
In Pursuit of the Mind-Body Connection
As Alison Bashford ’20 embarks on a Ph.D. in neuroscience, she holds on to roots in dance.
Inquire into the nature of the mind and experience and the study of behavior through the interdisciplinary lens of neuroscience.
Neuroscience at Muhlenberg draws students who are curious about the ultimate relationship of the brain, the mind, and behavior. After completing the major, a student will be able to describe how neurons work, how neural circuits organize and process information and how the nervous system underlies - in some way - our experience of many states of consciousness, in both neurotypical and neurodivergent ways.
Through hands-on learning and research with faculty, students develop strong foundational training in the latest knowledge emerging in neuroscience, from molecules to behavior. Because neuroscience is interdisciplinary, what a student learns will be shaped by knowledge and discovery from adjacent disciplines, including philosophy, chemistry, biology, psychology and mathematics.
Our Neuroscience Department has wide-ranging and diverse expertise in research. Each faculty member directs their own research lab in which students collaborate in discovery. Our specific research strengths include the structure and function of neurotransmitter receptors, the molecular basis of drug action, the neurohormonal basis of social behavior, the neural physiology of flavor and olfaction, the specific roles and functions of memory (& forgetting) in human psychopathology, and the interrelationship of the body and the brain in making sense of how we perceive and act.
Our faculty have recently created a series of elective courses for the major that speak to the present moment in American society, connecting neuroscience to sex, to racial identity, to disability and to the history of drug regulation in the United States. We have reaffirmed our commitment to supporting the careers of Black neuroscientists by inaugurating a Black In Neuro spotlight seminar series and by carefully reviewing the core curriculum to ensure it is deeply centered in an anti-racist orientation.
As neuroscientists, we look for independent, creative thinkers who see themselves at the intersection of several disciplines—and who enjoy coloring outside of the lines. Indeed, many neuroscience students choose to double major or to minor in an academic area far afield from neuroscience, including philosophy, art, music, math, theatre, dance and public health.
Neuroscience research at Muhlenberg follows the interests and curiosity of students and the passion and expertise of faculty. Learn about the opportunities available for these valuable collaborations.
Our neuroscience graduates pursue careers in medicine, research, law, teaching and so much more.
A significant piece of what sets the neuroscience program apart is our faculty's dedication to working with curious and creative students.
There’s a lot of research and projects that promote independent thinking. You’re allowed to take your education a little bit into your own hands.
The encouragement I received from faculty motivated me to do better not only in their classes, but in other courses outside of neuroscience.
Neuroscience classes are challenging and often push you to think in ways that may stray from what you're most comfortable with.
[The neuroscience program] was very rigorous, but it was the same level of rigor that is found at the medical school and the dental school.
Students have the opportunity to make connections and explore potential careers between semesters.
Undergraduate research experiences, rigorous coursework and close faculty mentorship helped Jess Sommer ’21 on her way to the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine.
The alumni — now in medical, dental and veterinary school — worked in the lab of Professor of Neuroscience and Biology and Chair of Neuroscience Jordanna Sprayberry during their time at Muhlenberg.
Liam Safran ’23 and Jenny Makhoul ’23 worked together to investigate the mechanisms of memory possessed by this unique single-celled organism.