GSO Teaching Fellow: Phaedra Norrell

Meet Phaedra Norrell, a graduate student orientation (GSO) teaching fellow and biomedical science doctoral student studying neuroscience. Read on to learn more about her favorite places in Kent, what she enjoys doing in her free time and what advice she has for incoming graduate students.

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GSO Teaching Fellow Phaedra Norrell

Where is your hometown?

I'm from Tuscola, Illinois.

Why did you decide to come to Kent State?

Getting into graduate neuroscience programs is incredibly difficult, and Kent State was actually the first graduate interview I was offered. When I came here and saw the labs, the opportunities, how everyone interacted like family, I crossed my fingers and I waited. I was very fortunate that Kent State extended an offer of admission, and when this happened, my undergraduate institution that had been following my application process very closely, as they were my safety net, told me to go on to bigger and better opportunities. And with that, I was off to Ohio! 

What is your favorite place in Kent?

My favorite place in Kent (pre-COVID) was Barflyy! My dad got me hooked on Galaga as a kid, so when it's safe for us to gather in groups again, catch me at the Galaga machine down at Barflyy!

What advice do you have for new graduate students?

My best advice to incoming grad students is to remember to give yourself time to do the things that you love doing. Your work does not define your worth. 

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

In my free time I enjoy spending time with my partner, Nic, my two cats, Tortellini and Alfredo, and playing video games.