Meet Abigail McFarland ’27, an OUR Peer Research Ambassador majoring in Physiology and Neurobiology with a minor in Anthropology of Global Health and Molecular and Cell Biology.
What is the focus of your research/creative activity?
My research investigates how the brain’s norepinephrine system regulates motivated behavior, with a particular focus on how we perceive and respond to taste. I study the locus coeruleus, the brain’s primary source of norepinephrine, to understand how its activity changes as mice experience rewarding and aversive tastes. I examine how changes in neural signaling relate to behavioral responses and the perception and evaluation of taste. Ultimately, my research aims to better understand how the brain integrates sensory information with motivation to shape behavior and uncover the neuromodulatory basis of neuropsychiatric and metabolic disorders.
Why did you get involved in research/creative activity?
I became involved in research because I have a passion for understanding the “why” and “how” behind scientific discovery, and research allows me to actively explore those questions. Through research, I enjoy having the opportunity to investigate questions that do not yet have clear answers, developing and challenging both my problemsolving and critical thinking abilities.
What advice would you give to aspiring student researchers?
Do not rush into research simply because you feel like you need to check a box. Take the time to find your “why” and identify what genuinely sparks your curiosity. Finding an area of research that you are truly passionate about is an important first step toward becoming invested in the work you do. Research can be challenging and requires patience, persistence, and curiosity, but finding something that you have a true interest in makes the process far more rewarding and exciting.
What are your plans after graduation? How has involvement in research influenced your plans or prepared you for the future?
After graduation, I plan to attend medical school and pursue a career in research-focused medicine as a physician. My work as an undergraduate researcher has allowed me to strengthen my skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, and scientific communication, competencies essential for both scientific literacy and medical practice. The opportunity to take greater ownership of my research has helped me grow as an independent scientist and strengthen my commitment to using neuroscience to improve human health.
What do you enjoy the most about participating in research?
I enjoy that research is perfectly imperfect. It constantly challenges me to think on my feet, problem-solve, and adapt when an experiment or set of results does not go as expected. Rather than following a predetermined path, research requires you to be comfortable with uncertainty and willing to change course when the data leads you somewhere unexpected. I enjoy that every result becomes an opportunity to ask a new question, approach a problem from a different perspective, and learn something I may not have anticipated.