Podcast episode
1 Apr 2025
In this episode of NeuroVoyagers, we talk with Professor Robert C. Froemke from NYU about the twists and turns of his path into neuroscience. Rob shares how he started out in art school with an interest in perception and creativity, moved into computer science and early AI, and only discovered neuroscience late in his undergraduate studies. What followed was a non-linear academic journey — including rejections, redirections, and almost quitting science altogether.
We discuss his research on neuroplasticity, social behavior, and how animals — including mice — learn to become parents. Rob also reflects on how personal interests and scientific questions can overlap, and how the culture and politics of academia have shaped both his science and leadership style. He speaks openly about challenges in mentorship, experimental failure, and how scientific ideas evolve and sometimes get left behind.
This episode offers a thoughtful look at what it means to build a scientific career, especially outside the straight-and-narrow route, and how values like collaboration, adaptability, and critical thinking play a role along the way.
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About the episode
Episode: 5
Duration: 39:09
Published on:
1 Apr 2025
In this episode of NeuroVoyagers, Professor Robert C. Froemke shares his unconventional path from art school and computer science into the heart of experimental neuroscience. We explore how his passion for creativity and communication shapes his lab’s work on neuroplasticity, parenting, and prosocial behavior — and why he sees science as both an intellectual and deeply human pursuit.
