Science Seminar Connects Students with Leaders in Research
This semester, Science Seminar welcomed experts whose visits gave students a firsthand look at the questions driving modern research—and the many paths that can lead to careers in science and medicine.
Robert McPeek, professor in the Department of Biological and Vision Sciences at the State University of New York College of Optometry, shared his group's research on the neuroscience of attention and visually guided actions. His engaging presentation featured a number of demonstrations and experiments that invited students to test their own visual attention and experience how scientists study perception and cognition.
Students also welcomed alumna Laura Plimpton ’13, PhD, who reflected on her journey from Nightingale student to accomplished ecological epidemiology researcher. A former member of Nightingale’s Independent Science Research Program (ISRP), Dr. Plimpton conducted field research in South Africa while in high school and is now pursuing postdoctoral research in the Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology at the University of California, Riverside. She shared highlights from several research projects spanning ecology, infectious disease, and public health, including work that was featured in The New York Times, illustrating the wide-ranging impact of interdisciplinary scientific inquiry.
Mount Sinai Chair in Cellular Biology, Robert Krauss, introduced students to his laboratory’s work on stem cells, with a particular focus on muscle stem cells and regenerative biology. His visit also highlighted a special connection to Nightingale: ISRP student Alexa C. ’27 will conduct research in Dr. Krauss’s lab this summer.
Rounding out the semester’s speakers was Elizabeth Bauer, a professor in the Department of Biological Sciences and Neuroscience at Barnard College. Dr. Bauer spoke about her research on fear conditioning and the neurological basis of emotions, exploring how the brain processes experiences and memories. Students engaged enthusiastically with her work, offering ideas for future experiments and participating in a lively discussion about the scientific process.
Scientists and medical practitioners interested in sharing their research or career trajectories with Science Seminar students are encouraged to reach out to Dr. Naomi Kohen. We would love to welcome future guest speakers to the program.