ESP Biography



RACHEL MIKOFSKY, MD-PhD student at Cornell/RU, Columbia alumna 2018




Major: Neuroscience and Behavior

College/Employer: Columbia University

Year of Graduation: 2018

Picture of Rachel Mikofsky

Brief Biographical Sketch:

I'm currently an MD-PhD student, studying neuroscience at the Weill Cornell/Rockefeller/Sloan Kettering Tri-Institutional MD-PhD Program. I graduated from Columbia College in 2018 and majored in neuroscience. I was co-president of CU Splash '15-'17. I am also passionate about 3D printing and maker culture, creative writing, podcasts, NYC.



Past Classes

  (Clicking a class title will bring you to the course's section of the corresponding course catalog)

S980: Modern Neuroscience Crash-Course Part 1: How Does The Brain Work? in Splash Spring 2021 (Mar. 20, 2021)
This course will review some of the basics of neuroscience. Then we'll cover some of the more modern findings and techniques in neuroscience, including: optogenetics, mouse genetic engineering and fluorescent proteins, fMRI. We'll then look at some normal functions of the brain: memory, senses, etc.


S981: Modern Neuroscience Crash-Course Part 2: Disorders of the Brain in Splash Spring 2021 (Mar. 20, 2021)
This course will cover some basic neuroscience and modern techniques in neuroscience research. Then we'll discuss what happens when the brain isn't working normally (using some neurological and psychiatric disorders as examples), and some treatments for these conditions. This is Part 2 in a series. It is recommended but not required that students take Part 1. There may be some overlap depending on how many students took Part 1.


S717: Modern Neuro Crash-Course: The Senses in Splash Spring 18 (Mar. 31, 2018)
This course will review some of the basics of neuroscience. We'll focus on how the senses work. Then we'll cover some of the more modern findings and techniques in neuroscience. Including: optogenetics, mouse genetic engineering and fluorescent proteins. There will be some overlap with the other Modern Neuro course.


S718: Modern Neuroscience: Neuropsychiatric Illness in Splash Spring 18 (Mar. 31, 2018)
This course will review some of the basics of neuroscience. We'll focus on the modern techniques in neuroscience (optogenetics, mouse genetic engineering and fluorescent proteins). Then we'll cover what we know about the neuroscience of psychiatric illness. How does it change the brain? How is it caused? We'll specifically cover schizophrenia, depression, anxiety and if we have time we'll cover bipolar disorder and OCD. There will be some overlap with the other Modern Neuro course.


S607: Modern Neuro Crash-Course in Splash Fall 2017 (Nov. 04, 2017)
This course will review some of the basics of neuroscience. We'll focus on how the senses work. Then we'll cover some of the more modern findings and techniques in neuroscience. Including: addiction, learning, movement, optogenetics, mouse genetic engineering and fluorescent proteins.


A608: Intro to Crafts in Splash Fall 2017 (Nov. 04, 2017)
We will do some fun origami projects and some crocheting. Sewing and stuffed animal making.


S515: Modern Neuroscience Crash-Course: The Senses in Splash Spring 2017 (Mar. 25, 2017)
This course will review some of the basics of neuroscience. We'll then go through some modern research techniques in neuroscience and how they were used to understand the senses.


S432: Sheep Brain Dissection in Splash Fall 2016 (Nov. 05, 2016)
In this class you will learn a bit about neuroscience and brain anatomy by dissecting a sheep brain! Please wear clothing that you don't care about as you may get a bit dirty. We will supply gloves, dissection kits and the brains!


X439: Cake Baking in Splash Fall 2016 (Nov. 05, 2016)
Learn the basics of cake baking, from how egg to flour proportions changes the density of a cake, to why some cakes want sifter flour and others don't, and how to effectively substitute flavors and ingredients with out sacrificing the presentation or taste.


S357: Modern Neuro Crash-Course in Splash Spring 2016 (Mar. 12, 2016)
This course will review some of the basics of neuroscience. Then we'll cover some of the more modern findings and techniques in neuroscience. Including: addiction, learning, movement, optogenetics, mouse genetic engineering and fluorescent proteins.


H259: The Creative College (or Personal) Essay in Splash Spring 2015 (Apr. 18, 2015)
In an application process that may seem cold and robotic, the essays are where your personality can shine through. However, a dull essay will not show off who you are. Learn to highlight your skills and passions to wow a reader. This ability is also very important for personal essays. **Please bring your work or ideas to edit!**


S260: Blow Your Mind! Modern Neuro Crash-Course in Splash Spring 2015 (Apr. 18, 2015)
This course will review some of the basics of neuroscience. Then we'll cover some of the more modern findings and techniques in neuroscience. Including: addiction, learning, movement, optogenetics, mouse genetic engineering and fluorescent proteins.