Quinn W
- Research Program Mentor
PhD at Pennsylvania State University (Penn State)
Expertise
Neuroscience, Neurodegeneration, Glia, Addiction, Biology, Scientific Writing, Research Methods
Bio
Hello! My name is Quinn, and I've been involved in neuroscience research for about 10 years. I first became interested in the field as a biomedical engineering undergraduate, where I worked on research related to traumatic brain injury and the brain's natural healing response. Since then, my research has spanned topics including iron delivery to oligodendrocytes, multiple sclerosis, opioid use disorder, and chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain. Outside of research, I enjoy strength training and dance cardio workouts, baking, and trying new foods (I’m a big foodie)! I also love spending time with my cat and watching musicals.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.
Research Paper - How does the brain repair itself after injury?
In this project, you will write a scientific review paper exploring how the brain responds and adapts after injury such as traumatic brain injury or stroke. Topics may include neuroplasticity, inflammation, and the role of supporting glial cells. You will learn how to find and critically evaluate scientific literature and synthesize it into a coherent review paper. Through this process, you will develop skills in scientific reading, interpretation, and writing while gaining a deeper understanding of brain repair and recovery after injury.
Teaching experience
I have extensive teaching and mentoring experience across undergraduate and graduate levels. As a teaching assistant during my graduate and postdoctoral training, I supported courses in neuroanatomy, neuropharmacology, and neuroscience laboratory techniques, where I helped students engage with the material through demonstrations, discussion, and hands-on learning. In addition to formal teaching roles, I have trained approximately 16 undergraduate, graduate, and medical students in research settings, guiding them through experimental procedures, presentation preparation, and scientific writing. I have also participated in outreach programs introducing scientific research and neuroscience to high school students. I really enjoy supporting others, sharing what I’ve learned, and serving as a resource to help students grow and build confidence in their abilities.Credentials
Work experience
Pennsylvania State University (2023 - 2025)
Postdoctoral ScholarEducation
Rutgers University
BS Bachelor of Science (2017)
Biomedical EngineeringPennsylvania State University (Penn State)
PhD Doctor of Philosophy (2023)