Testimonials

Having the opportunity to work as a research assistant with the Neurocritical Care Faculty for the majority of my undergraduate career has been one of my most rewarding academic and extracurricular experiences. Dr. Maciel and Dr. Busl have shown me the importance of continually engaging in forward-thinking research to increase favorable outcomes for patients. I have been given the opportunity to learn more about neurological disorders and how self-fulfilling prophecy bias can play a role in clinical neuroprognostication. As researchers on this team, we have also learned how to methodically understand complex scientific jargon and facilitate discussion of chosen topics. The faculty members I have worked with have been incredible mentors in professional topics even beyond our work in research, helping me navigate my collegiate journey. I look forward to continuing my research pursuits within the coming years as I pursue a career in medicine.

Being an undergraduate researcher with the Neurocritical Care Division for over 2 years has been an invaluable experience to say the least. I've had the privilege of working with a team of highly motivated individuals on an impactful study that will help improve quality of care for neurological patients. Through increased exposure to neuromedicine and literature alike, I have grown in my ability to engage in academic and clinical research. Learning more about the importance of combatting self-fulfilling prophecy bias in neuroprognostication has been extremely eye-opening. Dr. Maciel and Dr. Busl have both provided me with great mentorship and have fully supported me in endeavors even outside of research. They are very encouraging and have helped me to pursue career-defining opportunities, that have helped bolster my desire to attend medical school in the hopes of becoming a research-oriented physician.

I have been an undergraduate volunteer with the Neurocritical Care and Cardiac Arrest teams since Summer 2019. Although I had no prior research experience, I immediately felt welcomed and like a valued team member. In addition to developing skills needed for clinical research, I have had an invaluable experience collaborating with this team on multiple projects. I have loved the constant communication, exchanging ideas, and guidance, as well as the opportunity to work closely with physicians and experts in Neurocritical Care. I am looking forward to working with this lab for another year, and I am grateful to be part of this wonderful family of researchers.

My time as an undergraduate researcher for the past 3.5 years with the Neurocritical Care Division has been eye-opening and rewarding. This experience has guided me in reaching and realizing my full potential, and the amazing team of researchers that I have been working with has shown me what a true, high-functioning team looks like. I am proud to be a part of a group that values every team member and teaches academic, medical, and life lessons along the way. My ideas, suggestions, and questions have been eagerly welcomed by the NCC faculty, and I am grateful for the opportunities that they not only have allowed me to pursue, but that they have joined me in developing and moving forward with. Everything I have learned in my years as an undergraduate researcher with the NCC team will forever be valuable in my personal and professional life.

My name is Elizabeth Aleong, and I am currently a junior at UF studying Microbiology and Cell Science on the pre-med track. Having the opportunity to conduct clinical-based research with Carolina Maciel and Katharina Busl has allowed me to expand my knowledge about the field of neuromedicine, while also seeking to improve neurological outcomes among patients. The spin-stroke systematic review has introduced me to a new-found love for research because of its potential in improving overall health care as well as its constant enlightenment about our subject of neuroprognostication and stroke. From working on this systematic review, I have also been chosen as an Emerging Scholar Recipient where I will be presenting spin-Stroke at a research fair in the upcoming Spring.