Martine Faustin ’19

Class of 2019, Major in Behavioral Neuroscience

The Behavioral Neuroscience program at MMC encompasses my passion for biology, chemistry, and psychology. Dr. Hunter-Ramgnoli has provided me with the education, guidance, and hands-on training I needed to not only do well in school, but to acquire a position as a Research Associate at the Nestler Lab at The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai after graduation.

About

Martine Faustin ’19 knew she needed to return to college to finish her degree, not only for herself, but also for her three young children. However, finding the right school was contingent on being able to continue the Behavioral Neuroscience degree she had started years prior at a different university. After discovering MMC’s Bachelor of Science degree in Behavioral Neuroscience and learning that the majority of her previous credits would transfer, Faustin couldn’t help but jump on the opportunity to go back to school. Citing the influence of MMC Psychology professors Sarah Weinberger-Litman, Ph.D., and Deirtra Hunter-Romagnoli, Ph.D., Faustin believes that supportive faculty relationships were pillars of her MMC experience. “I could not be where I am now without them,” she says.

On top of her academic endeavors, Faustin was an involved member of the campus community, serving as the president of the Neuro Club and receiving a number of awards and distinctions, including the 2019 Rowley Founder’s Medal. Outside of school and work, Faustin volunteers her services at her children’s school, serving on various PTA Boards and coordinating informational and community involvement events in Far Rockaway, Queens. Faustin plans to attend medical school, where her focus will be on community health, specifically mental health and addiction.

With the help of MMC’s Dr. Hunter-Romagnoli, Faustin secured an internship at the Nestler Lab at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, a rigorous program that helped Faustin develop critical study habits and presentation skills. Her hard work paid off, as the internship turned into a neuroscience research associate position, in which Faustin now aids in research on the molecular mechanisms of addiction and depression.

This feature originally appeared in the Fall 2019 edition of MMC Magazine.