Miguel majored in Biology and wrote his Honors in the Major thesis on the “Immunohistochemical Localization of Glutamate Receptor Subunit 2 in the Rat Olfactory Bulb.” With Dr. Paul Trombley, Miguel researched the role protein (Glutmate Receptor Subunit 2) plays in a rat’s sense of smell. To do this, Miguel learned the techniques of immunocytochemistry, the use of specific antibodies to determine the location of a given protein, and electrophysiology, a technique that measures the electrical activity of neurons (brain cells).

He was invited to join FSU’s chapter of Phi Beta Kappa, the nation’s oldest and most prestigious undergraduate honors organization, in the fall of 2003. The Florida State University chapter of Phi Beta Kappa, Alpha of Florida, was established in 1935, and was the first chapter authorized in the State. After scoring in the 98% of the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT), Miguel’s next academic journey will involve medical school at Columbia University.

To read Miguel’s thesis, please visit FSU’s D-Scholarship Repository.