Open to opportunities

Sarah Brookman

@sarahbrookman

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Neuroscientist and preclinical study project manager specializing in behavioral pharmacology and electrophysiology.

United States

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What I'm looking for

I’m looking to apply my preclinical study and data expertise as a Project Manager in the Pharmaceutical and Healthcare industries—owning study design, statistical modeling, and precise documentation while partnering with cross-functional teams to deliver research decisions.

I’m a neuroscientist who designs, executes, and publishes preclinical rodent studies, with a focus on behavioral pharmacology and electrophysiology. I bring strong ownership of study protocol development, rigorous documentation, and translating complex experimental datasets into clear scientific outputs.

In graduate research and lab leadership roles, I’ve performed reward-based behavioral paradigms, quantitative electrophysiology (including patch clamp), and generated publication-quality figures, tables, and technical summaries using GraphPad Prism, R, and Excel. I’m comfortable working collaboratively with cross-functional scientific teams while maintaining accuracy and repeatability across experiments.

I’m currently leading research efforts at University of Colorado Boulder, conducting preclinical work on inhaled cannabinoids’ neurobehavioral effects and advancing electrophysiological characterization of Parkinson’s disease models. My professional approach centers on meticulous data integrity, effective communication, and ensuring study results are interpretable and decision-ready for research teams.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Lead Researcher & Lab Manager

Current

University of Colorado Boulder

Nov 2025 - Present (8 months)

Designed and executed preclinical rodent research on the neurobehavioral effects of inhaled cannabinoids. Ran reward-based behavioral paradigms, performed statistical analysis and data visualization, and maintained rigorous study documentation.

Excel Reward Based Behavioral Paradigms Data Analysis Data Visualization Graphpad Prism R Statistical Analysis Documentation And Reporting

Current

Researcher - Parkinson’s Disease

Current

University of Colorado Boulder

Nov 2025 - Present (8 months)

Conducted patch clamp electrophysiology in genetic mouse models of Parkinson’s disease to study neuronal dysfunction. Analyzed electrophysiology datasets and generated quantitative figures and statistical outputs with standardized documentation practices.

Patch Clamp Electrophysiology Quantitative Figure Generation Documentation And Reporting

Graduate Researcher (Master’s Thesis)

University of Massachusetts Amherst

May 2024 - May 2025 (1 year)

Investigated neuronal excitability and inhibitory circuit dysfunction in a murine PRODH model of schizophrenia. Performed patch clamp electrophysiology and related assays, and produced publication-quality graphs and thesis/presentation materials with detailed documentation.

Patch Clamp Electrophysiology Statistical Analysis Publication Quality Figure Generation

Research Rotation - Optotetrode

University of Massachusetts Amherst

Mar 2024 - Jul 2024 (4 months)

Designed and assembled optotetrode recording devices for in vivo recordings in the indusium griseum. Conducted stereotaxic implantation, organized electrophysiological datasets, and supported protocol development and technical documentation for reproducibility.

Optotetrode Recording Stereotaxic Implantation Technical Documentation

Research Rotation - Alcohol Use Disorder

University of Massachusetts Amherst

Nov 2023 - Apr 2024 (5 months)

Investigated effects of chronic adolescent alcohol exposure on neuronal myelination and neural plasticity in mouse models. Conducted ASST behavioral testing, managed mouse colonies, and supported behavioral data organization and statistical analysis.

ASST (Attentional Set Shifting Paradigm)Genotyping Coordination Experimental Tracking Behavioral Dataset Organization Statistical Analysis

Laboratory Manager - Stroke Recovery

University of Florida – McKnight Brain Institute

May 2023 - Aug 2023 (3 months)

Supported stroke recovery research using optogenetic mouse models, including behavioral and gait assessment to evaluate sensorimotor deficits and functional recovery. Helped with fMRI-related neuroimaging analysis and produced collaborative procedure documentation and summaries.

Optogenetic Mouse Models Behavioral Evaluation Gait Assessment Sensorimotor Recovery FMRI Data Analysis Documentation Experimental Procedure Reporting

Undergraduate Researcher - PD Genes

University of Florida – McKnight Brain Institute

Oct 2021 - May 2023 (1 year 7 months)

Conducted behavioral phenotyping of mouse models carrying GBA and LRRK2 mutations associated with Parkinson’s disease. Designed experimental protocols, ran behavioral paradigms, analyzed behavioral data, and presented findings at local and national conferences.

Presentation Skills Rotarod Elevated Plus Maze Working Memory Assessment Anxiety Related Behaviors behavioral data analysis

Clinical Research Assistant - VNS

University of Florida – McKnight Brain Institute

Sep 2021 - Apr 2022 (7 months)

Assisted a clinical study evaluating the effects of vagus nerve stimulation on cognitive decline in older adults. Administered non-invasive stimulation protocols, recruited participants, conducted cognitive assessments, and supported study coordination and data collection.

Vagus Nerve Stimulation Tragus Electrode Placement Participant Recruitment Participant Documentation Data Collection

Research Intern - Nutrient Signaling

Florida Atlantic University

May 2019 - Sep 2019 (4 months)

Investigated neuroendocrine mechanisms of nutrient sensing using C. elegans models. Performed genomic DNA isolation, PCR amplification, and molecular cloning workflows with neuron-specific gene expression and protocol documentation.

C. Elegans Models DNA Amplification Molecular Cloning Neuron Specific Gene Expression Protocols

Graduate Teaching Assistant (BIO153)

University of Massachusetts Amherst

Supervised an introductory biology laboratory focused on bacteriophage isolation, purification, and amplification. Guided students through protocols, ensured safety and scientific methods, and supported interpretation and laboratory data organization.

Bacteriophage Isolation Purification

Graduate Teaching Assistant (BIO151)

University of Massachusetts Amherst

Led discussion sections and supported lectures for an introductory biology course. Communicated core biological concepts and experimental interpretation, and assisted with grading across multiple sections.

Experimental Interpretation Support Grading

Graduate Teaching Assistant (BIO110)

University of Massachusetts Amherst

Facilitated discussions and graded assignments for an introductory biology course for non-majors. Translated foundational biological concepts into accessible explanations for diverse audiences and supported course organization.

Facilitation Grading

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

University of Massachusetts Amherst

Master’s Degree in Neuroscience and Behavior, Neuroscience and Behavior

2020 - 2022

Grade: High Honors; GPA: 3.925; Cohort valedictorian

Master’s degree in Neuroscience and Behavior at the University of Massachusetts Amherst (Aug 2020–Dec 2022). Graduated as cohort valedictorian with High Honors (GPA: 3.925).

University of Florida

Bachelor of Science, Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience

2020 - 2022

Grade: Summa cum laude; Honors College GPA: 3.92

B.S. in Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience at the University of Florida (Aug 2020–Dec 2022). Graduated Summa cum laude in the Honors College (GPA: 3.92).