Anastasiya Kirdianova: From Behavioral Neuroscience to Dartmouth Research

For Anastasiya Kirdianova ’26, research became one of the defining experiences of her time at Dyson College. As a BS in Behavioral Neuroscience student, she worked closely with Professors Jeanmaire Molina and Matthew Marcello, gaining hands-on laboratory experience, participating in Pace’s student-faculty research programs, and earning recognition at the Eastern Colleges Science Conference and the Biology Poster Presentation series. Now, Kirdianova is beginning a full-time laboratory technician II role at Dartmouth College’s Department of Biological Sciences, where she will contribute to neuroscience research focused on the nervous system of C. elegans.

Anastasiya Kirdianova ’26

BS in Behavioral Neuroscience

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Next step: Laboratory technician II, Dartmouth College Department of Biological Sciences

How did research shape your Pace experience?
A large part of my experience at Pace was conducting research. Professor Jeanmaire Molina was the first person who introduced me to research and guided me every step of the way. Through that collaboration, I participated in the Summer 2023 and 2024 Provost’s Student-Faculty Undergraduate Research/Creative Inquiry Award Program and received an award at the Eastern Colleges Science Conference in the Ecology section.

I was also fortunate to work with Professor Matthew Marcello. Through that collaboration, I became more independent and creative in the laboratory, gained experience with the model organism C. elegans, and won an award in the Biology Poster Presentation series.

What advice would you give students in their first and second years at Pace?
Ask questions. It is truly the best thing you can do during your first years of college. By raising your hand and speaking up early, it becomes second nature. That helps you build genuine relationships with professors, learn on a deeper level, show engagement, and gain research opportunities.

What are your post-graduation plans?
This summer, I will begin a full-time laboratory technician II position at Dartmouth College’s Department of Biological Sciences, contributing to neuroscience research focused on understanding the nervous system of C. elegans, a free-living worm.