Thank you for listening and contributing to Think Alike: A Neuronline Podcast this year! As we wrap up this season, here's a look back at the conversations and stories we've heard.

From undergraduates to seasoned PIs, a range of mentors and mentees shared practical advice - how to communicate, navigate tough conversations, manage schedules, find balance, introduce yourself, and say goodbye. Here are just some of the highlights from those conversations featuring our guests from the second half of 2025, including Kira Bailey, Chandler Carr, Denise Cai, Zach Pennington, Joe Zaki, Hannah Lichtenstein, Mikayla Kendall, Stefania Forner, and Elizabeth Andrews. We'll be back next year with more stories and insights to inspire your neuroscience mentorship journey. Stay tuned!

In this episode, Dr. Stefânia Forner and former mentee Elizabeth Andrews reflect on their decade-long journey from mentor and mentee to colleagues and friends. Through stories of courage, mistakes, and growth - including a bold introduction and a memorable lab mishap - they reflect on learning through failures, building a dynamic network of mentors, and how to know when to move on to a new stage in a mentoring relationship.

With special guests:

Stefânia Forner and Elizabeth Andrews

In this episode, Hannah Lichtenstein and Mikayla Kendall describe their mentoring relationship, covering how they navigated busy and ever-changing undergraduate schedules and diverse learning styles, as well as the power of "mentoring up" and asking for help. They share how they've kept open to a variety of future career options, and how learning from mistakes became a cornerstone of growth for each of them. The conversation also explores how to talk about burnout with your mentor or mentee and the importance of supportive relationships that extend beyond the lab.

With special guests:

Hannah Lichtenstein and Mikayla Kendall

In this episode, Dr. Yosif (Joe) Zaki and Dr. Zach Pennington join mentor Dr. Denise Cai to reflect on the journey of building a neuroscience lab from the ground up. Together, they share candid stories about building trust and creating an environment where it's safe to disagree. From exchanging thoughtful feedback to debating scientific ideas and growing together, this episode explores how mentorship, open communication, and a strong sense of community shape not only scientific careers and personal growth but also the joy of doing science together.

With special guests:

Denise Cai, Zach Pennington, and Yosif (Joe) Zaki

In this episode, Kira Bailey, PhD, and her former student, Chandler Carr, reflect on the the evolution of their academic relationship and the innovative projects they collaborated on, including neuroaesthetics research and co-teaching a class. This episode is a heartfelt conversation about mentorship, creativity, hard work, and the shared passion for science that connects them even across diverging research interests.

Find information about this episode and more resources for your neuroscience career on Neuronline at https://neuronline.sfn.org/think-alike.

Become a member of the Society for Neuroscience (SfN) or rejoin for 2025 — or opt for the two-year membership (2025–2026) — to further your career and contribute to scientific progress with the premier neuroscience community. Enjoy year-round unlimited access to JNeurosci and Neuronline resources, discounted publication fees to JNeurosci and eNeuro, plus advance registration for Neuroscience 2025.

With special guests:

Kira Bailey and Chandler Carr

In this episode, Jan Naegele, PhD, and her former graduate student, Meghan Van Zandt, PhD, discuss strategies for building confidence and public speaking skills as a scientist, touching on personal experiences from graduate school to current research endeavors. Dive into their stories about mentoring, public speaking, and the importance of collaboration in the lab. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of science and effective communication!

Find information about this episode and more resources for your neuroscience career on Neuronline at https://neuronline.sfn.org/think-alike.

Become a member of the Society for Neuroscience (SfN) or rejoin for 2025 — or opt for the two-year membership (2025–2026) — to further your career and contribute to scientific progress with the premier neuroscience community. Enjoy year-round unlimited access to JNeurosci and Neuronline resources, discounted publication fees to JNeurosci and eNeuro, plus advance registration for Neuroscience 2025.

With special guests:

Janice Naegele and Meghan Van Zandt

In this episode, Carmen Maldonado-Vlaar, PhD, and her former students, Dinah Ramos Ortolaza, PhD and Paola Muñoz Rodriguez, discuss the importance of nurturing diverse talent in the field, share stories of resilience, and reflect on how to help mentees thrive in their careers.

Find information about this episode and more resources for your neuroscience career on Neuronline at https://neuronline.sfn.org/think-alike

Become a member of the Society for Neuroscience (SfN) to further your career and contribute to scientific progress with the premier neuroscience community. Enjoy year-round unlimited access to JNeurosci and Neuronline resources, discounted publication fees to JNeurosci and eNeuro, plus advance registration for SfN's annual meeting.

With special guests:

Carmen Maldonado-Vlaar, PhD, Dinah Ramos Ortolaza, PhD, and Paula Muñoz Rodriguez

In this episode, mentor Claire Sexton and former mentee Naiara Demnitz share their neuroscience mentorship story. They reflect on trust and transparency in their relationship, the importance of including mentees in your network, and how they have adjusted to cultural differences when moving institutions. Listen for an engaging discussion that highlights how mentors can have a lasting impact on research and careers.

Find information about this episode and more resources for your neuroscience career on Neuronline at https://neuronline.sfn.org/think-alike.

Become a member of the Society for Neuroscience (SfN) or rejoin for 2025 — or opt for the two-year membership (2025–2026) — to further your career and contribute to scientific progress with the premier neuroscience community. Enjoy year-round unlimited access to JNeurosci and Neuronline resources, discounted publication fees to JNeurosci and eNeuro, plus advance registration for Neuroscience 2025.

With special guests:

Claire Sexton, DPhil and Naiara Demnitz, PhD