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Jeffrey Mercurio '15

Bachelor of Science in Biology, Minor in Behavioral Neuroscience and Marine Science

From an early age, Jeffrey Mercurio showed an strong interest in animals and animal behavior. It was during an open house tour, he discovered he would be able to pursue both his passions at ÒùÐÔÊÓƵ.

Mercurio was able to fulfill his aspirations when he was introduced to neuroscience research, both human and mouse, by Dr. Jessica Fleck, Associate Professor of Psychology, and Dr. Nathaniel Hartman, Assistant Professor of Biology. His published research with Fleck involved the measurement of electrical activity in the human brain while completing a task. 

That same year, Mercurio was exposed to the art of using animal models to look at different effects (i.e., number of brain cells born, types of brain cells produced) of introducing a specific protein into the brains of mice with his research with Dr. Nathanial Hartman, Assistant Professor of Biology. The research focused on the production of new brain cells in the olfactory bulb of mice and changes that occurred in this region after introduction of Akt.  His work included the use of the confocal microscope to take fluorescent pictures of brain slices. 

The neuroscience research Mercurio conducted provided a learning foundation in experiemental design and protocol for working with both humans and animal models. He was able to travel to Maine, Connecticut, Pennsylvania and Illinois to present data found in both neuroscience research. 

After graduation, with the encouragement of one of his professors, Mecurio applied for and was accepted as a Postbac Fellowship position in the molecular neuroscience lab at The National Institutes of Health (NIH). His previous experience with animal handling and the confocal microscope were instrumental in his work on the molecular transport of lysosomes.  

While working in the Postbac Fellowship position with the NIH, Mecurio was accepted into The Graduate Partnership Programs (GPPs). The GPPs is distinct program offered by leading research universities that have a unequivocal relationship with NIH in order to provide a unique and tailored research experience for the student. Mercurio attended the Brown University GPP where he attended courses at Brown University for two semesters and will be returning to research work at the NIH in preparation of his dissertation.

In addition to the coursework at Brown University, Mecurio was able to rotate through different research labs each semester. His dissertation work began at the NIH this June and run between four to five years.