Sonal Kumar, PhD Candidate in Neuroscience at The Jackson Laboratory

Meet Sonal Kumar, a PhD candidate in the Neuroscience program at JAX, a unique collaboration between Tufts University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and The Jackson Laboratory. Her research in the Carter Lab focuses on Alzheimer’s disease, exploring the genetic factors behind neurodegeneration. But being a PhD student at Tufts isn’t just about research—it’s about collaboration, personal growth, and making a real-world impact.

Curious about what it’s like to be a Neuroscience PhD student? Read on to discover Sonal’s journey, the support and challenges of the program, and how she balances her academic life with creative pursuits.

Why did you choose to pursue this degree?

"I have always been interested in biomedical research, driven by a strong desire to actively contribute to translational outcomes for complex diseases, particularly neurodegenerative disorders. This degree provides the rigorous training and opportunities needed to develop into an independent scientist, and pursuing it felt like the natural next step in my career."

Why did you choose Tufts to pursue your degree?

"Tufts, especially in collaboration with the Jackson Laboratory, provides access to world-class expertise and scientific resources in neuroscience and mammalian genetics, with several opportunities to grow as an emerging scientist. The collaborative and interdisciplinary nature of the research at JAX, coupled with their strong focus on Alzheimer’s disease, is what originally encouraged me to apply."

What is the focus of your research, and what questions are you trying to answer?

"I am studying the basis and progression of neurodegeneration associated with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in a non-human primate model, the common marmoset. It has been observed that a proportion of animals spontaneously develop AD-like pathology as they age, but the genetic basis for said pathophysiology has not been previously investigated. Utilizing a data-driven approach spanning multi-omics, neuroimaging, and clinical biomarkers, my research seeks to infer the genetic factors influencing clinical decline as a function of aging in addition to studying the relationship between candidate AD biomarkers. The objective is to expand this understanding to map real-time changes in gene networks with longitudinally measured phenotypes, potentially uncovering temporal drivers of AD."

How would you describe your experience in the program?

"I feel very supported and valued in the program! Despite starting out with a non-neuroscience background, I have found numerous opportunities to expand and strengthen my knowledge and skills in the field. JAX has a very unique research environment—you get the best of both academia and industry! The community is amazing, and it’s been incredible growing and learning from my peers and mentors."

What is your favorite aspect of the program?

"I really enjoyed my structured introduction to the program. The Neuroscience Bootcamp at the beginning was a great way for me to learn more about the different kinds of research at Tufts and JAX without it feeling too overwhelming and also helped me connect with faculty and researchers both within and outside my direct areas of interest. This was very helpful in making an informed decision about lab rotations—so much so that I could see myself staying longer-term at any of the labs I rotated in!"

What are some of your favorite ways to recharge outside of the lab or classroom?

"In my free time outside of the lab, I’m almost always reading or looking to start new creative projects. I have been taking classes like pottery and watercolor painting, which have been a great way to unwind and tap into my artistic side. I have also been enjoying hiking, as Acadia in the summertime is perfect for being outdoors!"

What is your proudest academic/professional accomplishment while at Tufts?

"My proudest accomplishment so far has been presenting my research at the premier international conference in my field! I received a lot of great feedback on my work, and I’m excited to present again this year. Not only did I meet a lot of incredible scientists in the field whose work I admire, but I also gained valuable insights from all the talks and preconference meetings I attended."

What do you wish to accomplish upon graduation?

"I would like to continue researching in the field of Alzheimer’s disease. There is so much we still don’t know, and my goals for the future involve leading investigations into more inclusive population-based studies that can help uncover how ancestry, lifestyle, and particularly sex, can affect pathological outcomes in AD."

What do you want a prospective student to know about Tufts?

"While being self-motivated and independent is key, research best thrives in a collaborative environment, much like the one you get at Tufts and JAX. The program is incredibly supportive, where you're encouraged to engage with faculty, peers, and researchers across all disciplines; providing new perspectives that allow for innovation and growth. However, what truly sets us apart is our sense of community—you’re not just a student here, but a part of a network of people that truly want you to succeed."

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