Rory Thompson ’23

Overview

Research Assistant, Columbia University, New York Psychiatric Institute
New York, NY

• BA, Cognitive Science and Neuroscience and Behavior, Vassar College

Rory Thompson (she/her) was recently a Research Assistant at Columbia University in the Division of Systems Neuroscience, where she investigated the neurobiological mechanisms underlying individual differences in vulnerability to stress-related psychiatric disorders and their treatment. Using mouse models and a range of molecular, behavioral, and surgical neuroscience techniques, she independently developed experiments to examine the neural underpinnings of early-life adversity, stress resilience, and the transmission of maternal stress. Rory recently stepped away from this position to travel internationally before beginning her PhD in neuroscience in fall 2026. As a graduate student, she plans to investigate the mechanisms underlying mental disorders and psychopharmacological treatments, with a focus on the therapeutic potential of psychedelics. Rory graduated from Vassar in 2023 with general and departmental honors in both neuroscience and behavior and cognitive science. While at Vassar, she conducted research in Dr. Lori Newman’s lab, studying the role of medial prefrontal cortex astrocytes in spatial working memory and the effects of the ketogenic diet on hippocampal formation astrocytes. Outside of the lab, Rory volunteers as a crisis counselor with the 988 Crisis Text Line, attends dance classes, crochets, reads books from a variety of genres, and enjoys outdoor activities, including hiking, running, and biking.

Advice to Students:

Take care of yourself. It can be easy to push yourself to your limits and put your mental health at risk, but not prioritizing your well-being is counterproductive. Some of my best academic work emerges when I take the time to care for my mind and body. Take a bath. Read a book. Go for a walk. You deserve to rest. Be kind to yourself, and everything else will follow.