By: Tongyue Zhang
Mar 20: Students at Rutgers University are making significant strides in advancing neuroscience and brain health through cutting-edge research spanning addiction science, behavioral neuroscience, and molecular genetics. From undergraduate scholars to postdoctoral fellows, their work reflects a strong, structured ecosystem designed to nurture scientific talent at every stage.
At the forefront of this initiative is the Rutgers Brain Health Institute (BHI), which provides a comprehensive training framework combining competitive grants, mentored research opportunities, and interdisciplinary collaboration. This layered approach equips students and researchers with the technical expertise and professional skills required for impactful careers in science, medicine, and beyond.
Building Future Neuroscience Leaders
The success of this model is exemplified through the journeys of several BHI-supported trainees:
Ishita Sharma, a junior at Rutgers–New Brunswick School of Arts and Sciences, is exploring how genetic and social factors influence addiction and treatment outcomes. As a recipient of the TRUE RARC undergraduate fellowship, she has gained hands-on experience in data analysis and addiction biology through mentored research in Sarah Brislin’s lab.
“The structured curriculum and collaborative environment have strengthened my confidence in working with large datasets and reinforced my goal of becoming a psychiatrist,” Sharma said.
Shayna O’Connor, a PhD candidate supported by the TARP T32 training grant funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, is studying how the brain’s orexin system influences attention and motivation in addiction. The program has enabled her to conduct advanced research, present at conferences, and develop critical scientific communication skills.
“The training has been instrumental in shaping me as an independent researcher,” O’Connor noted.
At the postdoctoral level, Akhil Sharma is investigating the molecular and neural mechanisms behind psychostimulant addiction. Leveraging advanced tools such as gene editing and RNA sequencing, his work integrates human genetic data with experimental models to uncover new therapeutic targets.
“Being part of this dynamic research community has expanded my scientific vision and ability to tackle complex challenges,” he said.
Similarly, Susana Delgado Ocana is exploring the role of the gut microbiome in addiction, bridging neuroscience and microbiology. Supported by NIH funding and BHI initiatives, her research focuses on innovative, high-impact approaches to understanding substance use disorders.
“The flexibility and resources provided through these programs allow us to pursue high-risk, high-reward research,” Delgado Ocana explained.
A Collaborative Ecosystem for Innovation
Through initiatives supported by the National Institutes of Health and internal funding, Rutgers continues to foster a collaborative environment where students and researchers engage with leading experts, cutting-edge technologies, and interdisciplinary perspectives.
This integrated approach not only accelerates discoveries in brain health but also prepares the next generation of scientists to address complex neurological and psychiatric challenges.
As Rutgers strengthens its leadership in neuroscience research, the achievements of its students underscore the institution’s commitment to innovation, education, and real-world impact in advancing global brain health.
