Team

Monika Shpokayte

How I got into science

My parents nourished my curiosity for life and science. As a kid my dad took me take me out on fishing trips where he taught me the anatomy of animals like fish, crabs, and worms. I owe a great deal of my career to my parents who always pushed me to study the sciences even when I was down on my luck.

In college, I initially started as a Pre-Med student (big mistake). I found that my thinking process was different; I was far more interested in asking the question of why and what if? I became interested in neuroscience and how the brain works. I began working for Dr. Jeff Beeler at CUNY Queens College. Jeff really inspired me to pursue the research path; he was instrumental to my training. In his lab my work focused on the VTA and optogenetics/chemogenetics. After graduation, I decided to take some time before committing to a PhD program.

I moved from New York to Boston. Here, I started a job at Biogen IDEC for the vivo-pharmacology group. At the same time, I started a master's degree in Biology at Harvard University, where I first met Dr. Steve Ramirez. Meeting Steve changed my entire path and outlook on science. He was my master's thesis advisor. After working full days at Biogen, I made my way to Harvard’s NorthWest Labs to run animal experiments until late in the evening. Fast forward a year later, Steve became a faculty member at Boston University, and I followed along. I joined the lab as a research technician.

This was the best decision I have ever made. I am currently a graduate student in the lab. That’s right, not only did I do my masters with Steve, but I stayed to complete my PhD as well though GPN. It is through Steve’s guided care that I found a place of belonging through a deep sense of community that is fostered by the lab and BU.

Non-science biography:

I was born in Lithuania; my family and I immigrated to the US when I was 2 years old. We settled in Queens, New York and my family still lives there. We immigrated to the US for better opportunities for my sister and I; I am the first of my generation to pursue a doctorate.

I have now lived in Boston for the last 5 years. I have come to love this city and I’m happy to call it home. I am a proud dog mom to a sweet old chihuahua named Bruce. I adopted Bruce 2 years ago and have never looked back. He’s the lab dog and makes occasional visits to say hello!

I am also a HUGE lover of plants. My room looks like a jungle. My most recent addition and honestly, a splurge, is a rare Thai Constellation monstera. She is my current pride and joy along with my fiddle leaf figs and lemon tree.