Washington College Adds Neuroscience Major

The interdisciplinary major will incorporate existing departments from Biology, Chemistry and Psychology.

Washington College has announced the addition of a Neuroscience major beginning in the Spring of 2022. In coordination with the college’s existing Biology, Chemistry and Psychology departments, the Neuroscience major will blend all three academic disciplines into a one-of-a-kind major at Chestertown.

“This is truly an interdisciplinary major that is central to the department itself,” said Dr. James Windelborn, an assistant professor of Biology and member of the Neuroscience Advisory Board. “A broad understanding of science is what we’re trying to familiarize students with, and this major does exactly that.”

A total of eight faculty members from the three departments comprise the major. They are as follows:

Neuroscience Advisory Board:

• James Windelborn; assistant professor of Biology, Pre-Allied Health Professions program advisor, pre-Veterinary program advisor
• Leslie Sherman; chair of the Chemistry department, associate professor of Chemistry and Environmental Science
• Cindy Gibson; associate professor of Psychology

Neuroscience Faculty:

• Aaron Krochmal, chair & associate professor of the Biology department
• Jennie Rinehimer, associate chair & associate professor of Biology
• Mala Misra, assistant professor of Biology
• Audrey Weil, assistant professor of Psychology
• Dan Kochli, visiting assistant professor of Psychology

“Students can expect to be prepared for a broad career in science and science policy,” Dr. Windelborn said. “A big focus for this major is the numerous different pathways students can take when they ultimately make that decision as their career choice.”

Three major pathways for the Neuroscience program include biomedical research (through Washington College’s John S. Toll program or other fellowships), pre-healthcare professions (medical, nursing, pharmaceutical, veterinary) or through other pathways such as cognitive neuroscience, patent law and technology transfer.

The program falls under the umbrella of the Natural Sciences & Mathematics department and requires a total of 62 credits to be considered for graduation.

“On top of looking through the lens of how the mind and the brain works, the courses will be applied to real-world settings,” Dr. Windelborn said. “Neuroscience will allow students not only to conduct their own research by the time they’re seniors, but it will also set students up for post-graduate opportunities after Washington College.”

To learn more about the major and submit a major declaration form, visit https://www.washcoll.edu/academic_departments/neuroscience/

Interested students should contact Dr. Windelborn ([email protected]) for more information.