Cyan Cosby

2018 Gilman Scholar

Hometown

Carmel, IN

Major

Biology

College

Science, Honors College

 

Two years ago, my dad had a massive stroke on the left side of his brain. Of course, this event was, and is, truly devastating for my family and me, but it is what sparked my interest in the complexity and mysteriousness of the brain. To see dramatic changes in his behavior and personality from damage to just the slightest section of his brain was incredibly eye-opening. I never would have imagined something on such a small scale could have such an impact. It was remarkable to watch my dad’s drastic healing and growth in response to different drugs and treatments. These events motivated me to study biological science at Purdue and by studying neuroscience in Salamanca, Spain, I am working toward my bachelor’s degree and becoming more qualified for a future in medicine while fully immersing myself in a new culture.

 

I hope to be a part of the next generation of scientists to conduct breakthrough research and make discoveries that could revolutionize the way we treat stroke victims. To make this a reality, my role is to learn what I can about the brain and its function. This neuroscience study abroad program is aligned with my current interests, including psychopharmacology and neurochemistry. Another unique component of the program is that it offers an optional five-day trip to study neuroscience methods at the Institute of Experimental Medicine at the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic. During this research excursion, I will visit laboratories and watch demos of neuroscience techniques in action. I learn best through hands-on instruction, and I anticipate this supplemental experience will prove very informative when I practice medicine.

 

In addition to the academic benefits of the program, I also have set a goal to become more fluent in Spanish. Because of the growing Spanish-speaking population in the United States, it is critical that I be able to create and keep interpersonal communications with patients in the medical field. I could communicate with people from other countries and maybe even obtain a job overseas in a region with a high Spanish-speaking population, opening up my opportunities as a future medical professional. Absorbing absolutely everything outside of my classes and in the streets of Salamanca will help me pick up more than I ever will simply by taking a class.

 

I will carry my newly acquired knowledge of neuroscience, proficiency in Spanish, and skills as a communicator back to my home in Indiana, where I hope to inspire others to follow in my footsteps. As a future medical professional who will work with stroke victims, I want a chance to prove to the world that I am a strong, independent, multiracial woman capable of achieving her larger goals.