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We are living in turbulent research times in the U.S. The speaker will share her thoughts and advice on navigating these unprecedented, challenging times in neuroscience research based on her last 30 years navigating a healthy family life and career in somatosensory and pain research. This speaker will offer her perspective on seeking and finding funding, work-life balance, finding your passion, pivoting projects, making and recovering from mistakes, staying positive, and the vital importance of communicating scientific work to the lay public today.
This session speaker will be Cheryl L. Stucky, PhD, and will be moderated by Annabelle Singer, PhD, 2025 Program Committee member.
This was selected as a part of the Neuroscience 2025 programming: Theme E – Sensory Systems.
Speakers
Topic: No Pain, No Gain: Advice for Turbulent Times in Neuroscience Research
Grace Valentine Olagunju
This webinar featured Cheryl L. Stucky, PhD, the Marvin Wagner Endowed Chair and director of the Neuroscience Program, Doctoral Program, and Pain Division at the Medical College of Wisconsin. An internationally recognized leader in somatosensation and pain neurobiology. The speaker shared her beautiful and inspiring journey as a biomedical researcher, driven to pursue something uniquely her own. This journey took her out of her comfort zone as she learned new techniques in electrophysiology, which ultimately took her to Germany. Her story emphasized the importance of pursuing ideas boldly.
Stucky’s laboratory focuses on pain research, recognizing that chronic pain affects many people and contribute to a higher economic burden in the United States than many other diseases. Her research continues to reshape our understanding of pain, touch, and the skin, offering new perspectives on how sensory signaling is integrated at the peripheral level. Notably, her group was among the first to demonstrate that the TRPA1 ion channel plays a critical role in sensing painful mechanical stimuli. In addition, she initiated pilot studies in sickle cell disease after recognizing the severe pain experienced by these patients.
Finally, Stucky spoke candidly about navigating the current turbulent time in biomedical research. She stressed that change is constant, and success requires grit, focus, and effective communication. Scientists must actively engage with the public through community groups, schools, and organizations like Rotary clubs because public support is essential for sustaining biomedical research. She encouraged researchers to embrace change, think creatively, and expand their skill sets and collaborations. This includes seeking diverse funding opportunities, advocating for science, supporting junior scientists, and building inclusive research environments. Importantly, she highlighted the need to communicate science clearly to the public and policymakers, fostering mutual understanding and strong community partnerships.
Stucky reminded attendees that science is constantly evolving, and it is okay for careers to unfold differently over time. Mistakes are part of the journey. She encouraged everyone to take pride in their unique path, stay resilient, and remember that while you can have it all, it may not happen all at once.
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