different roles of dopamine to research and create a presentation or write a research paper that delves into the different roles of dopamine in the brain.
Teaching experience
When I was in high school I taught under-served 5th grade students math over the summers. In college I mentored middle school girls through doing science experiments. I also taught a supplemental instruction course for 1st year college students when I was a senior to help with understanding of course material. As a graduate student I have been a teaching assistant for undergraduate lab courses.Credentials
Education
Kalamazoo College
BA Bachelor of Arts (2019)
Biology (neuroscience concentration)Northwestern University
PhD Doctor of Philosophy candidate
Neuroscience