Jessica Whitaker-Fornek

Jessica is a PhD student in the Department of Biological Sciences. Her research focuses on the earliest patterns of neural activity that eventually drive breathing. She grew up on a farm in Southern Illinois and was inspired to study animal behavior because of the unique animals and nature that surrounded her (ostriches, emus, llamas, and more!). In Fall 2019, Jessica began to work on a radio series about mental health along with two other biology students and with guidance from Dr. Rhesa Ledbetter. Jessica is excited to participate in this project at KISU since she believes communication is an important skill for scientists to cultivate.