Why study Neuroscience at MC?
Neuroscience is a rapidly developing, interdisciplinary field includes study in psychology, biology, chemistry and statistics. While understanding the biochemistry of individual nerve cells or examining mental processing or disease states such as Alzheimer’s, you will learn how the brain and nervous system respond to the environment and generate behavior. We prepare students for graduate programs in cognitive neuroscience, psychology, neuropsychology, speech and language pathology and health-related fields, and for careers in health, pharmaceutical and neuropsychology settings.
Meet a Current Scot
Clayton Tuggle
Hometown: Knoxville, Tennessee
Clayton said he chose MC because the College “felt like a place where [he] could actually grow, not just attend,” due to the small class sizes and close connections with professors. Soon after enrolling, he worked with peers and faculty to establish the MC Neuroscience Club.
He wants to pursue a career in the medical or psychiatric fields and chose the Neuroscience major because the field provides “explanations for every behavior, feeling and thought we have,” he said, adding that each class “blows his mind.” A recent recipient of the 2025 Appalachian College Association’s Ledford Scholarship, Clayton received funding for his summer research project on traumatic brain injuries and co-occurring psychiatric conditions.
Meet a Recent Grad
Spencer Ann Mitchell Wheat ’21
Currently: Pediatric Physical Therapist for Prisma Health/
Blount Memorial Hospital in Maryville, Tennessee
An interest in traumatic brain injuries and personal experience in concussions inspired Spencer Ann, a standout on the Scots’ soccer pitch, to double major in Neuroscience and Exercise Science. Her academic background allowed her to stand out in graduate school applications. She was admitted to the Medical University of South Carolina’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program and graduated with her DPT in 2024.
Spencer Ann credits caring professors, interning at a PT clinic and the Senior Study requirement for preparing her for the rigors of a physical therapy program. “Designing and carrying out an experiment for my senior thesis gave me a leg up in the research portions of my program,” she said.
