James Kearnan

Career Path: Science Education

• B. Ed (University of Ottawa)

Biography

I graduated from the B.Sc. Honours in June 2015 and really appreciated Carleton as one of very few universities offering a B.Sc. with direct entry from high school. At a time of rapidly blossoming field of study, this gave aspiring neuroscientists a unique opportunity for a head-start in learning the basics of neuroscience in their first year.

The classes were excellent and there were weekly seminars for students to attend where neuroscientists presented research on all kinds of interesting topics. This was awesome because the topics were cool and you got to learn how researchers go about their practice. The profs were awesome as well, I found them all friendly, funny, smart and willing to help. Not to mention, there is some cool research going on at Carleton, so getting to know your prof may help you land a research project in one of their labs, which is an extremely valuable learning experience. Don’t be shy, they are all approachable and helpful people.

My own experience writing my Honours Thesis with Dr. Elaine Waddington-Lamont was an absolute pleasure – together we discussed how circadian rhythm disruption may underlie mood disorders. I felt quite an accomplishment writing something like that, and grateful to have learned from an expert.

There are a lot of options for people taking this degree, I myself chose to get a teacher’s degree and plan on teaching overseas somewhere. I still maintain an enthusiasm for Neuroscience and Biology and may consider returning to Carleton or elsewhere for graduate studies in Neuroscience to become a researcher.

Advice for Current Students

Take this program, you’ll enjoy your time here, and the future will be wide open for you