Jamaican Monique Mendes Makes History As The First Black Woman to Receive PhD In Neuroscience At The University Of Rochester

Monique Mendes, a Jamaican native who attended Immaculate Conception High School in St. Andrew Parish, has made history by becoming the first black woman and only the second black individual to receive a PhD in neuroscience at the University of Rochester (UR) in New York. Her remarkable achievement on July 31, 2020, marks a significant milestone in the field of neuroscience and opens doors for aspiring black women in academia.

Mendes discovered her passion for biology during her high school years and embarked on her journey in neuroscience at the age of 19. While pursuing a biology degree at the University of Florida, she had the opportunity to work in the university's neuroscience stroke lab, where she gained invaluable knowledge about strokes in the brain and therapeutic approaches to the condition. Inspired by her work in the lab, Mendes decided to pursue a PhD in neuroscience.

Recognitions and Achievements in Neuroscience

In 2018, Mendes made history once again as the first graduate student at UR to receive a diversity award from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders in Stroke. The prestigious F99/K00 Blueprint Diversity Specialized Predoctoral to Postdoctoral Advancement in Neuroscience Award recognizes outstanding students from diverse backgrounds and provides funding for graduate school and postdoctoral training. Mendes will continue her studies at Stanford University, where she will utilize novel imaging techniques to explore the role of specific cells in memory and learning.

In addition to her academic achievements, Mendes has displayed talent and passion in other areas of her life. She has shown promise in swimming, tennis, and playing the violin. Mendes played the violin in the Immaculate Conception Symphony Orchestra and the Brighton Symphony Orchestra, showcasing her musical abilities. Furthermore, she is actively involved in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. At UR, she took the initiative to create a diverse and inclusive community on campus, organizing events and fostering discussions to support students from diverse backgrounds.

Giving Back to Jamaica: Brain Awareness Week

At the age of 27, Mendes has plans to bring neuroscience to Jamaica through a program called "Brain Awareness Week." This initiative aims to educate children in elementary and primary schools about the brain. Drawing inspiration from the "black and neuro" initiative on Twitter, Mendes is eager to make a positive impact in her home country and inspire future generations to pursue careers in neuroscience.

Monique Mendes' journey from Immaculate Conception High School in Jamaica to becoming the first black woman to receive a PhD in neuroscience at the University of Rochester is an inspiring story of determination, passion, and breaking barriers. Her academic achievements, commitment to diversity, and plans to bring neuroscience education to Jamaica through "Brain Awareness Week" highlight her dedication to making a difference in the field and empowering others. Monique Mendes is a trailblazer in neuroscience, and her contributions will continue to resonate in the scientific community for years to come.