My name is Autumn Redd, and I am majoring in neuroscience with a pre-medicine concentration. I am expected to graduate in the spring of 2025.
I chose to go to Kent State for several reasons. Neuroscience has been my area of interest since the 7th grade, and I was determined to find a college that offered a neuroscience program. When I discovered how prestigious the Kent State neuroscience program was, Kent became one of my top choices. My father is also a Kent State alumnus, so I have heard nothing but positive feedback.
As someone who comes from a high school that held a community-based atmosphere to a high standard, I knew that Kent State was for me. The leaders at Kent State truly care about the students’ well-being and success. I have had unwavering support from several individuals, and it has allowed me to accomplish things that I did not know were even possible as an undergraduate.
The campus is beautiful, and the community is welcoming; I would not have wanted to be anywhere else but at Kent State.
I started indulging in research during the summer of my freshman year. Before then, research had not necessarily been on my radar, but I have learned to love it as time has passed. I am currently working in a biological sciences lab at the Kent State Brain Health Research Institute.
My current research is focused on spinal cord injury and how it affects neuropeptide expression in the spinal ejaculation generator, contributing to erectile dysfunction (ED) in paraplegic men.
The main objectives of this research are to learn more about the spinal ejaculation generator (SEG) and its functions, as well as eventually make a discovery that helps improve the quality of life for paraplegic men suffering from ED due to a spinal cord injury. I take pride in this research, as my main goal has always been to help others. I assumed I would have to wait until after medical school to make a significant change in the world, but I was able to kickstart that goal at Kent State.
I also served as a Student Research Ambassador and currently serve as a Peer Success Mentor. Through these programs, I can spread information about research and Kent State resources overall.
This is the most rewarding part of the work that I do.
I would not be in my current position if someone did not reach out to me and let me know of the available opportunities. I enjoy talking to students about what I do and connecting them with resources that will help kickstart their journey, whether that be in research or a completely different area.
It is also rewarding to see the growth I have had over the years. In high school, I was timid and nervous to branch out and try new things. I have since overcome these fears and stepped out of my comfort zone, and I could not be happier with the results.
My accomplishments have not gone unnoticed, as I have published papers, placed high in competitions, and even written blogs about my experiences.
Being recognized for the work that I do is not only rewarding, but it also motivates me to be the best version of myself. I would like to be a support system for others and help anyone I can!
I have grown both professionally and personally since attending Kent State. I was extremely reserved and had a hard time branching out and trying new things. I am now excited to try things that I have never done before and approach them with a growth mindset, rather than a fixed one.
I have also grown professionally and academically. I understand the importance of networking and have built several relationships with individuals in several different areas. I try to be well-rounded and dependable, and I will continue to do so!
If you are currently a senior in high school and considering attending Kent State, I have several words of advice that may be useful. Take advantage of the resources that Kent has to offer. They care about the well-being of incoming students just as much as they do current students. There is a surplus of resources and connections available, and they will make the transition from high school to college 10x easier.
Prepare to have a huge support system behind you, as everyone here wants to see you do well both academically and personally.
Visit the campus and possibly even take a tour. It can be a great way to not only get a feel for the campus but also to experience the community-based atmosphere firsthand. Kent’s motto is “Flashes Take Care of Flashes”, and they truly do!