The mind-body connection
Kim Pope studies the meaning of psychology and anatomy
Year in school:
senior
Major:
psychology
Hometown:
St. Charles, Mo.
Disorders of the brain fascinate Kim Pope. Combining research in anatomy and psychology helps her understand how different parts of the brain control neurological functions.
“There is potential to help a large number of people that are affected by neurological dysfunctions," says Pope. "Better understanding of these dysfunctions can lead to better care for those affected, which in turn may result in a better experience of life.”
“I became interested in the Thompson Center because that facility is focused on neurodevelopment disorders, such as autism, and the labs I am part of have a similar focus,” Pope says.
Pope won a Thompson Center award for undergraduate research and was selected to be an ambassador for the Office of Undergraduate Research. Her mentors are Kristina Aldridge, pathology and anatomical sciences, and Shawn Crist, psychological sciences.
Pope plans to attend graduate school in an anatomy-based program and to continue conducting research as a future career.
“Being a part of research can also give someone an idea of what they like and dislike, which can be helpful in deciding what to pursue as a professional career,” Pope says.