On December 14th, 2011, the Neuroscience GSA sponsored and hosted a “Careers in Neuroscience” Panel Discussion.  The event was co-sponsored by the University at Buffalo Neuroscience Program, the Biological Sciences GSA, the Pharmacology and Toxicology GSA, and the Psychology GSA.  A panel of faculty members and post-doctoral fellows discussed the transition from graduate school to a post-graduate position.  In attendance were graduate students from a number of departments and programs.  Topics included starting up a lab, differences between academia and industry, aspects of funding and support, and other issues facing students as they move beyond graduate school.

The panel itself consisted of faculty and post-doctoral fellows from a variety of departments.  The following individuals served as panelists:

Brian Allman, PhD (UB Faculty, Center for Hearing and Deafness)
Derek Daniels, PhD (UB Faculty, Dept of Psychology)
David Dietz, PhD (UB Faculty, Dept of Pharmacology and Toxicology)
Elizabeth Hogan, PhD (Canisius College Faculty, Dept of Biology)
Kathryn Medler, PhD (UB Faculty, Dept of Biological Sciences)
Jessica Santollo, PhD (UB Post-Doctoral Fellow, Dept of Psychology)
Gail M. Seigel, PhD (UB Faculty, Center for Hearing and Deafness)

The panelists provided a thorough, informative, and engaging discussion.  They were a wealth of knowledge and experience for the graduate students in attendance, who also contributed comments and questions during the discussion.  The panel discussion provided a great way for graduate students to learn about navigating a scientific career.  The Neuroscience GSA looks to organize more panel discussion events in the future.