Antonia Schonwald, M.S., Looks Ahead to a Career Bridging Neuroscience Research and Clinical Medicine

What inspired you to pursue your degree?

I like to think that my love for neuroscience was somewhat accidental. I stumbled into a last-minute elective in undergrad, and as place cells lit up on lecture slides, I knew this was exactly where I needed to be. That experience led me into basic research studying the neural substrates of learning and memory, and while I loved it, I realized I wanted my research to be more translational and directly related to patient care. I also knew how much I loved being around people, and medicine meant I would never have to give that up. Pursuing an M.D.-Ph.D. felt like the perfect blend of the two. I feel extremely lucky to have ended up at NYMC for my training.

What type of research have you been involved in during your time at NYMC?

My graduate work in the lab of Libor Velišek, M.D., Ph.D., professor of cell and molecular physiology, neurology, and of pediatrics, has been grounded in translational neuroscience, where I've been investigating the Sigma-1 receptor as a novel pharmacological target in infantile epileptic spasm syndrome. Outside the lab, my clinical research spans wearable technology, sports neurology, space medicine, post-stroke rehabilitation, neurocritical care, sleep, and movement disorders.

What has helped motivate you along your educational journey? Have you encountered any challenges along the way?

My greatest source of motivation has always been my family. Growing up, I watched my family make something out of very little. So, when things inevitably got hard during my seven years of training, I always reminded myself that it is a huge privilege to have the opportunity and resources to learn.  

After you graduate, what is your dream career?

I hope to practice neurology and eventually build my own clinical lab dedicated to leveraging technology to better understand the brain. The bench and the bedside inform each other in ways that neither can achieve alone, and that intersection is where I feel most at home. I am particularly interested in using wearable technology and AI to study neurological health at a population scale.

What made you choose NYMC?

NYMC's graduate program gave me the freedom to pursue the kind of translational research I cared most about, work that could one day reach some of the most vulnerable patients. But the clinical training mattered to me just as much. Having access to so many clinical sites across New York State meant I would be exposed to a range of patients and experiences that I knew would make me a better physician.

What has been your favorite aspect of being an NYMC student?

The people. I found my best friends here. Medical and graduate schools are long and humbling pursuits, and having good people by my side made all the difference. I am absolutely certain I would not be here without them.

What faculty member has had the greatest influence on you here?

I have to cheat here and mention two. Jana Velíšková, M.D., Ph.D., professor of cell and molecular physiology, neurology, and of obstetrics and gynecology, and Dr. Velíšek took a chance on me, and I will never forget that. Over the years they have pushed me to think deeper, ask better questions, and never lose sight of why the work matters. Their enthusiasm for science is contagious, and being in their lab has been one of the greatest privileges of my training. But what I am most grateful for goes beyond the science. They have been in my corner every step of the way, and their kindness has shaped me into a better student and, most importantly, a better person.

What advice would you give to incoming students?

Say yes more than you say no. Let everything happen to you. Learn from it. Surround yourself with good people. They are good for the soul. Always, always choose to be kind. And most importantly, send that cold email.

Outside of your studies, what are your hobbies or interests?

I grew up in my grandmother's kitchen, and she is the reason I love cooking. Food has always been an easy way to bring people together. This year, I’m learning to bake bread. Outside the kitchen, I love swimming, surfing, shooting Polaroids, exploring museums, and thrifting old books.

Are you a part of any student organizations or interest groups? If so, which ones?

I served as president of the Student Interest Group in Neurology (SIGN), and I highly recommend it to anyone interested in neurology. I also founded the Student Interest Group in Space Medicine, which connects students with experts in the field and provides resources for those curious about medicine in extreme environments.

What is a fun fact about you?

I’m getting my driver’s license next week, at the tender age of 32.