海角社区

海角社区 biological sciences Ph.D. student Marquise Henry has been named a , a prestigious honor recognizing exceptional graduate students and their advisors who demonstrate scientific excellence and a commitment to fostering inclusive research environments.

HHMI is one of the nation鈥檚 most prestigious private biomedical research organizations. Through highly competitive programs, it supports leading scientists and educators at top universities and research institutions across the United States.

鈥淏eing chosen as a Gilliam Fellow is an incredible honor,鈥� Marquise said. 鈥淚mpostor syndrome is something I鈥檓 familiar with, so this recognition feels like a validation of how much I鈥檝e grown as a researcher. It also shows that HHMI believes in our ability to make meaningful contributions to neurobiology and behavior, even though we aren鈥檛 working with traditional model organisms.鈥�

Marquise鈥檚 research in Associate Professor examines how the brain and hormones influence neophobia鈥攖he avoidance of new things鈥攊n house sparrows, one of the world鈥檚 most successful invasive bird species. By studying the hippocampus, a brain region that integrates sensory and emotional information, Marquise seeks to uncover why some animals adapt more easily to urbanization and environmental change than others. Their work could have broader implications for understanding how wildlife responds to rapidly changing environments.

His curiosity for science began in childhood, but it was their undergraduate advisor, Dr. Anya Goldina, who sparked their passion for research. At Elizabethtown College, he investigated how crawfish respond to smell and taste, even building custom experimental arenas with help from the Engineering Department鈥攁 hands-on experience that revealed the problem-solving side of research, which has remained one of Marquise鈥檚 favorite parts of doing science. He later pursued a master鈥檚 degree at Bowling Green State University, studying how antidepressants in waterways affect the behavior of invasive rusty crawfish.

When choosing 海角社区, Marquise was drawn not only to the Lattin Lab鈥檚 research focus but also to its collaborative and supportive environment. 鈥淚 could see myself thriving under Christine鈥檚 mentorship,鈥� Marquise said. 鈥淭he lab is a true community where I could grow as a researcher, mentor undergraduates, and contribute meaningfully to the team. Mentoring students has been one of the most rewarding parts of my experience here.鈥�

Reflecting on the success of their Gilliam proposal, Marquise cited the lab鈥檚 strong mentorship and inclusive culture. 鈥淚 think our lab stood out because of our history of mentoring undergraduates. We鈥檝e had more than 30 undergraduates in the past seven years, and most have moved on to graduate or professional school after leaving 海角社区.鈥�

The lab environment fosters this sense of community. 鈥淲e鈥檙e encouraged to have hobbies that help us manage stress and connect with each other,鈥� Marquise said. For Marquise, that often means baking for the lab to celebrate accomplishments鈥攕ometimes adapting recipes to accommodate all lab members鈥� dietary restrictions鈥攃reating moments that bring the team together. 鈥淭hat sense of support and community is what makes our lab unique.鈥�

鈥淢arquise is not just a brilliant and dedicated scientist; he also understands that science is done by teams of people,鈥� said Lattin. 鈥淔or teams to work effectively, there has to be mutual respect and trust, which you build every day in the lab. I see Marquise already doing that, which will help him excel as a research team leader. He is also very community-oriented and will step in to help someone who is struggling, often before they even ask.鈥�

Gilliam Fellows become part of a supportive community of scholars. During their tenure, they build connections with peers at Gilliam Annual Meetings, expand their scientific knowledge, and gain valuable insight and advice from leading scientists at HHMI Science Meetings. Fellows engage in professional development and connect with program alumni, equipping them with the tools to transform science through their talents and experiences. The program鈥檚 goals are for fellows to pursue cutting-edge research, positively shape scientific training environments, and maximize their collaborations.

鈥淚 hope this program helps me grow as both a mentor and a leader,鈥� Marquise said. 鈥淚鈥檓 looking forward to building relationships with other fellows and strengthening my ability to communicate science to broader audiences. Every project raises new questions, and I can鈥檛 wait to see where my research and mentorship take me next.鈥�

Gilliam Advisors also play a vital role as change-makers who foster inclusive scientific training environments. All advisors participate in an intensive, year-long mentorship skills development course and are encouraged to share what they learn within their labs, departments, and institutions鈥攎ultiplying the program鈥檚 impact well beyond the fellows themselves.