Mason Sanford

Motivated and skilled neuroscience researcher with a strong foundation in electrophysiology, neural circuit manipulation, and translational neuroscience. Third-year master's student in the Neuroscience and Physiology program at Illinois State University, conducting innovative research on how modulatory neurons sustain central pattern generators (CPGs) under varying environmental conditions, such as temperature changes. Demonstrated expertise in experimental design, intracellular and extracellular recordings, fine dissections, and data analysis, resulting in presentations at conferences like the Dynamic Neural Networks Meeting. Also bring leadership and collaboration experience as a two-year board member of the Phi Sigma Biological Honor Society, supporting academic events, mentoring students, and fostering a collaborative academic community. Personal connection to neurological disorders interactions through mother's journey with multiple sclerosis drives passion for bridging basic neuroscience with clinical applications. Focus on adaptability, resilience, and translational research, eager to contribute to cutting-edge discoveries that improve understanding and treatment of neurological disorders while mentoring next generation of scientists.

• Temperature Dependence of Descending Modulatory Projection Neuron Activity in Cancer borealis, Oral presentation, Dynamic Neural Networks Meeting, 10/01/24, Chicago, IL
• Peptide Modulation Sustains Temperature Robustness in Pattern-Generating Neurons, Poster presentation, Illinois State University Research Symposium, 04/01/24, Normal, IL
• Modulatory Neurons Sustain Rhythmic Activity in Central Pattern Generators, Oral presentation, Neuroscience and Physiology Seminar Series, 04/01/24, Normal, IL
• Peptide Modulation Enables Temperature Robustness in Pattern-Generating Neurons of Dungeness Crab, Poster presentation, Illinois State University Research Symposium, 04/01/23, Normal, IL
• Peptide Modulation Enables Temperature Robustness in Pattern-Generating Neurons, Oral presentation, Neuroscience and Physiology Seminar Series, 04/01/23, Normal, IL
• Modulatory Neurons Sustain Rhythmic Activity in Pattern-Generating Neurons, Oral presentation, Neuroscience and Physiology Seminar Series, 04/01/23, Normal, IL
• Peptide Modulation Enables Temperature Robustness in Pattern-Generating Neurons, Poster presentation, Phi Sigma Research Symposium, 04/01/23, Normal, IL

• Phi Sigma Biological Honor Society Travel Grant, 04/01/24
• Illinois State University Research Symposium Travel Grant, 04/01/23, 04/01/24

• Social Chair, Phi Sigma Biological Honor Society, 08/01/23, 05/01/25, Illinois State University, Normal, IL, Organized departmental events to foster collaboration and engagement among students and faculty., Planned and executed the annual Phi Sigma Research Symposium, including event logistics and communications., Reviewed grant applications submitted through the Beta Lambda Chapter of Phi Sigma, ensuring alignment with academic and research standards.
• Research Mentor, W. Stein Lab, 09/01/22, 05/01/25, Illinois State University, Normal, IL, Mentored undergraduate and junior graduate students in research methodologies and experimental design., Provided guidance on data analysis, presentation preparation, and troubleshooting in neurophysiology projects., Fostered a collaborative lab environment to support academic and professional growth.

• Graduate Assistant, 08/01/22, 05/01/25, School of Biological Sciences, Illinois State University, Normal, IL, Supported academic and administrative activities within the department.
• Teaching Assistant, 08/01/22, 05/01/25, School of Biological Sciences, Illinois State University, Normal, IL, Provided instruction and guidance in Anatomy and Physiology I & II and Biology 101 courses., Assisted in laboratory preparations, grading, and student support.
• Research Assistant, 06/01/23, 08/31/23, School of Biological Sciences, Illinois State University, Normal, IL, Conducted summer research focused on neurophysiological experimentation and data analysis., Collaborated with lab members to advance ongoing projects related to neuropeptide modulation and central pattern generators.
• Research Assistant, 06/01/24, 08/31/24, School of Biological Sciences, Illinois State University, Normal, IL, Conducted summer research focused on neurophysiological experimentation and data analysis., Collaborated with lab members to advance ongoing projects related to neuropeptide modulation and central pattern generators.

• Society for Neuroscience Conference, 10/01/24, Chicago, IL
• Dynamic Neural Networks Meeting, 10/01/24, Chicago, IL
• Phi Sigma Research Symposium, 04/01/23, 04/01/24, 04/01/25
• Illinois State University Research Symposium, 04/01/23, 04/01/24, 04/01/25

• Graduate Researcher, 08/01/22, Present, Illinois State University, Normal, IL, Conducting fine dissections to isolate the stomatogastric nervous system for detailed experimental studies., Investigating neuropeptide release and its modulation in sustaining rhythmic activity in central pattern generators., Performing electrophysiology experiments to analyze ion channel dynamics and temperature-dependent changes in neuronal activity., Presented findings at prestigious conferences, including the Dynamic Neural Networks Meeting and Phi Sigma Research Symposium.
• Undergraduate Researcher, 07/01/18, 05/01/22, Monmouth College, Monmouth, IL, Explored the effects of glucose exposure on locomotion in C. elegans, utilizing behavioral assays and experimental design., Conducted precise observations and analysis of neural and behavioral outcomes in a well-established model organism., Gained hands-on experience in experimental methodologies and statistical data interpretation.

• Proficient in electrophysiology techniques, including intracellular and extracellular recordings, to analyze neuronal activity and synaptic function.
• Experienced in designing and implementing experiments to investigate neural adaptability and resilience, with a focus on central pattern generators (CPGs).
• Skilled in precise dissections and neural tissue isolation to support advanced electrophysiological studies.
• Adept at analyzing and interpreting complex datasets, ensuring the reliability and reproducibility of experimental results.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate research findings effectively through presentations at professional conferences, including the Dynamic Neural Networks Meeting.
• Strong leadership and organizational skills gained through two years of service on the Phi Sigma Biological Honor Society board, where I planned events and supported the academic community.
• Experienced in mentoring and collaborating with students, fostering their academic and professional development.
• Successfully balanced rigorous coursework and extensive research, developing resilience, time management, and perseverance.
• Motivated by a passion for translational neuroscience, with a focus on bridging basic research and clinical applications to improve the quality of life for patients with neurological disorders.
• Committed to advancing knowledge in neuroscience through a strong foundation in technical skills, leadership, and collaboration.