NW Noggin Reddit Science AMA!

Hi Reddit, we’re Bill Griesar and Jeff Leake, instructors in Psychology at Portland State University and co-founders of the art and science outreach nonprofit nwnoggin.org. We train graduates and undergraduates in neuroscience and art to collaborate, and use art projects to enthuse and inform K-12 students and the public about how our brains work. Ask us anything!

Science needs investment, and engaging young people and the public prepares young scientists to clearly explain exciting and relevant new discoveries, enthuses K-12 students about educational and career possibilities, and builds support for further research. Integrating arts in STEM (an approach known as STEAM) fosters learning, creativity and engagement.

Our outreach volunteers (from Portland State University, Oregon Health & Sciences University and other campuses) have worked with over 14,000 academic priority students since 2012, presenting art projects and research in public schools, museums, homeless youth centers, breweries, theaters, Congress, the Obama White House, and even bike shop pubs! Recently we’ve hit the road to discuss federally funded research on the brain and drugs, anxiety, depression, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, adolescent brain development and other compelling topics in rural communities throughout the inland Northwest. Ask us anything!