Through the Brain Institute, Mary Lorino conducted hands-on undergraduate neuroscience research
Before she crossed the graduation stage at Tulane University, Mary Lorino (SSE ’24) was already conducting the kind of neuroscience research many students do not encounter until graduate school. Through the Tulane Brain Institute, that undergraduate experience helped propel her toward one of the world’s most prestigious international scholarships.
Today, Lorino is pursuing a PhD at the University of Edinburgh as a recipient of the well- regarded Marshall Scholarship, a highly competitive award funded by the British government that supports graduate study in the United Kingdom for 50 American students each year.
At Tulane, Lorino spent much of her undergraduate career conducting research in the lab of Maria Galazo, associate professor in the Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, studying how impairments in brain circuitry contribute to developmental disorders such as autism. Along the way, she gained experience in cell work, animal behavior and other advanced laboratory techniques.
“It was incredible, and Dr. Galazo was a great mentor,” Lorino said. “She supported me not only in my coursework, but also helped me identify opportunities inside and outside the lab to foster my curiosity in science.”
Lorino said Tulane’s faculty culture made research opportunities accessible.
“At Tulane, the professors are really keen to have students join their labs, especially undergraduates,” she said. “Many professors were willing to sit down with me, show me around their labs and introduce me to graduate students.”
Through the Tulane Brain Institute, Lorino also received funding to work in the Galazo lab full time during the summer. Also, she participated in STEM outreach programs for local children and became involved in organizations such as Research Ambassadors and the Synthetic Biology Club.
“The Brain Institute helped me achieve everything I wanted to do,” Lorino said.
Now at Edinburgh, Lorino works in the lab of Brian Bigger, researching rare childhood neurodegenerative diseases, such as Sanfilippo syndrome, and helping develop gene and cell therapies aimed at future clinical trials.
“It’s been amazing to see science go from the bench to the clinic and benefit real patients,” she said. After completing her PhD, Lorino plans to return to the United States to attend medical school and continue pursuing translational research as a physician-scientist.
