Darlene Leohansson

I've always been interested in research but not necessarily in any particular field. My first two years at Penn, I was involved in a wet lab research experience contributing to immunology/oncology projects. The experience taught me a lot, but made me ultimately realize that I wasn't as interested in wet labs as I didn't feel connected to what the lab studied. 

The summer of my sophomore year, I joined a lab where I now lead my own research project studying influences in art engagement, a topic perfect for me with my neuroscience major and fine arts minor! Through my transition from one lab to another completely different one, I've learned a lot about what I want in a research experience in terms of how the lab is organized as well as how the lab runs. 

Please reach out if you want to chat more about finding research that excites you in a lab that will support you as a student!

• Research Assistant in the Nefedova Lab of The Wistar Institute (immunology/oncology)
• Undergraduate Researcher in the Penn Center for Neuroaesthetics (independent study in neuroaesthetics)