Northwestern University Interdepartmental Neuroscience (NUIN) PhD Program
Jill Morris Lab at Children’s Memorial Research Center (CMRC)

What are your research interests?

My primary interests are in the molecular and genetic underpinnings of psychiatric disease, especially those with a neurodevelopmental origin. I find it fascinating that very subtle abnormalities that occur during brain development can have profound effects on brain function. There are so many devastating psychiatric diseases that appear to stem from such abnormal events, and there is a great deal of research being done to elucidate the molecular mechanisms that underlie these diseases. These studies are constantly revealing the complexity of the human brain and the many ways in which developmental abnormalities contribute to psychiatric disease. There is still so much to be discovered in this area that I think I will always have an intense interest in it.

What exciting projects are you working on?

My thesis work investigates the role of Disrupted-in-Schizophrenia 1 (DISC1), a schizophrenia susceptibility gene, in brain development. DISC1 was originally discovered as a novel gene that was disrupted in a large Scottish family with several members who suffered from major psychiatric illness. Since then, several groups have been trying to decipher the role of DISC1 in brain development and function. My research looks at how DISC1 loss-of-function impacts the development of the hippocampus. By better understanding the effects—however subtle—that alterations in DISC1 have on brain development, we hope to gain important insight into the neurobiological underpinnings of schizophrenia.

What attracted you to the NUIN program?

One of the first things that attracted me to NUIN was the quality and diversity of the research being done. As I started my laboratory rotations during my first year, I had a seemingly unending list of labs that I was interested in working in. Even after choosing my laboratory, though, I have been able to collaborate with and learn from several of the labs in the NUIN program. It is great to be in a program that does such high-quality work in so many areas of neuroscience.

How often do you have to travel between CMRC and the two NU campuses?

During my first two years in the program, I traveled between the two campuses a lot to attend classes and to teach. Now, I mostly travel to Evanston or Chicago if there is a seminar or other event that I am interested in attending. Occasionally, I will go see another lab to learn a technique or borrow materials. Traveling downtown is especially easy since there is a shuttle right from CMRC to the Chicago campus.

What has been the best (or worst) experience so far?

One of the best experiences in general has been interacting with all of the other students in the program. The NUIN retreat is always a lot of fund—especially during the first year when you are meeting many of your classmates for the first time. The CMRC is kind of tucked away from the rest of NU, but the graduate students here have had a lot of fun interacting and organizing social events.

How would you describe the faculty at FSM?

The faculty members are extremely knowledgeable and very open to collaboration. One thing that has continued to impress me is that so many of them are willing to take time out to help students with their research. I personally have had a few instances where I needed advice or help in an area outside of our lab’s expertise, and I have always found the faculty members to be extremely generous and helpful in that respect. In addition, many of the courses I have taken involved a different faculty lecturer every week, and I was always impressed with their breadth of knowledge and their ability to communicate well with the graduate students.

What do you like to do for fun?

I love living in Chicago—there is so much to do and to see! I currently live in Lakeview, so I have had a lot of fun going to Cubs games and going out with friends in the area. I also like exploring the many restaurants of the city and going to concerts and other fun events that are always going on. I am active and love being outdoors, so the beach is always a great place to go during the summer. I am also a big sports fan, so any chance I get to watch a Chicago team (except the Sox!) I will usually take advantage of it.

What are your plans after graduation?

I plan to continue doing research in psychiatric disease and neurodevelopment after I graduate. I will be applying for postdoctoral positions in the academic setting. After that I am not sure!