Being turned down means you lose your job. It’s up or out. With a degree in neuroscience she shouldn’t have any problem getting another one but it won’t be at a prestigious research university.
I don't think that would describe where she was, University of Alabama-Huntsville.
But there are plenty of pharmaceutical companies and other such that could use such a person. Heck, they take in lots of ABD (all but degree) types who finish all their coursework, and then give up on what can be a very frustrating process. I know one gal who got so frustrated, and the Enginnering College so "perturbed" with the Prof, that she switched departments. Got her PhD in Engineering Mechanics, instead of Electrical Engineering.