What were your expectations for the Mentoring Program?

I expected to gain valuable insights into neuroscience research in North America, to understand both the opportunities and the challenges of pursuing academic goals abroad, and to receive clarification regarding the choices that an undergraduate medical student like myself can make to succeed in their career.

How did this experience impact you?

The interaction with my mentor was highly beneficial, as it came at a moment when I truly needed guidance and advice for my future, given that I had to make important decisions within a short period of time. My mentor, Dr. Irene Caprara, is a brilliant neuroscientist with a strong academic background from several prestigious institutions, including Harvard University. She offered honest advice about the advantages and disadvantages of living in the United States as a scientist and provided me with a valuable professional network to consult for further questions. As a direct result of this mentorship, I spent the summer of my fourth year working in the laboratory of Dr. Sheena Josselyn, a pioneering scientist in the study of memory, at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto.

Why would you recommend the ISSNAF Mentoring Program?

When it comes to make decisions or to work for our future, it is crucial to have expert and honest advisors. The opportunity to have a successful and professional figure as a mentor is very rare. The ISSNAF Mentoring program works by matching your passions and objectives with the most suitable Mentor for you, and it can open various doors in terms of networking and incredible research opportunities that should not be missed.