I plan to attend two professional development events, including “Women in Neurochemistry” and “What’s Next? - Young Scientist Career Perspectives” in August 2019. These events are part of the International Society for Neurochemistry (ISN) and the American Society for Neurochemistry (ASN) 2019 conference that is happening in Montréal, Canada from August 4th – August 8th. Although this is a scientific conference, this year’s ISN-ASN meeting has 29 symposia and workshop sessions to offer - two of which I’m particularly interested in, which are geared towards women in the field of neurochemistry and career-related advice for young scientists. 
	This will be a very useful opportunity for me to directly ask questions and learn from neuroscientists that have gone through similar hurdles in the field of research as I have. I’m particularly interested in asking for and taking suggestions on what are the most common barriers that are predominantly faced by women and young scientists. I believe a professional development workshop in such a scientific conference is more useful than going to a meeting that is simply a career symposium, since one would also have opportunity to learn about their own research work through presenter talks and presentations, which can assist with displaying their advice into a more visual perspective. This year’s talks are given by many famous women neuroscientists that I personally look up to, such as Drs. Haley E. Titus, Li-Huei Tsai, and Lynn A. Raymond. Moreover, this is an event at an international level; therefore, it is an opportunity to learn about career perspectives from a different standpoint and make possible international scientific connections.
	I believe my interest in attending this event aligns well with the mission of VT-BEST award. Therefore, if given this opportunity through the travel award, it will be my first time attending a professional development event of this magnitude.  It will greatly assist me with feeling more confident regarding my career choice(s) during and after I obtain my Ph.D. Thank you!

Expenses: 
 1)	Registration: https://www.neurochemistry.org/registration/
Currently, I do not have the ISN membership; however, there are no charges for the first-year membership therefore, I will be responsible for $200 instead of $300, after becoming the ISN member.

2)	Flight: According to Expedia.com, the most cost effective flight ticket for the round trip (August 4th – 8th) from Roanoke, Virginia to Montréal, Canada is around $400 (including taxes and other charges).

3)	Hotel: https://www.neurochemistry.org/hotels-reservation-options/
This is one of the hotels recommended on the ISN conference website.  It is one of the most cost effective hotels with a close proximity to the conference venue.  The cost of staying at this hotel is $182/night and for my stay period from August 4th – 8th, the total cost will be around $900.