Did you know? A ground squirrel can survive for months without a drop of water because its brain quiets the neurons that drive thirst.

Much of what we know about the brain comes from a wide variety of animal models. The Undergraduate Major in Neuroscience invites you to explore that animal research frontier at our virtual career panel:

Careers in Neuroscience: So, You’re Interested in Exploring Brains Across Species?

Date: Wednesday, November 4th, 2026
Time: 5:30 to 7:00 PM (EST)
Location: Zoom
Registration: go.umd.edu/neur-career-panel-f26

Featured Panelists:

• Dr. Slav Bagriantsev, Yale University: Professor of Physiology studying ground squirrels, including how hibernators endure months without water.
• Dr. Michael Long, NYU Grossman School of Medicine: Neuroscientist who uses parrots, songbirds, singing rodents, and humans to study the circuits behind vocal communication.
• Dr. James Bourne, National Institute of Mental Health: Principal Investigator who leads the Section on Cellular and Cognitive Neurodevelopment, using marmosets to study how the developing cortex is wired.
• Dr. Scott Juntti, University of Maryland: Biologist whose lab studies mating, aggression, and parenting in cichlid fish.

Gain…

• Insight into careers in comparative neuroscience and animal research
• Practical advice on securing research experience with non-human species
• A moderated Q&A, with time for your own questions

Open to undergraduate students in ALL majors. No prior research experience is required.