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People Profiles
John Harkness
- Hometown: Bellevue, WA
- Major: Behavioral Neuroscience
- Minor: Chemistry
Why Western?
I decided to go to Western because it had reputation for being a great school with a friendly atmosphere. I really like the Northwest, and Bellingham offers a lot to do outside of class.
Talented Mentors
I expected to be introduced to some accomplished professors coming to Western, but I had no idea the how many very brilliant people I would be surrounded by. I have professors that are leaders in their fields, conducting world class research. Western is really unique because the school is large enough to draw in really talented faculty. Yet, with a focus on undergraduate education, students such as myself are able to gain exposure to research and technology that would never be possible at other universities.
From Good to Great
Dr Jeff Grimm has been a wonderful mentor and friend to me. In the fall of 2006, Dr Grimm invited me to be an undergraduate research assistant in his laboratory to assist in conducting research on addiction and craving. Soon after, I was encouraged to undertake a study of my own, for which I was awarded a large grant by the Western Foundation. I am now preparing my work to be published in a peer-reviewed journal, and presented at the Society for Neuroscience conference next November. This experience has greatly encouraged me to continue in the field of neuroscience, and will undoubtedly be a positive experience when applying to graduate programs.
Encouraging Research
I started the WWU Neuroscience Club, which has quickly grown to about 40 members. The club has built a community around the neuroscience major, and put on several events encouraging students to become involved in research here at Western. Currently, I am working on starting a competitive award of several hundred dollars to encourage students of neuroscience to undertake research of their own, and travel to present their work at conferences such as Society for Neuroscience.
Inspiring Experience
This past fall I traveled to the national convention of the Society for Neuroscience to present a study that I had completed with two other undergraduate students in Dr Grimm’s laboratory. This is probably the single most important event of my undergraduate experience here at Western because I was exposed to the science community at the highest levels. I made contacts with leaders of my field, and left extremely motivated to undertake a career in neuroscience.
Outside the Classroom
I have been rock climbing competitively since I was 12, and competed on the US junior team at the 2003 World Cup in Bulgaria. I am a skier, snowboarder, and whitewater kayaker. Since coming to Western, I have taken up cycling and joined the WWU Cycling team. Last year we were the Division II national champions. Other than that, my girlfriend and I are taking salsa lessons.
Life in Bellingham
I have fallen in love with Bellingham since moving here in 2004. The town is small enough to maintain a comfortable sense of community (and lack rush hour traffic), but large enough to have everything you need. Bellingham is a Mecca for outdoor enthusiast. Mount Baker is at our door step, climbing and biking (of all types) are top notch, and I have a view of the San Juan Islands from my house! On the Weekends, I like to ride my bike everywhere from the border, to the islands, to Mount Baker. For rock climbing, Squamish BC is only a few hours north. Bellingham has a friendly atmosphere with lots to do.
After Western
I am hoping to enroll in a doctorate program for Neuroscience. Ultimately, I am interested in conducting research on motivated behaviors such as food and drug craving. Thanks to Western and Dr. Grimm, this area of research has captured my attention, and will undoubtedly prove to be an interesting field of study.