The University of Vermont Graduate College is pleased to announce that the recipient of the 2018-2019 Rodney L. Parsons Anatomy and Neurobiology Award is Megan Perkins, a doctoral candidate in the Neuroscience Graduate Program.

Megan was raised in Georgetown, Texas. She began her higher educational career with initial interests in psychology, yet quickly realized that she was also fascinated by the biology of the nervous system, and the interactions between biology, psychology and the environment that produce one’s emotions and behaviors.  She received her B.S. in psychology from Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi, taking many additional biology and life science courses.

Currently, Megan is studying as a doctoral student in Dr. Margaret Vizzard’s neurourology lab, where she is examining a novel population of bladder cells, known as interstitial cells. Megan uses multiple biochemical approaches to elucidate the potential role of interstitial cells in the sensitization of afferent nerves in bladder disorders, specifically interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome.

Megan plans to use the Parsons Anatomy and Neurobiology Award for professional and career development activities that will enhance her skills and opportunities as a scientist. After graduation, she plans to pursue a post-doctoral fellowship. Additionally, Megan has a passion for science communication and advocacy. She hopes to be actively and professionally involved in scientific communication and outreach in the future. When Megan is not in the lab, you can find her in the air, pursuing her non-research related passions - dancing & performing circus stunts on her aerial silks.