Jennifer Lipps ’12 sharpens her research skills as a member of the St. Lawrence biology department research team with Professor Joseph Erlichman.  Prof. Erlichman has helped Jennifer in her studies of the neuroprotective effects of Ce Oxide nanoparticles.  With his help, Jennifer says her passion for the sciences has continued to grow.

Jennifer had an opportunity to test out her research skills last summer at the University of Texas Medical Branch as a member of the Summer Undergraduate Research Program.  The neuroscience major says she learned different lab techniques and presentation skills while studying Alzheimer’s disease. “I met some incredible people and learned more than I thought was possible in four weeks.  It was one of the most enriching experiences of my life,” Jennifer says.

The Victor, NY, native and graduate of Victor Central High School says the presentation skills she learned over the summer are keys to becoming a research scientist.  “I’m applying to Ph.D. programs in neuroscience, and I hope to continue research in either addiction studies or the plasticity of learning and memory,” she says.  In five years, Jennifer says she hopes to be involved in a research project that evokes as much passion within her as the research she participates in now.

Jennifer is a visiting neuroscientist for the SLU McNair Program at Canton Elementary School.  In this outreach program, she creates neuroscience lessons for local schoolchildren and practices various activities with them, such as building brains.

Jennifer took part in SLU’s program in London, where she was able to study creative writing and enhance her communication skills.  She credits the London program for helping her gain cultural experience and study subjects other than science for a semester.

--Renee Hilbrunner ’12