Noggin Undergrad Outreach Poster!

Abstract Control Number: 16448
Abstract Title: Bridging the gap: Understanding neuroscience through symbiotic learning and community outreach
Session Title: Neuroscience Outreach Activities II*
Session Time: 11/12/2017 8:00:00 AM – 11/12/2017 12:00:00 PM*
Session Number: 027

LEARN MORE: PSU Neuro Club Neuroscience Poster SfN 2017

Bridging the gap: Understanding neuroscience through symbiotic learning and community outreach

AUTHOR BLOCK *C. A. WILLIAMS1, A. R. KUNZ2, S. RODRIGUEZ6, H. A. HAMILTON7, J. L. JENSEN3, A. L. POOLE3, A. ANAYA4, J. M. HAMLIN3, J. J. SCHOEN5, J. L. RITCHIE3;

1Washington State Univ., Vancouver, WA; 2Biochem., 3Portland State Univ., Portland, OR; 4Portland State Univ., Clackamas, OR; 5Psychology, Portland State Univ., Portland, OR; 7Biol., 6PSU/NIH Build Exito, Portland, OR

Abstract:

NW Noggin is a nonprofit integrative art and neuroscience organization that takes an innovative approach to education for people of all ages. Noggin operates through the combined effort of students, scientists, and artists from Oregon and Washington State. This approach provides volunteers with opportunities for involvement that include: outreach, teaching experience, public speaking experience, networking, and much more. This multi-institutional outreach facilitates collaboration between the community and institutions of higher education which can often be a difficult gap to bridge. In our efforts to teach the public, we are also teaching ourselves. As future scientists and educators in the making, we relish the opportunity to share our knowledge with a thirsty and curious public. During the Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) Brain Fair in March 2017, Noggin hosted a table where members of the community approached us with questions that challenged and inspired us to think critically, and creatively, which further solidified our understanding of neuroscience. By the end of the day, we had gone through over 1200 gloves, which were utilized to hold real brains. Ultimately, we were stunned by the sheer volume of people who attended this event. Contributing to public understanding of neuroscience and psychology generates a sense of altruism within us because we value the contributions, and personal connections we make within our community. This was especially evident at Shahala Middle School in February of 2017 when Noggin provided brain demonstrations, and led students through the construction of pipe cleaner neurons. The students were attentive, respectful, and most importantly, engaged in the educational process. It was uplifting to see the eyes of our future generation light up with excitement as they got a closer look at real human brains. We believe that these experiences will remain with them as they continue on their academic journey. Whether that journey leads them to explore the sciences, or otherwise, is a prospect that makes doing outreach so rewarding. If we want to begin solving problems in the world, it starts with outreach. It’s through collaboration, and the proliferation of knowledge, that issues can be resolved. The work we do as volunteers fuels our own drive for scientific knowledge, and we hope to inspire the same in community members we interact with throughout our NW Noggin outreach.

Presentation Number: 027.15SU
Poster Board Number: WW46
Presentation Time: 10:00am – 11:00am
Location: Walter E. Washington Convention Center: Halls A-C *

*Theme J posters should be mounted Saturday, November 11, 1 p.m. EST through Sunday, Nov. 12, 5 p.m. EST for casual viewing over the weekend. You are responsible for removing your poster from the board at 5 p.m. EST on Sunday, Nov. 12. Theme J posters remaining after November 12, 5 p.m. EST will be discarded.