Neuroscience program graduates first cohort

The undergraduate degree in neuroscience in the College of Science and Mathematics (CSM) completed a landmark achievement this semester: graduating its first cohort since becoming a program at Augusta University three years ago.

“I’m incredibly proud of our first neuroscience graduates, whose success reflects a program that has grown from just 16 students to over 100 in only three years,” said Amy Abdulovic-Cui, PhD and program director for the BS in Neuroscience. “Their achievements mark the beginning of a tradition I’m excited to see continue and thrive for years to come.”

Karthik Arora, Fatima Deyde and Aeris Xiong came to the program early on due to its integration of many disciplines, especially with the graduate neuroscience program and fields outside of CSM.

“I was drawn to neuroscience because it naturally brings together multiple disciplines. I’ve always been interested in like biology, chemistry, physics and even philosophy,” Arora said. “It felt like the one field where all of those areas intersect in a meaningful way.”

Another draw for the students is how supportive and accessible the faculty are. There are currently four in neuroscience that both teach and do independent research that students are encouraged to get involved in.

 “I realized that I really enjoyed learning about psychology and wanted to incorporate that into my academic experience without losing the biology focus,” Deyde said. “In meeting my mentor, Dr. [Stephen] Tymanskyj, I was introduced to the neuroscience program and realized it was the perfect blend of biology and psychology that I was looking for.”

Another core facet of the program is the research focus that the classes demand, which also let students present research outside of the university at conferences and research events.

“I’ve done research with Dr. Evan Goldstein, and we’re looking at specifically developmental myelination,” Xiong said. “I have really grown in his lab since being a sophomore who didn’t know anything. All the opportunities to present our project… nothing can replace it.”

Faculty in the program are also celebratory about the upcoming graduates. Sara Guediche, PhD, and Evan Goldstein, PhD, were both among the first hires when the program launched and have seen its growth firsthand.

“I’m very proud of our first graduating class of neuroscience majors,” Guediche said. “Through their hard work and willingness to take on new challenges, they’ve grown into resilient, independent thinkers.”

“This is extremely exciting to see,” Goldstein said. “It’s hard to believe that it’s already happening. I can’t wait to see where our first batch of graduates will end up.”

Tymanskyj, PhD, and Julie Butler, PhD, joined the program a year after it launched and have taught and mentored several students, including some among the graduating cohort.

“It feels amazing to see the first class graduating,” Tymanskyj said. “There is definitely a sense of pride associated with being able to contribute to this program and the students.”

Many of the students in the program tend to have post-graduate plans figured out when they join neuroscience at CSM. Arora has been accepted into the Medical College of Georgia and is set to begin classes in Fall 2026. Deyde is also aiming for the medical route, preparing for the MCAT and getting her medical applications in order. Xiong is starting the MS in Biomolecular Sciences at CSM next semester. Even with new plans on the horizon, though, their time in the neuroscience program has been foundational.

“Being part of this program has been one of the most meaningful parts of my college experience,” Arora said. “It pushed me, challenged me and helped me figure out what I want to do next. I’m proud to have been part of the first class.”