Sohini Alim, recognized as the URECA researcher of the month for February, is a senior at Stony Brook University. Graduating summa cum laude in January 2025 with a major in biology and a specialization in neuroscience, she has recently completed an honors thesis on zebrafish larval neurogenesis.
Since September 2022, Alim has been conducting research under the guidance of Howard Sirotkin, an associate professor in the Department of Neurobiology and Behavior. She was among ten students awarded the 2024 URECA Biology Alumni Research (U-BAR) Award, which facilitated her involvement in summer research.
At the 2024 Summer Symposium, Alim presented her work titled “Investigating the Role of GluN2B in Forebrain Neurogenesis.” This presentation was also part of a Chemical Biology Training Program event last fall.
In offering advice on pursuing research opportunities, Alim stated: “Persistence is important, in many things. If you don’t get a reply back to your first email, keep emailing until you’re finding something that’s good for you. Don’t worry if it takes you longer than someone else. Everyone has their own path.”
Alim's campus involvement includes serving as a teaching assistant and working as a critical care medical scribe at Stony Brook University Hospital. She held roles such as treasurer for Neuroscience Axis and public relations chair for Wolfiethon supporting the B+ Foundation for Child Cancer. Additionally, she served as vice president of recruitment and public relations for Alpha Sigma Alpha and participated in Greek Life honors societies like Alpha Sigma Alpha Hermes Society and Order of the Omega. In Spring 2023, she received a Greek Life "Outstanding Scholarship" award.
During Summer and Fall 2024, Alim applied for a Fulbright Scholarship and advanced to the semi-finalist stage. After taking a gap year, she plans to attend medical school.
The full interview with URECA Director Karen Kernan is available for further insights into Sohini Alim's experiences.