KENNESAW, Ga. | Mar 28, 2025

Kennesaw State University Honors student Allisa George isn’t just studying science. She’s using it to change lives.

Inspired by her family’s battle with Alzheimer’s and her passion for health policy, she’s forging a path at the intersection of neuroscience and public health.

To address these critical areas, she has leveraged experiences at KSU that will allow her to make an impact upon graduation. George seeks a career as a physician and researcher at the intersection of neurology and public health, and she co-founded two clubs dedicated to providing resources for students interested in those topics. Furthermore, she has done it all while serving as a senator in KSU’s Student Government Association.

“KSU really provides the opportunities in this environment,” said George, a dual major in biology and public health. “Every student should take advantage of the resources that the university has to offer because you never know where those opportunities might lead you.”

These opportunities have led George in a few different directions for research. In the College of Science and Mathematics, she worked with associate dean for research and graduate studies Vishnu Suppiramaniam on a project that investigates how prenatal cannabinoid exposure effects learning and memory in the brain.

Inspired by her experience in Grenada, she has also worked on Wellstar College of Health and Human Services Dean Monica Swahn’s project about alcoholism in Kampala, Uganda, and how it affects young women there.

“Dr. Suppiramaniam’s lab has been instrumental in growing my understanding of neuroscience and what specialty I'm leaning towards in the future,” George said. “And my work with Dr. Swahn has been super eye-opening about what I want to do in the future, which is helping underserved countries and populations in global health.”

 Since arriving at KSU, George has tapped into her ability as a leader, which she learned comes naturally as an advocate. In search of information on how to launch a career in medicine, she co-founded the Pre-Health Leadership Council along with recent KSU graduate Diya Patel. She also founded the KSU Neuroscience Club and continues to serve as its president, and she is the president of Eta Sigma Gamma, the public health honorary society. George represents the Wellstar College in SGA, and she is a member of the President’s Parliament Scholar Ambassadors in addition to taking classes in the KSU Journey Honors College.

“Advocacy led me into leadership,” she said. “Through Honors, I learned that I'm a transformative leader. I'm the type of person that if I see something ineffective, or if I think of a new idea, I want to implement it straight away. Kennesaw State provides the environment where students can embrace their different leadership styles, and the administrators listen to student voices.”

George worked with Kadian Callahan, the associate dean for student success and community engagement in the College of Science and Mathematics, in forming the Pre-Health Leadership Council, a group that serves students aspiring to professional education and careers in healthcare through mentorship, resource sharing and professional development. Callahan was impressed with George’s drive but also her compassion and approachability, important traits for a medical professional.

“She is really impressive. Every time we ask her to do something, she is on it,” Callahan said. “She follows through on everything she says she's going to do, so I know she will reach her goals. She will continually exceed anyone's expectations because she's so driven.”

George’s drive and passion for neuroscience and public health fuel her mission to leave a lasting mark on the world. Whether she’s in a lab, treating patients, or championing health policy reform, her determination to turn vision into action will shape the future, one step at a time.

– Story by Dave Shelles

Photos by Matt Yung

A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees to its more than 47,000 students. Kennesaw State is a member of the University System of Georgia with 11 academic colleges. The university’s vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties, and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the country and the world. Kennesaw State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 8 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.