Think Alike?: A Neuronline Podcast

In this first half of a two-part conversation, Cori Fain, Karina Alviña, and Eduardo Rosa-Molinar reflect on mentoring as an evolving, deeply human relationship shaped by curiosity, generosity, and time. From tough love and long conversations to peer mentoring and building communities in unexpected places, they explore how recognizing potential and creating space for others can be truly career- and life-changing. With special guests: Cori Fain, PhD Karina Alviña, PhD Eduardo Rosa-Molinar, PhD Interested in contributing to a future episode? Nominate yourself or another guest using this interest form to share stories on peer mentoring, career development, or leadership skills. 

Thank you for listening and contributing to Think Alike: A Neuronline Podcast this year! As we wrap up this season, here's a look back at the conversations and stories we've heard. From undergraduates to seasoned PIs, a range of mentors and mentees shared practical advice - how to communicate, navigate tough conversations, manage schedules, find balance, introduce yourself, and say goodbye. Here are just some of the highlights from those conversations featuring our guests from the second half of 2025, including Kira Bailey, Chandler Carr, Denise Cai, Zach Pennington, Joe Zaki, Hannah Lichtenstein, Mikayla Kendall, Stefania Forner, and Elizabeth Andrews. We'll be back next year with more stories and insights to inspire your neuroscience mentorship journey. Stay tuned!

In this episode, Dr. Stefânia Forner and former mentee Elizabeth Andrews reflect on their decade-long journey from mentor and mentee to colleagues and friends. Through stories of courage, mistakes, and growth - including a bold introduction and a memorable lab mishap - they reflect on learning through failures, building a dynamic network of mentors, and how to know when to move on to a new stage in a mentoring relationship. With special guests: Stefânia Forner and Elizabeth Andrews

In this episode, Hannah Lichtenstein and Mikayla Kendall describe their mentoring relationship, covering how they navigated busy and ever-changing undergraduate schedules and diverse learning styles, as well as the power of "mentoring up" and asking for help. They share how they've kept open to a variety of future career options, and how learning from mistakes became a cornerstone of growth for each of them. The conversation also explores how to talk about burnout with your mentor or mentee and the importance of supportive relationships that extend beyond the lab. With special guests: Hannah Lichtenstein and Mikayla Kendall

In this episode, Dr. Yosif (Joe) Zaki and Dr. Zach Pennington join mentor Dr. Denise Cai to reflect on the journey of building a neuroscience lab from the ground up. Together, they share candid stories about building trust and creating an environment where it's safe to disagree. From exchanging thoughtful feedback to debating scientific ideas and growing together, this episode explores how mentorship, open communication, and a strong sense of community shape not only scientific careers and personal growth but also the joy of doing science together. With special guests: Denise Cai, Zach Pennington, and Yosif (Joe) Zaki

In this episode, Kira Bailey, PhD, and her former student, Chandler Carr, reflect on the the evolution of their academic relationship and the innovative projects they collaborated on, including neuroaesthetics research and co-teaching a class. This episode is a heartfelt conversation about mentorship, creativity, hard work, and the shared passion for science that connects them even across diverging research interests. Find information about this episode and more resources for your neuroscience career on Neuronline at https://neuronline.sfn.org/think-alike. Become a member of the Society for Neuroscience (SfN) or rejoin for 2025 — or opt for the two-year membership (2025–2026) — to further your career and contribute to scientific progress with the premier neuroscience community. Enjoy year-round unlimited access to JNeurosci and Neuronline resources, discounted publication fees to JNeurosci and eNeuro, plus advance registration for Neuroscience 2025. With special guests: Kira Bailey and Chandler Carr

In this episode, Jan Naegele, PhD, and her former graduate student, Meghan Van Zandt, PhD, discuss strategies for building confidence and public speaking skills as a scientist, touching on personal experiences from graduate school to current research endeavors. Dive into their stories about mentoring, public speaking, and the importance of collaboration in the lab. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of science and effective communication! Find information about this episode and more resources for your neuroscience career on Neuronline at https://neuronline.sfn.org/think-alike. Become a member of the Society for Neuroscience (SfN) or rejoin for 2025 — or opt for the two-year membership (2025–2026) — to further your career and contribute to scientific progress with the premier neuroscience community. Enjoy year-round unlimited access to JNeurosci and Neuronline resources, discounted publication fees to JNeurosci and eNeuro, plus advance registration for Neuroscience 2025. With special guests: Janice Naegele and Meghan Van Zandt

In this episode, Carmen Maldonado-Vlaar, PhD, and her former students, Dinah Ramos Ortolaza, PhD and Paola Muñoz Rodriguez, discuss the importance of nurturing diverse talent in the field, share stories of resilience, and reflect on how to help mentees thrive in their careers. Find information about this episode and more resources for your neuroscience career on Neuronline at https://neuronline.sfn.org/think-alike Become a member of the Society for Neuroscience (SfN) to further your career and contribute to scientific progress with the premier neuroscience community. Enjoy year-round unlimited access to JNeurosci and Neuronline resources, discounted publication fees to JNeurosci and eNeuro, plus advance registration for SfN's annual meeting. With special guests: Carmen Maldonado-Vlaar, PhD, Dinah Ramos Ortolaza, PhD, and Paula Muñoz Rodriguez

In this episode, mentor Claire Sexton and former mentee Naiara Demnitz share their neuroscience mentorship story. They reflect on trust and transparency in their relationship, the importance of including mentees in your network, and how they have adjusted to cultural differences when moving institutions. Listen for an engaging discussion that highlights how mentors can have a lasting impact on research and careers. Find information about this episode and more resources for your neuroscience career on Neuronline at https://neuronline.sfn.org/think-alike. Become a member of the Society for Neuroscience (SfN) or rejoin for 2025 — or opt for the two-year membership (2025–2026) — to further your career and contribute to scientific progress with the premier neuroscience community. Enjoy year-round unlimited access to JNeurosci and Neuronline resources, discounted publication fees to JNeurosci and eNeuro, plus advance registration for Neuroscience 2025. With special guests: Claire Sexton, DPhil and Naiara Demnitz, PhD

In this episode, mentor Randy Nelson, PhD, and former mentee Staci Bilbo, PhD, reflect on their experiences in academia, sharing insights on the importance of passion in science, navigating the ups and downs of research, and the evolving landscape of academic expectations and careers. This candid conversation offers valuable lessons for both aspiring scientists and seasoned researchers alike. Find information about this episode and more resources for your neuroscience career on Neuronline at https://neuronline.sfn.org/think-alike. Become a member of the Society for Neuroscience (SfN) or rejoin for 2025 — or opt for the two-year membership (2025–2026) — to further your career and contribute to scientific progress with the premier neuroscience community. Enjoy year-round unlimited access to JNeurosci and Neuronline resources, discounted publication fees to JNeurosci and eNeuro, plus advance registration for Neuroscience 2025. With special guests: Randy Nelson and Staci Bilbo

In this episode, mentor Dr. Ramesh Raghupathi discusses the dynamics of mentorship styles and creating a supportive environment in the lab with mentees Dr. Taylor McCorkle and PhD candidate Nishell Savory. This conversation delves into balancing shared values with independent thinking, seeking diverse perspectives, and passing on mentorship lessons to future generations of neuroscience students. Find more resources for your neuroscience career, along with exclusive additional episode content, on Neuronline at https://neuronline.sfn.org. With special guests: Ramesh Raghupathi, PhD, Taylor McCorkle, PhD, and Nishell Savory

In this inaugural episode, mentor Karina Alviña, PhD, and mentee Farhana Afroz, PhD, reflect on the importance of a combination of personal understanding and respect for one another's scientific ideas to developing a successful mentoring relationship. Their story includes the challenges of research during the COVID-19 pandemic, changing institutions, and navigating unfamiliar cultural norms, along with advice for building trust, taking opportunities, and staying connected. Find more resources for your neuroscience career on Neuronline at https://neuronline.sfn.org. With special guests: Karina Alviña, PhD and Farhana Afroz, PhD

Welcome to Think Alike?, a podcast series from Neuronline that delves into the art and science of mentorship within the neuroscience community. Join for candid conversations between mentors and mentees as they share their personal stories, challenges, and triumphs, while offering valuable insights and strategies for success at every career stage. From navigating academia to fostering professional growth, Think Alike? is your guide to unlocking the full potential of mentorship in neuroscience.