Gabriela
Barros
Hometown: Fayetteville, NC
Major: Neuroscience and Computer Science
Research Interest: Brain development and function
“In the future, I would like to lead my own research laboratory while teaching at a research university.
What attracted you to the CSS program and Carolina?
Among other things, what attracted me most to the CSS program and Carolina was the sense that I would be treated as much more than just 1 of 30,000 students. I felt secure knowing that CSS would make research opportunities and resources extremely accessible during my time at Carolina.
What are you most looking forward to experiencing at Carolina over the next four years?
I am most looking forward to exploring my academic interests through research while at Carolina. I hope to find some balance between my passion for both art and science by joining clubs and taking interdisciplinary classes. I also can’t wait to celebrate UNC wins against Duke!
What research topic(s) are you interested in exploring and why?
I am endlessly fascinated by the complexity of the human brain and how it completely controls the human experience. I would like to get involved in research that aims to better understand how various factors, such as genetics, drugs, or the environment, affect brain development and function.
What is one thing you hope to accomplish in your future STEM career?
In the future, I would like to lead my own research laboratory while teaching at a research university. Wherever I end up, I hope I will have made some impact on the younger generation of women in STEM by inspiring them to think critically about the world around them and empowering them to tackle unanswered questions.