# @fsuartssciences on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DYAl-5RCTFF
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/65142294-fsuartssciences-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/508397bd76.jpg
- **Posted:** 2026-05-06T19:40:10.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** FSU College of Arts & Sciences (@fsuartssciences) — https://gondola.cc/fsuartssciences

## Caption

Although @floridastateuniversity's spring commencement festivities are in the rearview, we're still celebrating our #FSU2026 grads! 🎓

Makenna Jenkins crossed the stage on Friday evening to receive her bachelor's in cell and molecular neuroscience (@fsuneuroscience). Her research broadly centered on oxytocin, a neuropeptide involved in social bonding and connectedness. 

One of Jenkins' research projects explored possible connections between oxytocin and various psychological phenomena, with a focus on suicide. Her Honors in the Major thesis focused on oxytocin receptors in the nodose ganglia of the vagus nerve, which transmits vital information like blood pressure and oxygen levels to the brain.

"I wake up every day excited to study more about the organ that functions as a control center for the rest of the body while producing thoughts and ideas. I also love the connection between the cellular work and greater application to the whole brain — this is how we've been able to find biomarkers of diseases and relate them to developing
behaviors, cognitions and therapies to help people live their best lives."

Presently, Jenkins is continuing her research while studying for the MCAT and preparing to apply for combined M.D./Ph.D. programs.

For more on FSU's spring commencement ceremonies and the FSU journeys of several outstanding @fsuartssciences grads, tap 'News' at the #linkinbio.

## Stats

- **Views:** 0
- **Likes:** 106
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- **Comments:** 10

## Credits

| Name | Username | Profile | Role |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Devin Bittner | @devincbittner | https://gondola.cc/devincbittner | Photographer |
| FSU College of Arts & Sciences | @fsuartssciences | https://gondola.cc/fsuartssciences | Creator |

## Tags

linkinbio, fsu2026

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