Neuroscience Program

George Washington statue on Washington Hall

Neuroscience is one of Washington and Lee’s oldest interdisciplinary programs. Our first major graduated in 1990 and since that time many students have successfully completed the neuroscience curriculum.

The mission of the program is to foster an environment of collaborative research wherein students learn discipline-specific knowledge, analytic and scientific thinking and ethical principles of research through close interactions with faculty members actively engaged in basic neuroscience research. Coursework in this program serves to provide background and context for the research activities that are the core experience for our students.

We are quite serious about this. All neuroscience students complete research with our faculty and we think this is the best way to learn. Lectures and lab exercises have their place but nothing replaces the experience of pursuing a question that no one else has answered.

Program Info

  • Washington and Lee University
    Recipient’s Name, Neuroscience Program
    204 W. Washington Street
    Lexington, Virginia 24450

Bob Stewart

Program Head

Leigh Ann McCoy

Administrative Assistant

Feature Stories


Meet Nolan Rickett ’27

This neuroscience major takes advantage of W&L’s beautiful natural surroundings, including walking the back campus trails.

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Meet Paige McBoyle ’26

McBoyle chose W&L for its close-knit community and the opportunity to excel academically and athletically.

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Making Space

Cole Gershkovich ’24 found his purpose studying spaces that foster belonging and empowerment among individuals with mental health challenges.

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Five W&L Students Awarded Gilman Scholarships to Study Abroad

The Gilman Scholarship Program offers awards of up to $5,000 to U.S. undergraduate students who are Pell Grant recipients.

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W&L’s Chelsea Adotey ’24 Awarded Slot in Highly Regarded JET Program

Adotey will start her role in the Japanese Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program in early August 2024.

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W&L Student Receives Research Grant from the Virginia Academy of Science

Megan Dufault ’24 is studying the risks that environmental pollutants pose to fetal development.

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Digging Deep

W&L’s Summer Research Scholars program gives students hands-on experience in collaborative research with faculty mentors.

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W&L Outcomes: Sadie Charles Calame ’23

Sadie Charles Calame ’23 is working as a construction lead for Teton Habitat for Humanity.

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W&L Outcomes: Blake Sanchez ’23

Blake Sanchez ’23 is working as a management consultant in the Public Health Segment at Guidehouse in Washington, D.C.

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Gabby Emge '23

W&L Outcomes: Gabby Emge ’23

Gabby Emge ’23 will be pursuing her J.D. at Harvard Law School.

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Meet Lauren Reese ’23

Reese was motivated by her summer research experience to pursue a career in medicine.

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OMA art program at Kendal

Opening Minds Through Art

W&L neuroscience students recently partnered with an innovative art-making program offered at Kendal at Lexington.

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