Sense and Sensitivity: How the Nervous System Transforms the Environment into Experience

By Zekiel Factor Setting the agenda Sensation is the bridge between the internal and external world. Examining the elements of processing that our senses have in common allows us to understand how the nervous system gives rise to sensory perception, which is a fundamental component of conscious experience. But what does it mean to go … Continue reading Sense and Sensitivity: How the Nervous System Transforms the Environment into Experience

The Challenge of Mental Health in Graduate School

By Bailey Keller and Angela Snyder Declining mental health among graduate students is a silent epidemic. According to a recent Nature survey of 6,300 PhD students worldwide, ~36% report seeking help for anxiety or depression due to their PhD studies1. Commonly cited reasons for the PhD environment contributing to poor mental health were bullying and … Continue reading The Challenge of Mental Health in Graduate School

What is Going On in Your Brain When You’re Stressed

By Mariam Melkumyan While certain levels of stress present in our lives is a good thing, sometimes it can be too much. Now is a very stressful time for graduate students; in addition to qualifying and comprehensive exams and dissertations, we are constantly reminded of threats to our health and normal lives due to the … Continue reading What is Going On in Your Brain When You’re Stressed