Make The Connection

November 4, 2019 | By Madison Bridger ’21

Emma Hall ’21 shares results of her Mayo Clinic research during Ohio Wesleyan’s recent Patricia Belt Conrades Summer Science Research Symposium. After she graduates, Hall plans to pursue her doctorate in neuroscience. (Photo by Paul Vernon)

Molecular-Level Interactions

Ohio Wesleyan Student Conducts Research at Mayo Clinic

Name: Emma Hall ’21
Hometown: Grand Rapids, Michigan
Majors: Neuroscience and Biochemistry
Experience: Summer Undergraduate Research Experience at Mayo Clinic

Hall spent the summer researching “Stress, Locomotion, and Zebrafish Mutant Analysis” under the mentorship of Karl Clark, Ph.D., in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. Clark’s work focuses on molecular-level interactions between the individual organism and its environment.

For Hall's summer research, she tested the impact of light on the stress-response system and says, “Our behavioral assay-based approach may discover novel genetic modifiers of rapid stress response.”

My Favorite Moment

“My favorite moment was working in the quiet lab on a Saturday morning with my fellow interns because it provided me with an opportunity to form lasting friendships with like-minded individuals.”

Lessons Learned

“This experience taught me how a research lab runs and allowed me to apply my classroom learning to a research lab setting. During this internship, I was challenged to think critically and problem-solve. I also learned how to work independently and collaborate with other scientists in my lab.

“This research internship provided me with hands-on research experience, valuable connections with esteemed scientists, and advice about graduate school. It helped me narrow down where I want to attend graduate school along with influencing the type and subject of neuroscience research I want to pursue.” 

My Plans After Graduation

“After graduation, I plan on pursuing my Ph.D. in neuroscience.”

Why I Chose OWU

“I chose to attend Ohio Wesleyan because of its strong neuroscience program, small class sizes, and soccer program.”