NAME: Katie Clough

HOMETOWN: Cincinnati, Ohio

MAJOR(S): Neuroscience

MINOR(S): Evolutionary Studies and Honors

YEAR IN COLLEGE: Second Year

Tell me about life pre-NKU. Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Anderson Township in Cincinnati. I went to Anderson High School.
 

Why did you choose NKU? What kept you here?

I chose NKU partially because of the cost and partially because of the opportunities within my major. At the time I started my major, it was
the newest major. I felt like I would get a lot of attention and help from Neuroscience faculty. Plus with NKU being primarily undergraduates I could start doing research and getting hands on experience without having to compete with graduate students.

I stayed here because of the community. I found my place
here and have the best support system in the world.
 

Can you tell me a little about what you're studying here?

I'm studying Neuroscience which is an interdisciplinary major that combines mainly psychology and biology but also a little philosophy. I'm working to understand the brain, how it effects the body, behavior, and truly what makes people tick.
 

Could you tell me about the best of your experiences as a NKU student so far?

I loved being an orientation leader. I found a family in the orientation staff, I loved learning everything these is to know about NKU and I loved helping incoming students. I also love being in a sorority. I would die for any of my sisters and they help me to be the best woman I can be.
 

Have you had any memorable internships or co-op experiences?

I work in Dr. Curran's Research lab here at NKU. I get to work with mice looking at how an environmental toxin (Benzo [a] Pyrene) affects brain development.
 

What kind of job would you like to have after you graduate?

Currently, the plan is to go to grad school and gain my PhD. After that, I hope to come back to higher education so I can continue research, teach students and help with advising and admissions.
 

Did you study abroad during your time here? If so, tell me about your experience.

I did not, but I'm hoping to!
 

Describe NKU in one word.

Home.
 

What’s your favorite class?

My favorite class currently is NEU 101: Neuroscience for life: Sex and Society. I'm a TA for this class and I enjoy helping students learn about neuroscience!
 

Where is your favorite spot on campus? What makes that spot
so special?

I'm torn between the vivarium labs in Founders Hall where I conduct my research because every day I work in there so I'm comfortable in it. Plus, the work I'm doing every day affirms that this is what I want to spend my life doing. Also the Honors lounge because I spend so much of my time hanging out there, a lot of my friends are there.
 

Where’s the best place to study on campus?

The study rooms in Founders Hall.
 

What is your greatest passion?

It's hard to narrow down because I'm kind of passionate about everything. I guess I'm passionate about passion!
 

What is your favorite NKU memory?

I have a lot of great memories at NKU, but my favorite is probably late-night study sessions in the Honors lounge. Not that much studying actually occurs, but I have spent hours in there hanging out, usually laughing, sometimes to the point of tears.
 

What advice would you give to a first-year student?

Advocate for yourself! It's your time, your money and your
degree so do not be passive about any step. Ask questions, use resources, reach out to professors, find extra opportunities, sign up for clubs and events. These four years are more than just classes and it's up to you to make them special.
 

Tell me anything else about yourself and/or NKU that you
want folks to know.

I'm a Taurus, my Myers Briggs personality type is ENTJ-T and my enneagram type is a tie between Type 3- The Achiever and Type 8- The Challenger.