Maja Ramljak
Career Path: Research
Biography
At the time of writing this bio, I am a second-year master’s student in Neuroscience working with Dr. Natalina Salmaso. I graduated from the University of Waterloo in 2019 with a BSc in Psychology and Biology (Honours).
My research looks at the GABAergic system and astrocytes in the cortex of mice – and how things change across sex differences and aging. In the future I hope to continue my education and neuroscience research. Specifically, I hope to explore neuroplasticity and the role of astrocytes in the context of models of brain injury and brain damage. In my spare time I volunteer with the Society for Neuroscience (SfN): Ottawa chapter. I also love to check out the coffee shops in town, cook, and take care of my many plants.
Advice for Current Students
I think one of the hardest lessons that I had to learn in undergrad was learning how to find balance between challenging myself and cutting myself some slack (something that I still struggle with!). Learning when it’s appropriate to push yourself and when it’s appropriate to step back can be difficult, but very worthwhile – especially in the long-term. Understanding what your boundaries are is important in all aspects of life and academics are no exception, especially with the pressures and stress of 4th year undergrad. Ambition is important but so is kindness to yourself and your mental health!