Jenna Dunham received the Biology Department's Outstanding Graduate in Neuroscience Award for 2024.
Jenna Dunham was the unanimous choice of the NKU Neuroscience Faculty who nominated her for the 2024 Outstanding Graduate in Neuroscience award. She excelled in all aspects of academics, research and service to the NKU community and beyond.
Scientific Leadership: "She asks insightful questions and thinks about the next steps for experiments. She always wants to know the “why” of a method or experimental design and often offers an astute explanation herself," according to her research mentor Dr. Lauren Williamson. " She is willing to ask questions in times of confusion and takes charge when other students need a leader."
"Going back to school in my forties to pursue my Bachelor's in Neuroscience was scary, to say the least."
I was worried about being an older student among a sea of college students who were all closer to my kids' age. However, my experience here was phenomenal, I felt welcomed by my classmates and have had countless positive experiences with both the students and the staff. Through the mentorship of Drs. Williamson and Curran, and the guidance of my awesome advisor Lynne Crane, I had the support I needed to meet the challenges of full-time studies and realize this goal."
Jenna presented multiple posters on her research into neuroinflammation and the developing brain.
Jenna returned to NKU for a degree in neuroscience when she realized that understanding how the brain functions could help so many people struggling with health issues. She did undergraduate research with Dr. Lauren Williamson and also worked on an independent study project examining the role of sex hormones in modulating inflammation.She was accepted to the University of Cincinnati Systems Biology and Physiology Graduate Program and was offered an additional stipend to support her graduate studies.
Jenna served as both Treasurer and President on the NKU chapter of the national neuroscience honor society Nu Rho Psi.
Jenna wrote three successful grants to fund Nu Rho Psi activities, including an activities grant to the national Nu Rho Psi. Breaking the Ice for Mental Health was a collaboration between Nu Rho Psi and the Health Professions Club.
Breaking the Ice for Mental Health brough NKU students, faculty and counselors together to raise awareness about the benefits of exercise and social activities to reduce stress and build resiliency.
