“She has made significant contributions in neuroscience through her research.”
Maggie Mohr, a young woman with a passion for science, graduated with a bachelor of arts degree in biology and psychology from Hope College. Towards the end of her undergraduate career and after making a considerable impact within the natural and applied sciences division, numerous professors encouraged Mohr to pursue graduate school.
In August of 2015, she earned a Ph.D. in neuroscience from the Michigan State University College of Natural Science Neuroscience Program focused on neuro- and gliogenesis in the pubertal rat brain and the implications for female reproduction. Mohr credits the unique and valuable research opportunities throughout her undergraduate experience at Hope College that gave her a solid foundation regarding science, learning, and service and prepared her for a career in academia and research.
As a graduate student, Mohr engaged in research, alongside Dr. Cheryl Sisk at Michigan State University, investigating cell proliferation during puberty and its consequent effects on adult behavior. After obtaining her Ph.D., Mohr received the Chancellor’s Postdoctoral Fellow within the Department of Neurobiology at the University of California, Los Angeles. There she continues her career as a scientist and researcher working on a project titled “Estrogen Responsiveness of Pubertally Born Astrocytes” within the laboratory of Dr. Paul Micevych.
Throughout her undergraduate and graduate career, Mohr received numerous awards for her contributions and research including the Travel Award (2009) and the Undergraduate Student Poster Award (2009) from the Society of Behavioral Neuroendocrinology and the Research Excellence Award (2013) from the Michigan State University Neuroscience Program. Mohr also received the Iris Cantor and CTSI Young Investigator Award (2017-2018) from the University of California, Los Angeles. In 2018, she was awarded the New Investigator Award from the Society for Behavioral Neuroendocrinology for her continued contribution to the field.
Mohr has pursued a passion for science outreach after graduating from Hope College. She has participated in various programs including the Michigan State University’s Neuroscience Outreach Team, 4H Exploration Days, Neuroscience Fair, and Brain Awareness Week. Mohr continues to contribute to the science community through her involvement in the Los Angeles Brain Bee, a program designed especially to excite high school students to learn about neuroscience.
The “10 Under 10 Awards” honor emerging leaders who are making significant contributions by living out their callings; engaged in the local and global community through professional and/or volunteer involvement; and use their education to think about important issues with wisdom and clarity, communicate effectively to bridge boundaries that divide human communities and act as agents of hope living faithfully into their vocations. Designed for alumni who are within 10 years of graduation, they are presented by the Hope College Alumni Association. Make a nomination today!