Peter Osseward ’12: Making Breakthroughs in Neuroscience Research
Peter Osseward ’12 brought his energy and curiosity to every corner of the Whitman College campus–performing in a band, competing in intramural sports, and gaining hands-on experience as an Undergraduate Research Assistant. His holistic education propelled him to his current career on the forefront of neuroscience research. Now Osseward is a renowned scientist and international lecturer whose research sheds light on new ways to classify and study spinal cord neurons.
“A lot of a career in science is collaborating on experiments, presenting your data and ideas, writing grants, and gathering feedback about them. Whitman prepared me well for science, including going beyond just the bench-work aspect of doing experiments.
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as a recipient of the Stephen B. Penrose Academic Merit Scholarship and the Gene Sherwood Scholarship
for the Biology Department, preparing chemical solutions for various lab sessions
including football, volleyball and dodgeball
contributing to its second-place finish at the D-III College National Championship in 2010
studying how humans coordinate eye and head movements during visual and memory-guided tasks
with a Bachelor of Arts in Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Molecular Biology (BBMB) and Philosophy
at the University of Washington, contributing to a study analyzing patterns in zebra finch birdsong
at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies
at the University of California, San Diego
at the University of California, San Diego, with a doctorate in Neurobiology and Neuroscience
an annual nomination for the top doctoral students at the University of California, San Diego, for excellence in neuroscience research
a $60,000 postdoctoral research grant recognizing exceptional creativity and innovation in research
at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies
“Whitman provides many opportunities for a well-rounded education. As a BBMB major, I learned technical skills and knowledge to pursue a Ph.D. in Neuroscience. Through my Philosophy major and classes such as Core, Expository Writing and Public Speaking, I gained experience communicating my ideas. Playing Club Ultimate taught me how to work on a team in high-stakes environments.
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Upward Pathways. Our alumni’s diverse student experiences and career paths showcase the transformative power of a Whitman education. Find other Upward Pathways.