Niesha Savory: A Rising Star in Neuroscience

Niesha Savory, currently in her fourth year as an undergraduate studying clinical neuroscience and psychology, has embraced her lifelong ambition to pursue a career in medicine. From a young age, she demonstrated a keen interest in the human brain, often immersing herself in anatomy books and borrowing materials from the library to quench her curiosity about the nervous system.

Path to Research and Recognition

In 2019, Savory’s journey took a significant turn when she was introduced to the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine Early Identification Program. This program provided her with the opportunity to participate in the neuroSURF initiative, a 10-week internship funded by the U.S. National Institutes of Health, held at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC. Under the guidance of researcher Shannon Farris, Savory’s summer was characterized by significant hands-on experience in the lab, culminating in continued research collaboration and recognition from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). The NIMH awarded her the Research Supplement to Promote Diversity in Health-Related Research, deeming her a promising candidate for a future in neuroscience.

Contributions and Achievements

Throughout the summer, Savory dedicated herself to her research project, sharing, “I have been working full time in the lab all summer, and will be until school begins.” She effectively executed the main protocol of her project and started capturing impressive visual data. Her hard work was rewarded when she presented her findings to the Central Virginia Chapter of the Society of Neuroscience, earning the Best Undergraduate Poster award for her outstanding contributions.

Research Focus

At the Farris lab, the primary focus lies in understanding how neural connections and synapses evolve as mice learn and interact with their environment. Savory’s insights into these alterations are integral to understanding their implications for memory and social behavior. She believes that this foundational experience will play a crucial role in her aspirations to attend medical school.

Aspiring Medical Professional

Savory aims to pursue an M.D./Ph.D., with a particular interest in investigating dementia associated with Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative disorders, all while maintaining a clinical practice to support affected patients. She is aware of the underrepresentation of Black individuals, particularly women, in the fields of neuroscience and medicine. Savory expressed her strong desire to serve as a role model by stating, “I don’t see a lot of Black people or Black women in neuroscience with M.D. and Ph.D. degrees. It would be great to inspire a younger generation and show you don’t have to be deterred from your career goals just because you don’t see people who look like you.”

Conclusion

Niesha Savory exemplifies determination and passion for neuroscience, carving her path towards a significant role in medicine. With her unique experiences and research endeavors, she not only invests in her future but also aims to encourage diversity and representation within the field.