Hi, I’m Megan.
… neurobiology PhD, photographer, creative & communicator
I currently work as a scientific communications and outreach manager at HHMI’s Janelia Research Campus. On this site, you can explore my professional background, current work, and portfolio. If you’re interested in how I got to where I am now, scroll to read about my path from early book and art-lover to neuroscientist to communications expert.
An early interest in literature, art & nature
My first passion in life was reading. As a kid, I'd often go through a book a day, relying on my librarian aunt to send boxes of books to get me through the summers. I was an animal lover from the start, and Jack London's Call of the Wild and White Fang were among my earliest favorites. When I wasn't reading, I was drawing, exploring the outdoors, or watching every animal and nature documentary I could find.
… then discovering a fascination with brain science
In high school, I was still reading and drawing, but I discovered an interest in science for the first time when I took psychology and human anatomy classes. I was fascinated by how the brain and body worked, and I still remember the game my teacher used to teach us about neurotransmitters. Outside of class, I was horseback riding, running cross-country, and losing myself in video games like The Legend of Zelda and open-world RPGs.
…while building community & enjoying the Louisville art and coffee scene
Pursuing neuroscience, teaching, and outreach
In undergrad, I pursued my curiosity about the brain, majoring in biology with a minor in neuroscience at UNC Wilmington, set in a beautiful beach town. I loved teaching anatomy labs, and my favorite classes were Brain & Behavior, Advanced Biological Psychology, and Drugs & Behavior. Outside of class, I took up rock climbing, ran marathons, and led kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and backpacking trips for the campus recreation center.
After graduating with my BS, I pursued a PhD in Anatomical Sciences & Neurobiology at the University of Louisville, under the mentorship of Bart Borghuis. My thesis focused on retinal neurobiology, using the retina as a model to understand neural computation, which meant learning methods like electrophysiology, two-photon microscopy, confocal microscopy, immunohistochemistry, and coding. What brought me the most joy was the satisfaction of a successful cell patch and reconstructing striking neuron morphologies.
Most of my time outside the lab went into outreach in the Louisville community. Passionate about addressing inequities in STEM access, I joined the Science Policy & Outreach Group in 2018, leading outreach initiatives to middle and high schools in underserved areas, planning events for underrepresented groups in science, and driving departmental DEI initiatives.
During my PhD, I fell in love with Louisville's art, coffee, and food scene, studying and writing in my still-favorite coffee shops, Safai and Quills. I also co-ran a photography studio with my partner at the Mellwood Art Center, got involved in creative collaborations with local photographers, and discovered a love for figure drawing.
Carving out a career in science communications
While wrapping up my PhD, I realized that writing, creating visuals, and outreach were what I enjoyed most. Instead of the classic academic track, I decided to transition into a career in scientific communications and outreach, accepting a job as a Scientific Communications & Outreach Manager at HHMI's Janelia Research Campus in 2023.
At Janelia, I've gotten to blend my interests in science and creativity. Since joining, I've taken courses in digital communications and marketing, expanded my photography portfolio, received mentorship from many great communicators, and gotten to interact with world-class scientists almost daily.
A lover of travel, books, & outdoor activities
Outside of work, my hobbies span a wide range of interests. I still love reading and art, and I occasionally find time for creative writing. My favorite books include The Bell Jar, Between the World and Me, and Buddha's Brain: The Practical Neuroscience of Happiness, Love & Wisdom.
My partner and I love staying active, and we spend most weekends cycling the W&OD Trail from the research campus, where I live and work, to coffee shops in Leesburg, VA. Every week, we also find time for swimming, strolling outdoors, and yoga. I'm also a huge fan of rock climbing, and enjoy top-roping at our local climbing gym.
My favorite way to stay in touch with old grad school friends is joining a Discord call and playing co-op video games like Phasmophobia, Valheim, and Baldur's Gate 3. My partner and I also play a lot of Nintendo games, with Smash Bros. and Mario Kart as our favorites.
Above all, my favorite hobby is traveling. So far, I've visited Germany, Austria, Hungary, France, the Netherlands, Canada, and Belgium, with no intention of slowing down.
…and my tuxedo Ragdoll cat!
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