This #TraineeTuesday, we are highlighting Lester, a graduate student in the Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, co-mentored by Kelly Cosgrove, PhD and Sarah Yip, PhD! Lester was recently awarded the National Science Foundation’s Graduate Research Fellowship (GRF), which will provide financial support for the remainder of his graduate studies.
Receiving this award serves as a validation that all the obstacles and hardships that I have overcome to get to where I am today have been worth it. I also struggle with imposter syndrome and sometimes question my work, but this is a nice reminder that I do belong here.
Lester was born and raised in Puerto Rico, where his passion for neuroscience first took root. He studied molecular and cellular biology at the University of Puerto Rico, where he gained his first research experience studying anxiety-like behavior associated with drug withdrawal in rats. Always fascinated by the brain, Lester found himself drawn to the issue of substance abuse, a problem he notes is especially prominent in Puerto Rico.
These early experiences inspired him to pursue a summer internship at University of Pennsylvania’s Center for Studies on Addiction, where he worked with clinical data and was introduced to functional magnetic resonance imaging, or fMRI, as a tool to study the human brain. Captivated by this approach, Lester went on to complete a post-baccalaureate fellowship at the National Institute on Drug Abuse’s Neuroimaging Research Branch, where he explored how acute nicotine abstinence affects brain connectivity in tobacco smokers. Lester’s journey eventually led him to Yale, drawn by its vibrant community of clinical researchers focused on substance use disorders, and the opportunity to work with diverse imaging modalities to deepen his experience in neuroimaging.
His GRF project aims to understand how changes in dopamine release after acute stimulant administration impact functional connectivity in the brain by combining neuroimaging modalities, including fMRI and PET.
I believe it is crucial that we take advantage of the distinct perspectives we can gain from different neuroimaging modalities, such as fMRI and PET, to build a better understanding of the impact drugs can have on the brain. We need to understand the effects they can have on brain function and connectivity in the context of the neurochemical changes induced by the drug and attempt to determine how these are related.
At Yale, Lester is currently finishing his second year of graduate studies and preparing for his qualifying examination. Alongside his research, he is deeply passionate about teaching and outreach. He serves as a Graduate Professional Fellow with Yale Pathways to Science, an organization that facilitates scientific outreach programs for local students. Lester also brought his passion for education to a global audience, serving as an instructor for the Yale Young Global Scholars summer program, where he taught high school students from around the world.
According to Lester, his mentors Kelly Cosgrove, PhD, and Sarah Yip, PhD, have been “incredibly supportive and receptive” toward his academic and professional interests.
The highlight of my experience at Yale has been meeting and interacting with so many amazing scientists who are at the forefront of modern neuroscience. It is an unparalleled environment that provides a wealth of opportunities for growth.
Looking ahead, Lester aims to find a position that will allow him to engage in cutting-edge research while also pursuing his passions for scientific outreach, mentorship, and teaching. For Lester, contributing to the community and fostering greater diversity in academia are responsibilities that every scientist should embrace.
Best of luck, Lester!