With the gracious financial support from the Herbert E. Carver Travel Award, I was able to attend the Society for Neuroscience meeting in Atlanta, Georgia. This international conference called together neuroscientists from across the world to share in the scientific, intellectual, and technological advances that have taken place at the forefront of neuroscience.

At this meeting, I took full advantage of the networking opportunities, especially at the various poster sessions, as I interacted with leaders in the field of reproductive neuroendocrinology. Much of the research presented at this conference was related to my dissertation research, thus allowing me the chance to expand my understanding of the current findings and to discuss with the various presenters, one on one, about their research. This interaction served as a networking occasion, not only with the established scientists of today, but also with my peers, the up and coming scientists of the future.

In addition to the one on one communications with other scientists, at the Society for Neuroscience meeting, I also gave a 15 minute slide-show presentation of my own research. I spoke about the hypertrophy and increased kisspeptin gene expression in the hypothalami of postmenopausal women and the implications that this could have in reproductive neuroendocrinolgy. This was my first slide-show presentation at a professional meeting, and quite honestly, it was accompanied by many weeks of pre-presentation jitters. Once on the stage and behind the podium, however, all nerves vanished and my presentation went really well. I received much positive feedback from various scientists in the field and was able to teach them about the advances that our laboratory has made in understanding the changes in the hypothalamus of the brain in postmenopausal women. This was an awesome opportunity, for it not only provided me the means to share my research in front of a large crowd of my professional peers, but it also forced me to convey my scientific information in a clear and concise manner, in a way that appealed to those already familiar with the field, but expansive enough to allow a novice to understand. I am certain that this experience will continue to serve as a catalyst of growth in my professional career.

I am so thankful I had the opportunity to attend the Society for Neuroscience meeting, and I am even more grateful to the Herbert E. Carter Foundation for awarding me with a travel grant to financially support my trip. The fruits of my experience will continue to grow forth, and I hope that I am one day able to inspire and support other scientists in their quest for scientific knowledge.