Sophie Thapa
Master's in Anatomy and Neurobiology
Dalhousie has become my second family, and being that I am an international student, having a family away from home is priceless to me!
Supervisor
Why Dal?
As a senior in high school, I chose Dalhousie University for its undergraduate neuroscience program. At that time, Dalhousie was one of the few Canadian universities I knew of that had a department devoted solely to neuroscience research.
The graduate neuroscience program is great, but what makes it outstanding are the professors, administrative staff, librarians and teaching assistants. The people I have met during my time here at Dal is my reason for choosing to stay at Dal to do my master's.
Dalhousie has become my second family, and being that I am an international student, having a family away from home is priceless to me!
Why anatomy and neurobiology?
At the tender age of 8, I read the book “Gifted Hands” by Dr. Ben Carson and have been in love with the human brain ever since. Dr. Carson passionately writes about the brain and his journey to becoming a neurosurgeon.
During my undergraduate years in neuroscience, I became even more fascinated with the mechanisms and pathways in the brain. It was here the foundation was laid to build a deeper understanding of the anatomy and functions of the intricate human brain.
As a graduate student I wanted something a bit more hands on so my supervisor suggested taking a human gross anatomy course. Initially, it was more of a challenge than I had bargained for. However, in time I grew to enjoy anatomy and I never knew I could love something else as much as the human brain.
Research in any scientific field (especially neuroscience) is exciting because it’s like solving a gigantic puzzle. Each day we face the challenge of piecing together what we know and on our quest to figure out what we would like to know, sometimes the answers find us and there is nothing more rewarding than being a step closer to accomplishing one’s goals.
What inspires you?
My inspiration comes from two things: first it’s my passion for what I do (scientific research, especially neuroscience) and second, the unquenchable thirst to learn as much as I can. I desire to be a knowledgeable individual so I can give back to my community in the same way that they have invested in me.
Teaching, labs & research groups
- Teaching assistant for Functional Human Anatomy 5217
- Teaching assistant for Intro to Human Histology BIOL 3430/ANAT2160
- Assist with Med I and Med II human gross anatomy labs as needed
- Member of Dr. Baldridge's lab
- Member of the Retina and Optic Nerve Research Laboratory
- Member of the American Association of Anatomists
Awards, honours & conferences
- Experimental Biology 2015 Conference
- Finalist for American Association of Anatomists (AAA) Graduate Student Poster Presentation Award 2015