A grad student journey: This is the difference one Duke faculty member can make

When Paris Brown M.S.’22 first arrived at Duke as a master’s student, she didn’t expect her academic journey to take a life-changing turn.  

“I came to Duke with a focus on my master’s degree, so I had no idea how much my path would change here,” she reflects.  

But the unique environment at Duke opened a door that Brown hadn’t even realized existed. Discovering her passion for research about the human brain, she is now on a new path, one toward a doctoral degree. 

“I didn’t really expect to get my Ph.D. I think Dr. Varghese just saw my potential. ”

Paris Brown

Master of Science

CLASS OF 2022

The catalyst for that decision happened in the lab of biomedical engineer Shyni Varghese, a leading expert in organ-on-a-chip technology, a miniaturized system that mimics human organs for research. Brown, drawn to the potential of the technology and the collaborative environment of the lab, shifted her focus from mechanical engineering to her growing interest in biomedical engineering and the brain. Varghese, seeing Brown’s potential, recommended that she use the organ-on-a-chip system to explore these areas further. 

“I saw something in Paris from the start,” Varghese recalls. “I knew she had the potential to be a great researcher; she could truly contribute to the field of neuroscience.” 

For Brown, it was the perfect opportunity. The work ignited a deep fascination with the brain and introduced her to the possibility of pursuing a doctoral degree.  

“I didn’t really expect to get my Ph.D.,” Brown says. “I think Dr. Varghese just saw my potential.” 

At Duke, mentorship is woven into the fabric of the student experience. Professors are not only educators, but also collaborators and guides, invested in the success and growth of their students. For Varghese, mentorship means more than just teaching; it’s about helping students find their potential and encouraging them to take on opportunities.  

“I think Duke has a unique culture that really fosters these kinds of relationships between students and faculty,” Brown says. “It’s not just about doing the research; it’s about growing together, learning from each other, and having someone believe in you when you’re not sure of yourself.” 

With Varghese’s encouragement, Brown continues her work and is developing her own research interests in neuroinflammation and cerebrovascular disorders. Now, as a doctoral student, Brown is using stem cells to create a model of the human brain, with the hope of advancing research that is both ethical and effective. Her research aims to improve the ethics in science and medicine while addressing complex neurological challenges. 

“Shyni’s belief in me really made a difference,” Brown says. “She didn’t just teach me how to conduct experiments; she helped me realize what I’m capable of.” 

For Varghese, seeing Brown grow into her potential has been one of the most rewarding aspects of her role as a mentor.  

“Her work is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in brain research, and I’m excited to see how far she’ll go.”