They Fought for Us, Now They Fight for Sleep

Gaining practical and lab leadership experience

Tyler’s faculty advisor is John McCoy, professor of psychology and neuroscience. 

“When students first start a research project, they have a lot to learn,” he said. “Alyssa has not only mastered the techniques, but understands the ‘why’ behind what we’re doing. We know that she can run an experiment, and we can trust the results of that study.”

McCoy continued: “She gets just as excited as the rest of us to see the results of each experiment. She’s become a full-fledged team member.”

Tyler’s growing expertise in the lab also has led to an unexpected outcome: a role reversal between teacher and student. 

“When you’re a senior scientist, you spend less time in the lab as you spend more time writing and on administrative responsibilities,” said McCoy. “Technology is constantly evolving, so when you get back into the lab, some things have changed. Alyssa’s been able to train me on some of the latest technological developments.”

Added Tyler: “I’m teaching Professor McCoy how to use new instruments to do things like mount specimens properly and complete staining procedures. He asks me questions, rather than only the other way around. It’s been really cool to have the knowledge and experience to do that.”

In April 2024, Tyler presented the results of the first phase of her research at the NEURON Conference, organized by the Northeast Under/graduate Research Organization for Neuroscience. The national conference brings leaders and students in the neuroscience field together to share their work.

“I participated in a poster presentation, where I got to explain my work,” she said. “Having the opportunity to take the work I do in the lab and transform it into a presentation that I could share with an audience was a great experience professionally. It helped me feel much more prepared for future careers that have a presentation aspect.”

Tyler has her sights on a career in pediatric medicine, but according to McCoy, she’s well prepared for any career path she may choose. 

“Alyssa is an excellent scientist,” he said. “She’s mastered the techniques and developed the skills to be useful in a lab from day one. She has 10 times the research experience that I did when I was her age.”

“I’m so excited to see Alyssa’s future,” McCoy continued. “I know she’s going to make her mark on the world.”