Lauren Weis

Lauren Weis

Major

Biology, Psychology

Minors

Biochemistry

Junior
Omaha, NE

Why did you select your major(s) and minor(s)? Were there any experiences that convinced you to declare?

I originally wanted to major in neuroscience, so biology and psychology was a good combination.

What is your favorite course you have taken from your program(s)?

Psychology 273: Brain and Behavior. It focuses on the physical and behavioral manifestations of the physiology of the brain, which is exactly what I want to go to medical school to study.

Who have been some of your strongest mentors or role models here?

One of my strongest mentors at UNL is Dr. Hansen in the psychology department. He is a relative of mine and I have had the privilege to sit down and talk with him about every other week for the past three years that I've been here. Before I came to UNL, he gave me a tour and showed me around CB3, which is one of the reasons I was interested in UNL. He always has great advice on classes and life, as well as snacks in his office!

Do you have research experience?

I work in the Clinical Neuroscience and Neuropsychology lab on campus. Right now, I'm working on a project that is studying the immune/stress response of individuals with traumatic brain injuries compared to healthy controls by analyzing biomarkers in saliva.

Have you had an internship/job? 

I had an internship this past summer at UNMC through their Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) in the Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience department. I got to work with professionals in the field, along with graduate and medical students to study and understand the role of HIV on the lungs in humanized mice.

Did you/are you going to study abroad? 

I did a pre-health program in Costa Rica in the summer of 2018. It was a great experience to learn about global health care and see the world as well!

What are you involved in on campus?

I serve on the College of Arts and Sciences Student Advisory Board, as Vice President of the Biology club, as an undergraduate research assistant in the Clinical Neuroscience and Neuropsychology Lab, and as a Teaching Assistant for Genetics Lab.

What are your plans after graduation?

I hope to attend UNMC for med school.