John O’Connell ’24

Jack is a Ph.D. student in the Ostroff Lab, Department of Physiology and Neurobiology at the University of Connecticut.

“My lab studies how synapses in the lateral amygdala, a brain region crucial for detecting and learning about emotional stimuli, change with fear learning and the extinction of fear memories. To model these processes, we use Pavlovian auditory fear conditioning in rats and then visualize specific synapses using three-dimensional electron microscopy reconstructions in combination with circuit tracing and molecular labeling. My thesis focuses on projections to the lateral amygdala from the ventral tegmental area, a dopamine-rich region of the midbrain that can release multiple neurotransmitters and supports both fear learning and extinction.

“I chose to go to Eastern because I heard good things about its science program, and I knew I wanted to study the brain in some capacity. Also, the smaller size of a school like Eastern made me confident I would receive more focused attention from professors and have more tight-knit classes than I would at a large school. My experience at Eastern exceeded these expectations, making me extremely grateful for the decision I made and the people I met along the way.

“My main faculty mentor at Eastern was Dr. Barbara Murdoch, who I began research with my sophomore year exploring the effects of simulated microgravity on neural stem cells, their ability to make neurons, and their gene expression. She taught me how to perform basic and advanced scientific techniques, how to think like a scientist, and provided me opportunities which were ultimately transformative in my life and career path. I still keep in touch with Dr. Murdoch, who I now view as not just an undergraduate mentor, but a career mentor. Former Eastern and now UConn professor, Dr. Derek Laux, was the most gifted teacher I ever had the pleasure of learning from, and his devotion to his students’ success and wellbeing was palpable in every interaction I had with him. He is a truly inspiring person who built upon an already-strong biology program.

“This inspiration and support, along with the technical and analytical skills I developed through my research, made me feel confident in applying to graduate school. Upon my acceptance and entry to graduate school, I found the knowledge I had gained from my coursework and research at Eastern to be an extremely helpful foundation from which I could continue my education and development as a scientist.”