Outstanding Seniors in the College of Science: Mackenzie Lynch

This spring, the College of Science recognized 12 outstanding seniors for their contributions in and out of the classroom. Mackenzie Lynch is this semester's recipient from Neuroscience!

The College of Science caught up with Mackenzie to learn more about her experiences at the University of Arizona and what is on the horizon after graduation.

Why did you choose to study in your specific department/major?

When I first came to the U of A, I wanted to attend medical school, so I started as an MCB major (even though I wasn’t super big into biology). A few months in, I realized the major wasn’t for me, and decided maybe I’ll switch to NSCS. Honestly, it wasn’t really a choice I made for a specific reason, but over the course of my undergraduate career in this major, I’ve been given a million reasons to stay. Not only is the coursework interesting, but the community in the NSCS major really makes college worthwhile.

Tell me about a class or research project you really enjoyed.

Currently, I work in the Gothard Lab studying how social status is processed in the brain. Through this work, I’ve learned how primate brains learn social hierarchies and integrate themselves into them. Being on this project from the beginning, I’ve learned so much about what goes on behind the scenes in research, and I’m so grateful to have learned so much in my time in the lab thus far.

What is one specific memory from your time at UA that you'll cherish forever?

I could go on and on about my favorite memories at the U of A, but what sticks out to me the most is running a 10k with my best friend last September. Running the race with her made us grow closer than ever, and in the months leading up to the race, I went on so many sunset runs on the mall with my friends. The U of A campus is so beautiful, but it gets better when you are spending time there with your friends.

What are you most proud of having accomplished in your time at UA?

I am most proud of the hard work and dedication that I put into my life outside of class. I was a UBRP student, which allowed me to spend a ton of time in the lab and led to a poster presentation at an international conference. On top of that, I am currently finishing out my term as president of a neuroscience club here on campus, after joining the club my sophomore year. There were days where I got overwhelmed and didn’t think I could do it, but I am so proud to have proven to myself that I could.

What is next for you after graduation?

My time at the U of A is not over yet! I’ll be taking a gap year and staying in my research lab to learn neurophysiology and complex data analysis. After that, I plan to pursue a Ph.D. in neuroscience. Maybe then I will venture out of Tucson, but for now, I’m so grateful to get to stay!