By Jared F. Slanina

Aidan Wade was simply listening to one of his favorite podcasts as he went about his day. Passing time like any other day, he wasn’t expecting it to have a dramatic impact on his life. But Wade’s journey would soon change completely.

That day, his favorite podcast featured the topic of neuroplasticity – the ability of the brain to form and reorganize synaptic connections, especially in response to learning or experience or following injury.

Wade began listening intently. The thought of the brain forming new connections led to an epiphany of sorts – several of Wade’s family members struggled with substance use problems, so perhaps they could learn new behaviors that would help them finally overcome their addictions. There was suddenly hope in what seemed like a hopeless situation. Wade realized that he had the ability to help others change, while making big changes for himself in the process.

Making changes

At the time, Wade was working a factory job at age 19. He had finished a year at the University of Akron with a 0.9 grade-point average, and as someone who never took school that seriously, he wasn’t sure about his future at that point.

Fortunately, he decided to give college another shot.

He transferred to Kent State University and thrived thanks to his newfound interest. For the first time, Wade received all A’s as he further discovered his love for neuroscience. After proving himself in the classroom, Wade began to seek hands-on experience. This led him to Jeffrey Mellott, Ph.D., associate professor of anatomy and neurobiology at Northeast Ohio Medical University.

“Jeff gave me an opportunity while others asked me to ‘wait until fall’ to reach out again,” Wade reflected. “He gave me responsibility right away, and I’ve learned so many skills to become a good scientist.”

The experience in the Mellott lab eventually led Wade to a prestigious research program at Stanford University. He was one of only 15 students selected from across the U.S. for a 2023 summer fellowship, which Wade described as a “superhighway of learning.” The experience connected him with well-known faculty members who provided mentorship and gave valuable insight into what top programs seek from Ph.D. candidates.

“Learning that I was accepted was one of the best moments of my life,” Wade said. “I had a smile plastered on my face for weeks.”

Making a future

Wade received even more good news shortly after arriving at Stanford. After 18 months of preparation, he had been accepted into a prestigious program with the National Institutes of Health for the summer of 2024. Like the Stanford summer fellowship, the NIH opportunity was only offered to 15 undergraduates throughout the country. By being selected, Wade will receive $20,000 towards tuition and opportunities for other NIH programs upon graduation. He plans to apply to Stanford’s Ph.D. program, among others, for neuroscience.

The ultimate goal? To better understand the science behind addiction to help as many people as possible.

Quite a lofty goal. And to think, it all started with a podcast.