The department welcomes new staff member Hallie Davis-Penders to the Neuroscience academic support team. Davis-Penders comes to the role with a wealth of institutional experience supporting the broader academic missions of Trinity College. Below is a Q&A introducing Davis-Penders to the community.
What is your official job title? "Program Coordinator, Undergraduate Neuroscience."
What does your position involve? "Coordinating advisor assignments, course evaluations, and major, minor and graduation requirements. Scheduling courses and collecting syllabi. Liaising with student groups to plan events, and, the thing I am most excited about: advising students."
Briefly describe your first weeks at P&N? "I have attended meetings with the undergraduate neuroscience team, DIBS team, and a P&N Faculty meeting. It has been great getting to know everyone and learning about the different, yet connected, departments and programs. I have also spent a lot of time learning the neuroscience major and minor requirements, checking to make sure seniors will meet all of their requirements ahead of spring semester. Again, I have had a couple of opportunities to meet with students and look forward to getting to know our undergraduate neuroscience majors better as the year goes on."
What were you doing prior to your arrival to P&N? "I actually worked at Duke for about five years, in Gary Bennett’s Digital Health Science Center and in the Office of Undergraduate Education, before taking a break to become a foster mom and homeschool my thirteen year old son. During this time I also tutored for the Augustine Literacy Project and joined the Empowered Parents in Community (EPiC) Board. I am really glad to be back at Duke!
What was your first job? "Ski instructor in high school."
What is your hometown? "I grew up in Brownsville, Vermont."
What do you enjoy doing in your free time? "Watching my kids play soccer, walking with friends, and playing with our new dog Sugar Bear."
What is the best advice you’ve ever received? "Do you!"
Department of Psychology & Neuroscience
