Madeline Davis is a Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology major and intern at GTP on the pre-med track (graduating May 2025), currently completing her honors thesis. Madeline joined GTP as an intern in Fall 2022 and has been helping with the Neuroendocrine Risk Factors for PTSD in Women Study. Madeline has given poster presentations on her project at multiple conferences, including the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), the annual NBB Research Symposium at Emory, and the Agnes Scott Better Together Conference. Madeline's honors thesis is exploring the effect of estradiol levels on amygdala activation to fearful facial expressions in naturally cycling women. Besides being an intern at GTP, Madeline has focused on gaining extensive clinical experience and community service. Apart from conducting research, Madeline is a member of the Nu Rho Psi Neuroscience Honors Society and Omicron Delta Kappa National Leadership Honors Society. She also serves as an Emory Student Ambassador, Project Lead with Volunteer Emory, GivePulse Ambassador representing Emory and working through the Center for Civic and Community Engagement, and has developed the first Psychology Learning Assistant position at Emory. We are extremely lucky to have Madeline as an intern at GTP and are wishing her the best of luck in the future!
Q & A with Madeline Davis and her mentor Ceci Hinojosa:
Why did you want to be a part of GTP?
My desire to work with the Grady Trauma Project intern program came from my passion for medicine, my specific interest in neuroscience, and my desire to work directly with patients. Around the time I joined GTP, isolation due to the pandemic specifically highlighted the need for human connection and psychological care. Increases in traumatic experiences due to pandemic losses, acts of violence, and escalated racial and political tensions continue to demand attention.
The Grady Trauma Project’s emphasis on understanding, preventing, and treating trauma, particularly in historically oppressed communities, is of utmost importance for the health and functioning of our society.
What has been your favorite experience as a GTP intern?
My favorite experience as a GTP intern was going to the ADAA conference in Boston last April. I was able to meet so many other people within GTP on different studies and have developed long-term relationships with the other interns I met there as well. Presenting my poster was probably my favorite part because I had such an incredible time explaining my work to people who research similar topics and engaged in so many meaningful conversations with smart, accomplished individuals. It was amazing to see how my work for the past two years had created something beneficial to the greater community and to gain recognition for my work. Additionally, I loved hanging out with everyone at GTP after the conference ended each night, getting to know people better and developing stronger relationships with people in many different areas of GTP.
What’s next for you?
After graduating in May, I will be moving to Chicago for my gap year to work as a Student Success Coach with City Year, an Americorps organization. I will be mentoring and tutoring elementary school students in an underserved community with limited academic resources to help them succeed academically and gain positive social and emotional skills that will help them thrive inside and outside the classroom. I hope to empower young students to develop a love for learning and I also hope to gain a greater understanding of the social determinants of health through City Year so I can understand the many factors that impact child and family health and well-being. After City Year, I plan to attend medical school at a research-based institution to continue pursuing my passion for research, neuroscience, and medicine.
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