Hi everyone! My name is Ruby Holland and I am currently an MD/PhD candidate at the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University MSTP. I completed my PhD in neuroscience in the laboratory of Sarah E. Ross, PhD; my dissertation work focused on the role of kappa opioid receptor-expressing neurons in the ventral tegmental area in chronic pain and opioid withdrawal. I also serve as a course developer and instructor for Introduction to Human Neuroscience (NEUR 325) and Neurobiology of Addiction (NEUR 355) at the Foundation for Advanced Education in the Sciences (FAES) at the NIH. My research career began as an undergraduate at the University of Pennsylvania. Under the mentorship of Dr. Bart De Jonghe, I investigated hindbrain-to-forebrain neural circuits critical in chemotherapy-induced nausea and malaise. My experiences working with Dr. De Jonghe, alongside co-mentors Dr. Matthew R. Hayes and Dr. Amber Alhadeff, were highly influential in my decision to become a physician-scientist and ultimately pursue dual degree training. My long-term goal is to become an academic anesthesiologist and independent neuroscientist, investigating 1) the neurophysiological intersections of pain and stress systems in perioperative and chronic pain patients, and 2) CNS mechanisms by which opioids alter gastrointestinal function. Furthermore, higher education is a passion of mine and I look forward to becoming a leading medical educator and mentor to both clinical and research trainees. Outside of medicine and science, I enjoy knitting, gardening, and vegan cooking. Let's connect!