Savannah Brannan

Hometown: Edwardsville, IL

Current Location: Nashville, TN

Tell us about your personal and professional journey.

Growing up watching my dad struggle with type I diabetes requiring daily insulin injections and constant blood sugar monitoring, I was inspired to get involved in medical research to help advance the present treatment options available. Overall, it made me committed to improving the quality of life for people through medicine.

Who or what has played a significant role in influencing or mentoring you?

My research advisor at SIU school of medicine, Dr. Ben Richardson, played a significant role in my mentorship throughout my PhD. His patience with teaching difficult lab techniques like patch clamp electrophysiology and helping me understand complicated concepts relating to my research was essential for my success in the program and onward. I am so grateful for his incredible guidance and support throughout my doctoral studies.

What accomplishments or contributions are you most proud of—professionally or personally?

I am most proud of my published research helping contribute to understanding male and female differences in regards to early life stress’s effect on the brain and my current everyday work in the operating room to subside patients’ tremors and Parkinson’s symptoms.

What goals, projects, or aspirations are you excited about for the future?

In the future, I would like to get more involved in the research being done by the neurosurgeons who are researching Parkinson’s and Essential Tremor using the recordings I acquire in the operating room. I would eventually like to apply for my own grants doing clinical research to contribute to bettering treatment outcomes for movement disorders.

What advice would you share with other emerging professionals who want to make an impact in their field or community?

I would advise emerging professionals to always be curious. Let the pursuit of answering the questions you have be like an engine that drives you. True interest and passion will lead you to ask more refined questions with better results that can truly make an impact in either your field or community.

Outside of work, what activities, interests, or passions keep you inspired and grounded?

Music has always been a big part of my family. My great grandfather loved to play music, who passed this love down to my grandfather, who passed this onto my mom and finally to me. My mother was my own orchestra teacher, and is a phenomenal violinist and violist. I play these same instruments, along with some guitar. I love playing in my spare time and with family. It keeps me grounded and connected to my loved ones. I also love running, which plays a huge roll in my ability to keeping my physical and mental health stable and encouraging my positive attitude.

Is there anything else you’d like us to know as we celebrate you as a Promising Prairie Star?

I am so thankful for my time at UIS for continuing to encourage my love for science, along with music and running through my degree and the extracurriculars (orchestra and the cross country team) I was able to participate in!