The Office of Undergraduate Research proudly presents 2025 EURA Winner Ellie Wojcikowski

Ellie Wojcikowski currently studies Neuroscience as a junior at the University of Iowa. In addition, she is working toward a minors in Spanish and Psychology as well as the Clinical & Translational Sciences certificate. Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences Assistant Professor Amanda McCleery, facilitates Wojcikowski's research endeavors. 

Describe your current project.

My research focuses on heart rate variability (HRV) as a biological marker of resilience along the psychosis spectrum. I hope to better understand biological markers of psychological well-being and pathology in disorders like Schizophrenia.

What do you enjoy most about research?

I love that research is a cumulative process driven by my own interests and goals. I enjoy collaborating on projects, sharing my work, and constantly learning to improve my abilities as a scientist.

Outside of research and academics...

I stay busy as a peer mentor for the honors program, Resident Assistant on campus, and volunteer at the Free Mental Health Clinic and Iowa Farm Sanctuary. For fun, I like to take my camper van on road trips!

She has major plans after graduation.

I will pursue a Ph.D. in Neuroscience studying the biological basis of severe mental illness. I hope to build a career in medical academia, helping patients, mentoring students, and sharing my work at community and professional levels.

Thank you for your contributions to our research community!