Ellena McCarthy

Van_der_schalie

"I plan to become a neuroscientist, researching the molecular basis of a mental disease such as Alzheimer's disease. I also strive for a balance between academic, spiritual, and social pursuits."

  • Alumni of: 2002 Graduate Scholarship Program
  • Resides: Norwalk, CT
  • Hometown: Walkersville, MD
  • Age: 31

Biography

"Striking a delicate balance between all of my diverse passions and ideals has been a challenge for me," says Ellena Van der Schalie. "From laboratory research to musical theater performance, from self-improvement and awareness to concern and love for helping other people, from spirituality through Catholicism to tolerance and respect of the other ethical and moral perspectives, and from mechanisms of organic chemistry to chalk pastel drawings."

What "would satisfy both my love for research as well as my other creative and spiritual interests.the answer for me is the field of neuroscience.the blending of three disciplines: biology, psychology, and philosophy."

Ellena continues, "I can use my creative abilities to carry out innovative scientific research through the study of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's." She hopes to be a professor of neurobiology while "cultivating students.and gaining knowledge of mental disease that may ease the suffering of those afflicted."

While studying at the University of Newcastle, England, she volunteered to work with adults with special needs, leading them in dance, games or conversation. "This insight into people suffering from mental illness has galvanized my determination to become a neuroscientist."

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