Hi! I'm Jessica, a sophomore majoring in Neuroscience with a double major in Environmental Sciences & Policy. I moved down south from the DC area, and I've come to love Durham. I'm involved in both STEM and arts programs around campus, but in my free time, you can find me strolling around Durham and looking for the best food or books! I've come to learn many major lessons from my time here at Duke and I'd love to share my experiences!

Hometown

Germantown, MD

Major(s)

Neuroscience, Environmental Sciences & Policy

Minor(s)

Music

Clubs, organizations & involvement

Hoof 'n' Horn Duke Chamber Music Duke Arts ARAC​/​L2S

Describe your college experience

I was an ED admit to Duke -- I knew I wanted to go here as soon as I stepped foot on campus. Duke has been everything I've hoped for and more; I have been able to take some eye-opening classes on topics that I'd never even heard of, I've been able to work with and learn from the most amazing professors, and I've been surrounded by such a wonderful community of fellow students.

Tip for future students

College is incredibly different from high school -- no matter how prepared​/​unprepared you feel, this is still a major change in life. Make sure to have time for yourself, not even just for studying, but moments where you aren't continuously socially stimulated. Carve out some alone time.

Favorite class

NEUROSCI 115FS: Music, Meanings, and the Brain This course taught me how to read and digest dense medical-terminology journals and papers, and brought upon a very unique combinatory outlook on musicology, linguistics, and neuroscience.

Career goals

Graduate school -- PhD in environmental neuroscience

Ideal way to spend a free night

Going out with friends, or staying in and playing music, games, and other activities with them!

High school or secondary school

Richard Montgomery High School

Favorite spot on campus

I love the Biddle music building. I think that it's a wonderful place to study, and I tend to spend a lot of time there, being heavily involved in the Duke Arts program. It's a very serene place, and you can hear the faint sounds of people practicing their instruments, which creates a nice ambiance! Other than Biddle, most definitely the Duke Gardens.