NW NOGGIN: Neuroscience outreach group (growing in networks)

NEURAL MURAL celebration @ PSU!
2026-04-29 13:00 - 16:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Cramer Hall 3rd floor Skybridge to Smith, Portland State University, 1721 SW Broadway, Portland, OR, 97201-3300, United States
WHAT: Celebration of the new NEURAL MURAL at Portland State University!
We did it!!

WHERE: 3rd floor skybridge between Cramer Hall and the Smith Memorial Union at Portland State University, 1721 SW Broadway, Portland, Oregon 97201-3300
WHEN: Wednesday, April 29, 1:00 – 4:00pm

HOLD BRAINS! MAKE ART! ENJOY SNACKS!
LEARN MORE AT THIS LINK! AND ALSO HERE!
Placemaking @ Portland State

Adaptation through Brains & Art
2026-04-30 18:00 - 21:00 | Pine Meadow Ranch Center for Arts & Agriculture, 68467 Three Creeks Rd, Sisters, OR, 97759, United States
WHAT: Invited Noggin presentation at the Roundhouse Foundation

We did it!!

LEARN MORE: Adaptation, Brain and Body
WHERE: Pine Meadow Ranch Center for Arts & Agriculture, 68467 Three Creeks Rd, Sisters, OR 97759
WHEN: Thursday, April 30, 2026, starts at 6:00pm!
***FREE! REGISTER AT THIS LINK!

We’re excited to explore the theme of adaptation as part of the Lecture Series at Pine Meadow Ranch in Sisters, Oregon. Discover the neuroscience of brain plasticity and the circumstances and behaviors that foster adaptation to changing environments. Bill and Jeff have discussed these topics with K-12 public school students and a host of other community members (more than 80,000!) since 2012. We’ll create our own gel print brain cells during the event!
Brain Cell Gel Prints

DRAFT SLIDES (pdf): NW Noggin_Adaptation_Roundhouse_4_2026
DRAFT SLIDES (pptx): NW Noggin_Adaptation_Roundhouse_4_2026

Noggin @ Marshall Elementary (Vancouver)
2026-05-12 08:30 - 12:00 | George C. Marshall Elementary School, 6400 MacArthur Blvd #7533, Vancouver, WA, 98661, United States
WHAT: Noggin visits Marshall Elementary in Vancouver!
We did it!!

How does the brain send signals to other parts of the body?
If someone has dementia, is there any way to bring back their memories?
If you get a concussion can you see a bruise on your brain?
Why do you study brains?

Can the brain function outside of the body?
How do you keep a brain alive?
What does it smell like?

WHERE: George C. Marshall Elementary School, 6400 MacArthur Blvd #7533, Vancouver, WA 98661
WHEN: Tuesday, May 12, 8:30am – noon
CONTACT: Darya Samiee

Please join us! Email griesar@pdx.edu and jleake@pdx.edu to learn more.
COMMITTED PARTICIPANTS
1. Bill Griesar, NW Noggin/PSU/OHSU
2. Jeff Leake, NW Noggin/PSU
3. Haile Wells, PSU
4. Sofia Romero, PSU
5. Danica Helms, PSU
6. Gabe Guarin, PSU
7. Charlie Kelley, PSU
8. Rean Guardian, PSU
9. Daisy Graham, Skidmore College

Noggin @ David Douglas!
2026-05-14 09:00 - 14:30 | David Douglas High School, 1001 SE 135th Ave, Portland, OR, 97233, United States
WHAT: Visit to Psychology classrooms at David Douglas High School
We did it!!!

WHERE: David Douglas High School, NORTH Building, 1001 SE 135th, Portland, OR 97233; Rooms 319 and 320. We will need to check in at the office and then make our way to the Social Studies building.
WHEN: THURSDAY, MAY 14, 2026, 9:00am – 2:30pm
Contact: Heather Murdock and Tracy Lind, teachers, David Douglas High School

We are excited – even depolarized! – to return to the lively Psychology classrooms at David Douglas to discuss neuroscience research, examine brains and make art!

COME JOIN US!
Please contact griesar@pdx.edu and jleake@pdx.edu to learn more.
COMMITTED VOLUNTEERS
1. Bill Griesar, NW Noggin/PSU/OHSU
2. Jeff Leake, NW Noggin/PSU
3. Haile Wells, PSU
4. Simra Ahsan, PSU
5. Charlie Kelley, PSU
6. Sofia Romero, PSU
7. Josue Lopez, PSU
8. Ameru Mohammed Zaki, PSU
9. Rean Guardian, PSU
10. Charlie Kelley, PSU
11. Nyah Hawley, PSU
12. Pearl Ton, PSU
13. Gabe Guarin, PSU
14. Luis Carillo, PSU
15. Daisy Graham, Skidmore College
See what we’ve done before @ David Douglas!
Noggin @ David Douglas 2025

Noggin @ David Douglas 2024

Thank you for letting us touch your brains

Inspiration & Education!

Everything but guns

Noggin @ MacLaren!
2026-05-22 15:00 - 18:00 | MacLaren Youth Correctional Facility, 2630 N Pacific Hwy, Woodburn, 97071, United States
WHAT: Noggin visit to MacClaren Youth Correctional Facility
We did it!!

All photos by Vanessa Bucio and Blanca Barajas, Hope Partnership

WHERE: MacClaren Youth Correctional Facility, 2630 N Pacific Highway, Woodburn, OR 97071; go first to the Gatehouse to check in.
WHEN: FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2026, 3:00 – 6:00pm
3:00-3:30pm – Check in at Gatehouse/Set UP
3:30-4:30pm – Group One presentation
5:00-6:00pm – Group Two presentation
***IMPORTANT: PLEASE ARRIVE AT 3:00pm!!
***NO cellphones/cameras/coins/money allowed; only bring your ID/car key.
Contact: Vanessa Bucio Chavez, Project Coordinator, HOPE Partnership
Contact: Blanca Diaz Barajas, HOPE Partnership

“Because the brain is undergoing such rapid, fundamental changes at this stage of life, adolescents have a heightened capacity to learn and to [grow] out of risky behavior. Given an environment and supports appropriate to their developmental stage, most young offenders have the potential to become law-abiding adults.”
— The MacArthur Foundation Research Network on Law and Neuroscience
We are excited to return to MacLaren, and meet with more young people curious about the brain, and the policy implications of neuroscience research on adolescent development, bias, trauma, drugs, and mental health regarding education, healthcare, criminal justice and the law.
Learn more about NW Noggin at MacLaren at these links:
Listening at MacLaren

Brains Love Animals

Myelinating @ MacLaren!

All is in motion, is growing, is you

LEARN MORE: Youth get visual, hands-on experience with the brain
Corrections, Bias & Brains

COMMITTED PARTICIPANTS
(LIMITED OPPORTUNITY)
1. Bill Griesar, NW Noggin/PSU/OHSU
2. Jeff Leake, NW Noggin, PSU
3. Rean Guardian, PSU
4. Sofia Romero, PSU
5. Nyah Hawley, PSU
6. Maddy Monahan, PSU
7. Charlie Kelley, PSU
8. Daisy Graham, Skidmore College

Noggins @ Oregon Youth Neuroscience!
2026-05-24 15:00 - 16:30 | Beaverton City Library, 12375 SW 5th St, Beaverton, OR, 97005, United States
WHAT: Noggin presents @ Oregon Youth Neuroscience Conference
We did it!!!

“NW Noggin — Thank you so much for all you brought to this year’s OYNC! Your fun and educational activities definitely helped make this conference a success..!” – OYNC

WHERE: Beaverton City Library, 12375 SW 5th St, Beaverton, OR 97005
WHEN: Sunday, May 24, 2026, 3:00 – 4:30pm
Contacts: Jia Bhardwaj, Co-Director, Oregon Youth Neuroscience Conferences

This is a free, public event for ALL middle and high school students!
MAKE YOUR OWN: BRAIN CELL GEL PRINTS

COMMITTED PARTICIPANTS
1. Bill Griesar, NW Noggin/PSU/OHSU
2. Jeff Leake, NW Noggin/PSU
3. Haile Wells, PSU
4. Simra Ahsan, PSU
5. Mia Knepper, PSU
6. Sofia Romero, PSU
7. Maddy Monahan, PSU
8. Ameru Mohammed Zaki, PSU
9. Rean Guardian, PSU
10. Charlie Kelley, PSU
11. Nyah Hawley, PSU
12. Gabe Guarin, PSU
13. Daisy Graham, Skidmore College

Noggin Keynote: AI and the Brain
2026-09-16 - 2026-09-18
WHAT: “Your brain learns what your brain does” – presentation and workshop by Bill Griesar and Jeff Leake of Northwest Noggin at the American Technical Education Association and Rural Community College Alliance Conference.
WHERE: Senatobia, Mississippi – more details on the way!
WHEN: Wednesday, September 16 – Friday, September 18, 2026; workshop to kick off the conference scheduled for Wednesday (9/16), starting at 6:00pm Central time.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is ubiquitous, and people now use Large Language Models (LLMs) every day. Sometimes we use AI intentionally (for example, we might type a specific request for a cover letter into ChatGPT) and in many cases we use it unintentionally (e.g., we read an “AI summary” of a Google or DuckDuckGo search). AI uses algorithms to seek patterns in huge amounts of data, and uses these patterns to make predictions. There are situations where this technology is helpful, and we’ll discover some fascinating applications. Our brains, in contrast, learn from lived experience, forming predictive networks through trial and error. These experiences are critical, because brains learn what brains do, so if you use Claude or ChatGPT to write a paper, or complete any other assignment, your brain does not learn anything more than how to format an effective query. AI removes human engagement, and the useful mistakes and often challenging journeys we make to acquire skills and create knowledge. It also relies on stolen work from the brains of others, and is remarkably costly for the economy and environment. We’ll explore neuroscience research on the consequences for brain health and demonstrate the benefits of making something ourselves.
Bring your own creativity, enthusiasm and brains!

The theme of this year’s conference is “The New Workforce: Accelerating Productivity for the Future.” Much of the discussion will focus on how AI may reshape the way work is done moving forward.
DRAFT SLIDES (*.pdf): NW Noggin_AI_and_Brain_5_2026
DRAFT SLIDES (*.ppt): NW Noggin_AI_and_Brain_5_2026
STAY TUNED: More details on the way!

Noggins @ Sunnyside!
2026-10-08 09:30 - 12:00 | Sunnyside Environmental School, 3421 SE Salmon St, Portland, OR, 97214, United States
WHAT: NW Noggin @ Sunnyside Environmental School
WHERE: Sunnyside Environmental School, 3421 SE Salmon St, Portland, OR 97214
WHEN: Thursday, October 8, 9:30am – noon!
Contacts: Asa Gervich & Jeremy Thomas, 4th Grade Teachers, Sunnyside School

We are thrilled to return to Jeremy and Asa’s lively classrooms this fall!

JOIN US!
Please contact griesar@pdx.edu and jleake@pdx.edu for to get involved
COMMITTED PARTICIPANTS
1. Bill Griesar, PSU/OHSU/NW Noggin
2. Jeff Leake, PSU/NW Noggin
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See what we’ve done before!
Do salmon laugh?

Without my amygdala, would I get scared?

Learning through mistakes!

How to visit public schools

Thank You Northwest Noggin!

Neurons in Minecraft & More!

A crayon in Homer’s brain

What about the glia?

Beatles and the Brain!
2026-10-09 18:00 - 20:00 | Portland Youth Philharmonic, 1820 NE 21st Ave, Portland, OR, 97212, United States
WHAT: Beatles and the Brain!
WHERE: Portland Youth Philharmonic, 1820 NE 21st Ave, Portland, OR 97212
WHEN: Friday, October 9, 6:00pm – 8:00pm

CONTACT: David Hattner, Musical Director, Portland Youth Philharmonic
More details on the way!

Check out what we did last time in 2022!
Brains, The Beatles, Television & Art

COMMITTED PARTICIPANTS
1. Bill Griesar, NW Noggin, PSU, OHSU
2. Jeff Leake, NW Noggin, PSU
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Noggins @ Kellogg!
2026-10-15 09:00 - 12:00 | Kellogg Middle School, 3400 SE 69th Ave, Portland, OR, 97206, United States
WHAT: Noggins @ Kellogg Middle School!
WHERE: Kellogg Middle School, 3400 SE 69th Ave, Portland, OR 97206
WHEN: Thursday, October 15th, 2026, 9:00am – noon
CONTACT: Brandan McClain, Social Sciences/Language Arts Teacher, Kellogg Middle School

Our first visit to Kellogg, home of the Cougars!

We’ll explore noggins, make art, and discuss student questions about brain research!

Please join us! Email griesar@pdx.edu and jleake@pdx.edu to learn more.
COMMITTED PARTICIPANTS
1. Bill Griesar, NW Noggin/PSU/OHSU
2. Jeff Leake, NW Noggin/PSU
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Noggins on the North Coast!
2026-10-20 - 2026-10-22 | Astoria, Oregon, Astoria, OR, 97103, United States
WHAT: Outreach collaboration with TRIO in Astoria area public schools
LEARN MORE ABOUT TRIO: Threshold through TRIO
WHERE: Complimentary housing at The Y Astoria, 514 12th Street, Astoria, OR, 97103
WHEN: Tuesday, October 20 – Thursday, October 22, 2026 (REQUIRED: ARRIVAL TUESDAY; OUTREACH VISITS WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY 8:00am – 3:00pm)
CONTACT: Lacey Guest, TRIO Program Coordinator

LIMITED OPPORTUNITY: Housing and meals provided.
Noggin volunteers will spend three days visiting public schools with brains and art in Clatsop County this February, with time to enjoy the dramatic North Coast of Oregon. Participants will stay at the beautiful Y in the heart of historic Astoria, Oregon, and enjoy meals from local breweries and restaurants!
LEARN MORE: Threshold through TRIO
COMMITTED VOLUNTEERS
1. Bill Griesar, NW Noggin/PSU/OHSU
2. Jeff Leake, NW Noggin/PSU
3. Emma Jerome, OHSU
4. Noah Milman, OHSU
5. Julie Bryant, PSU
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See what we’ve done in Clatsop County before!
Brain Cells Dance

Pre-K, Fish and Logger Lobes!

Signal from Noise on the Oregon Coast

Viking, Shark, Fishermen & Bandit Brains!

Clatsop Community Cortex

North Coast Noggins: Art, Alevins & Brains!

Accumbens in Astoria

Noggins @ Portland's King Elementary!
2026-10-27 08:00 - 14:30 | Martin Luther King School Portland, 4906 NE 6th Ave, Portland, OR, 97211, United States
WHAT: Noggin visit with K-5 students in Portland Public Schools!
WHERE: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. School, 4906 NE 6th Ave, Portland, OR 97211
WHEN: TUESDAY, October 27 , 2025, 8:00am – 2:45pm
There will be COFFEE, DONUTS and PIZZA provided by the school!!
CONTACT: Teresa Seidel, Principal, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School

“At Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. School, we believe in the unlimited potential of everyone in our diverse community. We believe that a caring well-balanced student will be motivated to become a global citizen who is inspired to take action.”

Noggin volunteers are excited to hear from K-5 students at this Northeast Portland public school in October! We’ll bring some extra noggins for exploring student questions and interests, and make more pipe cleaner brain cells too.

Please join us! Email griesar@pdx.edu and jleake@pdx.edu to learn more.
COMMITTED PARTICIPANTS
1. Bill Griesar, NW Noggin/PSU/OHSU
2. Jeff Leake, NW Noggin/PSU
3. Terra Andrews, PSU
4. Heather Haynie, PSU
5. Julie Bryant, PSU
6. Hunter Jess, PSU
7. Nancy Reyes Bolanos, PSU
8. Diane Aziagba, PSU
9. Jenny Davila Del Real, PSU
10. Noah Milman, OHSU
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See what we’ve done at King in the past!
Noggin @ King Elementary PDX!

A Hippocampal Halloween

King Cortex!

Noggins @ Jeff!
2026-11-06 08:00 - 12:00 | Jefferson High School
WHAT: Noggins @ Jefferson High School
WHERE: Jefferson High School, 5210 N Kerby St., Portland, OR 97217
WHEN: Friday, November 6th, 2026 from 8:00am – noon
CONTACT: Olive Altieri, Biology & Anatomy Teacher, Jefferson High School

We’re excited to return to Jeff this fall for more brains and art!

Please join us! Email griesar@pdx.edu and jleake@pdx.edu to learn more.
COMMITTED PARTICIPANTS
1. Bill Griesar, NW Noggin/PSU/OHSU
2. Jeff Leake, NW Noggin/PSU
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Noggin @ Leodis V. McDaniel High School
2026-11-13 08:30 - 12:00 | Leodis V. McDaniel High School, 2735 NE 82nd Ave, Portland, OR, 97220, United States
WHAT: Noggin visit with students at Leodis V. McDaniel High School
WHERE: Leodis V. McDaniel High School, 2735 NE 82nd Ave, Portland, OR 97220
WHEN: Friday, November 13, 2026, 8:30am – noon

Contact: Darshanpreet Gill, Biomedical Science Teacher
Please head to the school office upon arrival to check in.
We’ll meet with 10th, 11th & 12th grade students at this Portland Public school!
See what we did before at Leodis McDaniel
Missing limbs at McDaniel

Your Inner Worm Bin

COMMITTED PARTICIPANTS
1. Bill Griesar, PSU/OHSU/NW Noggin
2. Jeff Leake, PSU/NW Noggin
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Noggin @ Clackamas Education Service District!
2027-01-19 08:30 - 12:00 | Clackamas Education Service District, 13455 SE 97th Ave, Clackamas, OR, 97015, United States
WHAT: Noggin visit with educators at Clackamas Education Service District
WHERE: Clackamas Education Service District, 13455 SE 97th Ave, Clackamas, OR 97015
WHEN: Tuesday, January 19th, 8:30am – noon (breakfast and lunch included!)
CONTACT: Charlotte Gant, Early Literacy Specialist, Teaching and Learning, Clackamas ESD

An opportunity to meet with K-12 educators in Clackamas County to talk about learning and our brains, while demonstrating how community engagement, neuroscience research, noggins and art making benefit us all!

COMMITTED PARTICIPANTS
1. Bill Griesar, NW Noggin/PSU/OHSU
2. Jeff Leake, NW Noggin/PSU
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