FAU undergraduate student Gabriela Carina Rico is currently studying neuroscience and behavior with the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science . Since joining the laboratory of Carmen Varela, Ph.D. , Rico has found endless curiosity in synaptic plasticity and the mechanisms of learning and memory, mastering skills used to identify circuits in the brain that are responsible for memory consolidation; conduct stereotactic microsurgery on the brains of animal models; and conduct behavioral experiments as an independent scientist.
“I began my relationship with Dr. Varela after taking her Neurobiology of Learning and Memory course in my first semester at FAU after transferring from Emmanuel College in Boston,” said Rico. “I expressed to Dr. Varela my desire to continue exploring my passion for science and the brain within the lab – the work that we do in the thalamus lab is important for identifying circuits in the brain that are responsible for memory consolidation.”
Rico intends to graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience and Behavior in May 2022, with hopes of continuing her education in the dual, clinician-scientist M.D./Ph.D. degree program in the fall. Her long-term aspirations include establishing and leading a cancer neuroscience lab and clinic.
