The path we take is a combination of goals, skills, and luck. If you are unsure about a certain path, ask questions! If you need a certain skill, go learn it!”
Kelsey Wright (she/her)
PhD Candidate in Interdepartmental Neuroscience (NUIN)
Kelsey Wright is a PhD candidate in the Northwestern University Interdepartmental Neuroscience (NUIN) program. Her research focuses on how different areas of the brain communicate to control shoulder movement, aiming to understand the coordination of motor pathways. Kelsey is a 2024 recipient of the TGS McBride Award. Outside of academics, she enjoys crafting—currently embroidery and mending.
How would you describe your research and/or work to a non-academic audience?
I study how areas of the brain communicate to control shoulder movement. This helps me understand how different motor pathways work together to create movement.
What have been some of the most memorable twists and turns of your career?
I think the biggest turn of my career was moving from cell and molecular neuroscience to human movement science. I never planned on moving out of molecular neuroscience, but after one rotation in a rehabilitation lab, I fell in love with that work and what they study.
The thing that really drew me to it was the ability to see the data as it was being recorded. When you put an electrode on someone's muscle or their scalp, you are able to see a live feed of that data. It made me feel more involved in the data collection process. This was so different from the previous work I was doing where you had to perform long assays before you were able to see your data.
Tell us what inspired your research and/or work.
I am so inspired by the body-machine connection that is seen in rehabilitative sciences. We can tap into the "electricity" of the brain and neurons to either record from them or to stimulate them. We can feed those electric signals into robotic arms, which then move based on our "commands." Aside from that literal connection, there are also many robotic devices that are designed to work in tandem with those who have motor deficits to help them recover by providing external limb support.
How do you unwind after a long day?
I love to craft. All different kinds of crafts! The idea of trying something new is more stimulating to me than becoming perfect at one thing. I have done knitting, woodworking, pottery, and sewing. Currently I am very big into embroidery and "visible mending," which is when you cover rips and tears with a decorative design that highlights the imperfections rather than trying to hide them. Each new craft I complete still gives me the joy of a child showing off their first crayon drawing.
What inspires you?
People helping others. Too often, people idolize the "pulling yourself up by your bootstraps" mentality. Giving people the resources they need for success and being able to ask for help are both extremely important.
How would your closest friends describe you?
"Very friendly." I get accused of being able to make friends anywhere I go—in the airport, roller skating, at bars. I like chatting with strangers! I also like to make sure that anyone new I meet feels comfortable around me. They’d also say I am "silly." I love enjoy life and not take things too seriously.
What advice would you give your younger self or someone considering a similar path?
Earlier in my career I tried to get way too specific about what I wanted to do. I felt like I needed to know what job title I wanted to have 10 years in the future and start working toward it now. I started asking people in my department how they "achieved their science dreams," and all of them had a surprisingly similar story: they just sort of fell into it. They had a vague goal, certain doors were open, others were closed, they choose some paths over others, and just ended up where they are currently. If they discovered they weren't happy with it, they pivoted.
The path we take is a combination of goals, skills, and luck. If you are unsure about a certain path, ask questions! If you need a certain skill, go learn it! Other than that, it’s just luck. Now I feel much more relaxed about the future and what’s to come.
Tell us about a current achievement or something you're working on that excites you.
I have been working on an embroidery project that I call my "magnum opus.” It says "neurons that fire together, wire together" with two neurons on it. I love seeing something I pictured in my head come to life in front of me.
What are you most proud of in your career to date?
This is kind of silly, but in undergrad I was park of a Shark Tank-style research competition where you had to present your research to a general audience. The winner, chosen by the audience, got a $2,000 grant—and I won! It was amazing knowing that a room full of people loved my research and my presentation. It started my journey into research communication and research outreach, which I am still on today. I also got to hold one of those giant checks you see on game shows!
Publish Date: October 1, 2024
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