Student Spotlight: Danielle Thompson

Danielle Thompson is a junior majoring in behavioral neuroscience through the Florida State University Program in Neuroscience, an interdisciplinary program with participation from the Department of Biological Science and Department of Psychology, both part of the College of Arts and Sciences, as well as FSU’s College of Medicine. Thompson received the 2022-2023 James McCrimmon Award for Outstanding Writing in College Composition from the Department of English for her essay, “I Love My Patients, But I Hate My Job,” which explores physician burnout. She has conducted research in several labs, both in and outside of FSU, in addition to being a faculty-selected learning assistant for organic chemistry courses and helping her peers engage with course material. Thompson is also a student-athlete on the FSU Women’s Cross Country and Track and Field teams as well as an active member of the Phi Delta Epsilon fraternity for future health care professionals.

Tell us about your background, where you’re from, and what brought you to FSU.

I’m from Sun Prairie, Wisconsin. I chose FSU for its amazing academic and athletic opportunities, tradition of excellence and beautiful campus. I just finished my junior year and expect to graduate in Spring 2025.

What inspired you to pursue a degree in behavioral neuroscience?

My interest in neuroscience was sparked by a personal health experience in which I was introduced to the enteric nervous system, a network of neurons that controls digestive functions. The complex ways through which the brain and body communicate fascinated me. My coursework, research, and volunteer experiences have further confirmed that this is the major for me!

Tell us about some of your research experiences.

As a curious person, I enjoy every stage of the research process. My first research experience was with professor of psychology Linda Rinaman during my freshman and sophomore years, and she remains a pillar of support. In the Rinaman Lab, I studied how how challenging experiences in early life can alter gene expression and how this relates to emotional behaviors in rodents. I primarily conducted behavioral tests by observing and analyzing the behavior of rodents in response to certain stimuli.

During my sophomore year, I also worked in former FSU associate professor of psychology Alexandria Meyer’s lab, which specialized in clinical child psychology research. Following that experience, I began working with professor Joe Grzywacz, the former Norejane Hendrickson professor of family and child sciences in the College of Education, Health and Human Sciences. Although he has since relocated to San Jose State University in California, we are still conducting a content analysis of public messages about heat illness in farm workers. By understanding these perspectives, we hope to inform policies supporting their health.

Last summer, I was a neuroimaging research scholar in the Neurodiversity Lab at Boys Town National Research Hospital Institute for Human Neuroscience in Omaha, Nebraska. My project won first place at the final research conference.

Why is this research important? What should the public know about it?

Research is crucial for advancing knowledge, solving problems and offering new perspectives. My research with professor Grzywacz, which focuses on the interplay between environmental and social factors in farmworker health, is especially important to me since I have experience volunteering in rural areas. Farmworkers are 20 times more likely to suffer from heat illness than all other occupations combined, highlighting the need for effective public policies to protect their health.

Tell us about your essay, "I Love My Patients, But I Hate My Job,” which won the James McCrimmon Award.

I studied physician wellbeing for a project in an introductory writing course, which led me to examine the literature surrounding interventions like work-life balance strategies and mental health resources that target physician burnout. The key takeaway from my research is that addressing burnout is crucial for physicians' success both individually and institutionally.

What are some current goals or projects?

I’m currently in New York working as a pediatric clinical research intern with Strong Children's Research Center at the University of Rochester Medical Center-Golisano Children's Hospital. I work in the child and adolescent psychiatry department, focusing on preventing substance abuse in rural youth through trauma-informed interventions. Additionally, I’m training for the 2024 NCAA cross-country season and applying for medical school!

What on-campus resources have helped you achieve success?

FSU provides students with truly unmatched resources. Over the years, I've utilized the Reading-Writing Center to enhance my writing skills and worked with subject librarians at Robert Manning Strozier Library and Paul Dirac Science Library to refine search strategies for my research. However, the resource I value most is office hours. These sessions offer a more personalized environment for clarifying concepts and working through questions, and they‘ve been crucial to my success.

Despite missing FSU, what are you looking forward to once you graduate?

After graduation, I plan to attend medical school, continue my interdisciplinary research, and begin training for marathons. No matter what I do, I plan to be a positive representative for FSU and pursue excellence in all endeavors.

Are there any faculty or staff who have inspired you?

I'm extremely thankful for the support from all my professors, teaching and learning assistants, especially those with whom I’ve conducted research. Honors lecturer in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry Mark Kearley's open-door policy and unique teaching approach transformed my learning experience beyond the classroom. Associate professor of chemistry and biochemistry James Frederich and TA and alumna Madeline Jeffes helped me grow as an organic chemistry student and have served as inspiring mentors in my teaching career as a learning assistant.

What advice do you have for fellow students?

FSU professors are eager to help students get involved, so attend office hours and make use of campus resources regularly. It’s crucial to find what motivates you daily. College is a journey, and a clear purpose will help you stay committed and motivated through challenges. Get involved early, lift others and lead by example!