When I joined the Comparative Biomedical Sciences PhD program at the College of Veterinary Medicine at Oklahoma State University in fall 2023, I came to graduate school with curiosity and creativity, but I was still learning how to grow into a confident scientist.

My mentor, Madhan Subramanian, PhD, recognized my passion for communication and presentation early on. His encouragement taught me how important supportive mentorship is in helping young scientists to discover their strengths, build confidence and grow beyond the laboratory.

Subramanian encouraged me to create short neuroscience videos explaining research articles in simple and engaging ways. I transformed complex brain-related research papers into one-minute scientific videos. Without realizing it, I was slowly training myself to read more deeply, think critically and communicate science more confidently.

That experience changed the way I viewed research. Science no longer felt limited to laboratories and publications – it became something that could connect with people.

During this journey, our Molecular Neurophysiology Lab developed an app idea called BrainSnap, which transforms complex neuroscience concepts into simple graphical summaries. Our team won first place in a competition at Oklahoma State University, and that experience further strengthened my passion for combining creativity, communication and science to make research more accessible to broader audiences.

Encouraged by my mentor to communicate science beyond the laboratory, I developed a passion for translating complex neuroscience research into engaging and accessible content. Through my personal social media platforms, I share brain-backed lifestyle insights and explain neuroscience research to broader audiences.

My research focuses on how brain-supporting cells called astrocytes contribute to obesity-related high blood pressure and overactivation of the sympathetic nervous system, which controls the body’s “fight-or-flight” response. I also study therapies that may help to reduce high blood pressure caused by obesity. Our lab’s clinical study work with human participants, which has helped me appreciate the importance of connecting laboratory discoveries with real-world health outcomes.

I had the opportunity to attend 2026 American Physiology Summit in Minneapolis as my first national scientific meeting. Presenting my poster about how obesity reshapes the brain’s support cells was one of the most meaningful experiences of my academic journey so far.

What inspired me most was not only the science itself, but also the scientific community. I was amazed by how welcoming and supportive the senior scientists, physicians and trainees were toward young scientists. Many researchers openly shared suggestions, technical advice and encouragement. Those conversations reminded me that science grows through collaboration and mentorship.

I was also deeply inspired by the opening ceremony and keynote lecture. Watching scientists confidently communicate years of research with passion and clarity motivates me to continue developing my own voice in science communication.

Balancing research with leadership, mentorship and creative activities has been essential for me during graduate school. Science can be challenging, but communities like the Summit remind early-career scientists that we are never alone.