Rafael Hoyos Justiniano

Describe your dissertation, thesis, or capstone (if you completed one):

Completed thesis looking at "The Neuropathological Effects of Zinc and Copper Supplementation on a Dual Transgenic (hAPP/htau) Mouse Model of Alzheimer’s Disease."

How did you choose your specific area of study?

Nearing the end of my penultimate year of my BS in Neuroscience, I became interested in obtaining more experience in research and applying to a graduate program that was involved in laboratory work related to neuroscience. I found out that Mason had two accelerated masters programs related to neuroscience and ended up applying to the Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience (CBN) program offered by the Psychology department because of my interests not only in the neurobiological aspects of the brain, but also the behavioral consequences caused by these biological processes. The accelerated masters made the process of applying to graduate school more streamlined and affordable, while also giving the opportunity to be involved in exciting research being done by distinguished faculty.

How did your academic experiences in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences impact you?

Being a first-generation college student and DACA recipient, I am no stranger to hard work and perseverance. The difficulties of completing a masters program during a pandemic put these attributes to the test, but through the support of my department I was still able to take stimulating courses, teach, receive training in multi-functional research techniques, and gain professional experience through interdisciplinary endeavors. I believe these experiences have made me a more competitive and well-rounded candidate for future research and professional endeavors.

Of which accomplishment(s) during your time at Mason are you most proud?

Being the first in my family to obtain, not just one, but two degrees, and both from Mason would be one of my top accomplishments. Receiving multiple scholarships and grants from opportunities offered at Mason, being given the opportunity to teach an undergraduate Biopsychology Laboratory course as a Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) would also be included. Lastly, my work as Graduate Professional Assistant (GPA) in Latinx Advocacy and Outreach for the Spanish Program allowed me to combine both my personal and research experience to study institutional practices that affect the Latinx student population at Mason and work with CHSS to identify strengths and weaknesses in Latinx advocacy and outreach.

Are there faculty or staff members who made a difference during your Mason career?

Two faculty members that have made the greatest difference during my Mason career have been my graduate advisor Dr. Jane Flinn and my supervisor as GPA in Latinx Advocacy and Outreach Dr. Lisa Rabin. Dr. Flinn was the first faculty member I spoke with when discussing my interest in applying for the accelerated MA program. I was very much interested in the research that was being done in her lab and given that she was the Director of the CBN program I was a bit intimidated about speaking with her. Fast-forward two years later; she has been an incredible advocate for me and has endowed me with invaluable knowledge and experience related to my field of study. Dr. Rabin, on the other hand, gave me the opportunity to apply my research experience to a completely different field focusing on human research as well as working with scholars from education, global affairs, Spanish, and psychology fields. Apart from the opportunities that Dr. Rabin has given me, she has also helped in improving my non-technical professional communication skills, and has been a caring and lovely mentor.

What advice would you give to an incoming cohort of graduate students?

Don't talk yourself out of the rooms you've earned the right to be in and follow your interests.

What are your current career plans following graduation? What are your long-term career goals?

Currently I plan to take my experience to a more clinical setting following graduation. My long-term career goal would be towards a PhD, MD, or both.