Hi! We’re the BCS REFS.
REFS is a confidential, student-run, peer-to-peer Resource for Easing Friction and Stress for grad students at BCS. We are here to listen, help you solve problems, and get you in touch with other resources at MIT that may help you address any issue you face during your time here. No matter what issue you are experiencing (work-related stress, relationship-related stress, loneliness, imposter syndrome, and anything else), we’re here for you.
Contact us at bcs-refs@mit.edu or reach out to any one of us individually if you would like to talk. We look forward to hearing from you!
Sadie
Hi hi! I’m Sadie, a 2nd year in John Gabrieli’s lab. I’m interested in individual differences throughout development & how those differences affect trajectories of cognition and risk for psychopathologies. I primarily use fMRI, but am also interested in other in vivo markers of neural activity. When I’m not doing research, I love drinking coffee, cooking, hiking, skiing, camping, and reading. Feel free to reach out to me with questions about anything via email at sadiez@mit.edu.
Gal
Hi! This is Gal. I’m a 3rd-year student in Rebecca Saxe’s lab, working on how babies decide where to look. I do judo and jiu jitsu in my free time, play poker and hang out with people. Chat with me on galraz@mit.edu.
Djuna
Hi! I’m Djuna, a 3rd year in Li-Huei Tsai’s and Manolis Kellis’ labs, working on understanding the cellular effects of genetic risk factors in Alzheimer’s disease. Outside of research, I’m part of the MIT cycling team (we love to race and go on rides outside of Boston on the weekends - join us if you’re interested!). Feel free to reach out: djuna@mit.edu.
Katya
Hi! I’m Katya, a 4th year student working in Mriganka Sur’s lab. I study experience dependent plasticity in the mouse visual cortex. I do in vivo two photon calcium imaging of dendritic spines and ex vivo immunostaining of different protein receptors. Outside of the lab, you can find me either running, rock climbing, reading or trying out new cafes/restaurants. I’ve moved quite a bit over the last 3 years, from the grad dorms to Inman Square to Back Bay, so feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions about dorm life or living in Cambridge vs Boston. Also if you’re coming from the west coast and are worried about the next winter, I have your back as a fellow Californian. You can email me at ktsimrin@mit.edu.
Josefina
Hello! I am Josefina, a 4th year student in Emery Brown’s group. I work on analyzing neural signals recorded during the transition to, maintenance of, and recovery of unconsciousness due to general anesthesia. Aside from doing research, I enjoy playing the piano, drawing, painting, and learning math. You can email me at jcorream@mit.edu.