NW NOGGIN: Neuroscience outreach group (growing in networks)

Noggin @ Sunnyside!
2024-10-22 12:00 - 15:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Sunnyside Environmental School, 3421 SE Salmon St, Portland, OR, 97214, United States
WHAT: NW Noggin @ Sunnyside Environmental School
We did it! (while PSU goes around threatening to fire teachers 😬)

WHERE: Sunnyside Environmental School, 3421 SE Salmon St, Portland, OR 97214
WHEN: Tuesday, October 22, 12:45 – 3:15pm!

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
3. Gabe Guarin, PSU
4. Alyssa Showalter, PSU
5. Kayla Dagnino, PSU
6. Alex Heinrich, PSU
7. Maha Mukhtar, PSU
8. Jennifer Logan, PSU
9. Radhika Reddy, PSU
10. Jennie Terranova, PSU
11. Agatha Jaquiss, PSU
12. Becky Callos, PSU
13. Bradley Marxmiller, PSU/OHSU
See what we’ve done before!
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?

Noggin @ King Elementary PDX!
2024-10-31 08:00 - 14:45 (America/Los_Angeles) | 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!
We did it!

WHERE: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. School, 4906 NE 6th Ave, Portland, OR 97211
WHEN: THURSDAY, October 31 🎃, 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. Gabe Guarin, PSU
4. Alyssa Showalter, PSU
5. Kayla Dagnino, PSU
6. Alex Heinrich, PSU
7. Xander Hawkins, PSU
8. Maha Mukhtar, PSU
9. Pearl Ton, PSU
10. E Mondragon-Torres, PSU
11. Kirby Kahl, PSU
12. Hana Haley, PSU
13. Jennifer Logan, PSU
14. Ilyarah Motley, PSU
See what we’ve done at King in the past!
A Hippocampal Halloween

King Cortex!

Noggin @ Alberta Rider Elementary School
2024-11-07 08:00 - 12:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Alberta Rider Elementary School, 14850 SW 132nd Terrace, Tigard, OR, 97224, United States
WHAT: Noggin visit to Alberta Rider Elementary School
We did it!

“I want to extend my thanks for your visit to Alberta Rider last week. Students and staff have had amazing, positive things to say about their experience. I especially loved hearing the thoughtful questions students asked during the presentation and activity. I hope we can host you again next year so more of our students can enjoy this experience.”
— Casey Petrie, Principal, Alberta Rider School

Where do we get the brains from?
Do we have any football player brains up here? Are their brains different?
Are grown ups more boring?
Can you eat your own brain?
Do we have wires in our brain?
How do you make brain cells?
How big is a brain for kids, teens, and adults?
Can you live with your brain upside down in your head?
How do you know that that is what a neuron looks like?
What happens to your rods and cones if you are colorblind?

WHERE: Alberta Rider Elementary School, 14850 SW 132nd Terrace, Tigard, OR 97224

WHEN: Thursday, November 7, 8:00am – noon

Our first visit to this Tigard-Tualatin Public School!
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. Gabe Guarin, PSU
4. Alyssa Showalter, PSU
5. Kayla Dagnino, PSU
6. Maha Mukhtar, PSU
7. Jennifer Logan, PSU
8. Yasaman Farhand, PSU
9. Becky Callos, PSU
10. Angela Hendrix, NW Noggin

Noggin in Canby Schools!
2024-11-12 08:45 - 12:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Carus Elementary, 14412 S Carus Rd, Oregon City, OR, 97045, United States
WHAT: Noggin visit to Carus Elementary School
We did it!

“I want to thank you all for coming. It was absolutely amazing and the feedback I’ve gotten is incredible. The sixth grade teachers were ecstatic about how much your explanations and explorations aligned with their curriculum, and us fourth grade teachers got the chance to see our kids work with something new and different. Parents have already told me that their students came home wanting to be neuroscientists! You all made my day and my week. Thank you so much for coming!”
-Kim Kent, 4th Grade Teacher, Carus Elementary
WHERE: Carus Elementary, 14412 S Carus Rd, Oregon City, OR 97045
WHEN: Tuesday, November 12, 8:45am – noon

Our first visit to this Canby Public School!
9:00-9:50 6th grade class one
9:50-10:40 6th grade class two
10:45-11:50 both 4th grades
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. Natalie Robison, University of Washington
4. Alyssa Showalter, PSU
5. Kayla Dagnino, PSU
6. Maha Mukhtar, PSU
7. Jennifer Logan, PSU
8. Becky Callos, PSU

Noggin Benefit Night @ Fort George!!
2025-01-14 16:30 - 18:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Fort George Brewery, 1483 Duane St, Astoria, OR, 97103, United States
WHAT: Brains, art and a benefit for NW Noggin!
We did it!

WHERE: Fort George Brewery, 1483 Duane St, Astoria, OR 97103
WHEN: Tuesday, January 14; Noggin table (bring questions!) 4:30 – 6:30pm
(but 10% of Fort sales all day support all volunteer STEM + Art outreach!)

Noggin is thrilled and honored that the storied Fort George Brewery will dedicate a portion of sales from Tuesday, January 14th to our all volunteer interdisciplinary neuroscience nonprofit! THANK YOU FORT GEORGE!!!

COMMITTED VOLUNTEERS
1. Bill Griesar, NW Noggin/PSU/OHSU
2. Jeff Leake, NW Noggin/PSU
3. Bob Duehmig, OHSU
4. Sam Mutschler-Aldine, PSU
5. Allan Gaither, PSU
6. Noelle Wilcox, PSU
7.
8.

Noggin regularly collaborates with TRIO Clatsop, public school districts and other community partners in Astoria and surrounding communities to bring brains, art and undergraduates and graduate students studying neuroscience to classrooms, theaters, and the extraordinary Lovell Building at the Fort George!
See what we’ve done before on Oregon’s North Coast!
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

Noggin @ Oregon City High!
2025-01-16 10:30 - 14:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Oregon City High School, 19761 S Beavercreek Rd, Oregon City, OR, 97045, United States
WHAT: NW Noggin visit with high schoolers at Oregon City High School
We did it!

WHERE: Oregon City High School, 19761 S Beavercreek Rd, Oregon City, OR 97045
WHEN: Thursday, January 16, 10:30am – 2:00pm

Contact: Kelsey Scully, Science Teacher, Oregon City High School
We’ll join high school students studying science and anatomy in multiple classes at Oregon City High School to talk brain research, make art, and consider questions!

Come join us! Please contact Bill Griesar (griesar@pdx.edu) and Jeff Leake (jleake@pdx.com) to get involved.
COMMITTED PARTICIPANTS
1. Bill Griesar, NW Noggin/PSU/OHSU
2. Jeff Leake, NW Noggin/PSU
3. Allan Gaither, PSU
4. Emmali Luangrath, PSU
5. Willow Coughlan, PSU
6. Luis Carrillo, PSU
7. Omri Jones, PSU
8. Becky Callos, PSU
9. Iris Campos Servin, PSU
10. Richard Benson, PSU
11. Sydney Watson, PSU
12.
13.
14.
15.
LEARN MORE: NW Noggin visiting CAP Classes
Did school kill my brain?

Noggin @ Undergrad Research Opportunity Fair!
2025-01-17 13:00 - 15:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Smith Ballroom, Portland State University, Smith Center (3rd floor), 1825 SW Broadway, Portland, OR, 97201, United States
WHAT: Tabling event at the PSU Undergraduate Research Opportunity Fair!
WHERE: SMSU Ballroom @ Portland State University, 1825 SW Broadway, PDX, OR 97201
WHEN: Friday, January 17, 1:00 – 3:00pm (Includes LUNCH!)

JOIN US @ the NOGGIN TABLE – THERE’S LUNCH (and brains 😅)!

COMMITTED PARTICIPANTS
1. Bill Griesar, Noggin/PSU/OHSU
2. Jeff Leake, Noggin/PSU
3. Kadi Rae Smith, Interdisciplinary Neuroscience Association President, PSU
4. Conner Corbett, OHSU/PSU
5. Becky Callos, PSU
6. Roadie (Planet Earth)

Noggin @ Sacajawea Elementary!
2025-01-23 09:00 - 12:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
WHAT: NW Noggin @ Sacajawea Elementary School (Vancouver Public Schools)
We did it!!

◦ How fast do neurons work?
◦ What are neurons made of?
◦ Is ADHD in the brain?
◦ Do all brains look the same?
◦ Why does the (preserved) brain look like foam?
◦ So is there a tree in my head?
◦ Are brains like computer chips?
◦ What happens if we drop the specimens?
◦ Why are the brains in jars with fluid?
◦ How does the brain get all those curves?
◦ How did you get all the brains?
◦ If you hit your head, is your brain fixed so it won’t move?
WHERE: Sacajawea Elementary School, 700 NE 112th St, Vancouver, WA 98685
WHEN: Thursday, January 23, 2025, 9:00am – noon
Contact: Brenda Starr, Family‐Community Resource Coordinator, Sacajawea Elementary School; Carla Feltz, Family Engagement/Technical Assistance Coordinator, Vancouver Public Schools

Our Noggin volunteers will talk brains and make art with kindergarten through 5th graders in Vancouver Public Schools!

COMMITTED PARTICIPANTS
1. Bill Griesar, PSU/OHSU/NW Noggin
2. Jeff Leake, PSU/NW Noggin
3. Greyson Moore, PSU graduate
4. Emmali Luangrath, PSU
5. Willow Coughlan, PSU
6. Becky Callos, PSU
7. Omri Jones, PSU
8. Sam Mutschler-Aldine, PSU
9. Annabel Jensen, PSU
10.
11.
12.
See what we’ve done before at Sacagawea!
How many neurons in a dinosaur brain?

Noggin @ Fort Vancouver!
2025-01-31 08:30 - 15:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Fort Vancouver High School, 5700 E 18th St, Vancouver, WA, 98661, United States
WHAT: Noggin outreach at Fort Vancouver!
We did it!!

WHERE: Fort Vancouver High School, 5700 E 18th St, Vancouver, WA 98661
WHEN: Friday, January 31, 2025, 8:30am – 3:00pm

GREAT QUESTIONS!
What is numbness?
How does the Blood Brain Barrier work?
How do video games help your brain?
What is the oldest brain you have?
Do adult brains shrink?
How does pregnancy and parenthood affect the brain?
Are there things that eat your brain? Why do ‘brain eating amoeba’ live in warm water?
If cells in our body are constantly dividing then why is there dementia?
What is the dura mater?
Why do brains have ventricles?
What’s the coolest thing you’ve learned about the brain through research?
What’s your favorite psychological theory?
Is homosexuality dependent on the brain?
What causes headaches?
If there are no pain receptors in the brain why do we get headaches?
What happens if a brain gets split?
Why are people ticklish – but you can’t tickle yourself?

We are super-excited to return to Fort!
Last year Vancouver Public Schools changed their high school start times to a more reasonable 8:40am, based partly on neuroscience research presented in classrooms by Northwest Noggin outreach volunteers!
COME JOIN US!
Please email griesar@pdx.edu and jleake@pdx.edu to get involved 🙂
COMMITTED PARTICIPANTS
1. Bill Griesar, NW Noggin/PSU/OHSU
2. Jeff Leake, NW Noggin/PSU
3. Cassidy Rickel, PSU
4. Allan Gaither, PSU
5. Joseph McKinney, PSU
6. Willow Coughlan, PSU
7. Sydney Watson, PSU
8. Omri Jones, PSU
9. Becky Callos, PSU
10. Denesa Lockwood, NW Noggin/OHSU
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
We’ve visited Coreyanne Russell and James Cederstrom’s 9th through 12th grade classrooms on multiple occasions. More details are at the links!
Trapper Keeper!

Hey Vancouver: Let Kids Sleep!

Sleepy brains at Fort

Tired Trappers at Fort

Uploading your brain from Vancouver

Why do you study the brain?

Trap Squad!

Brains, biofeedback & SLEEP

Ventricles in Vancouver!

Oregon Youth Neuroscience Conference!
2025-02-02 15:00 - 16:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Beaverton City Library, 12375 SW 5th St, Beaverton, OR, 97005, United States
WHAT: Noggin presents @ Oregon Youth Neuroscience Conference
We did it!

WHERE: Beaverton City Library, 12375 SW 5th St, Beaverton, OR 97005
WHEN: Sunday, February 2, 2025, 3:00 – 4:30pm
Contacts: Aleksandra Vitruk and Ellie Brown

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. Noelle Wilcox, PSU
4. Cassidy Rickel, PSU
5. Allan Gaither, PSU
6. Sam Mutschler-Aldine, PSU
7. Noah Milman, OHSU
8. Emmali Luangrath, PSU
9. Sydney Watson, PSU
10. Omri Jones, PSU
11. Liam Hosse Mckenna, PSU
12. Becky Callos, PSU
13. Iris Campos Servin, PSU
14. Christiana Hunter, PSU
15. Kirby Kahl, PSU

We’ve joined students at OYNC before – learn more here!
Neuroscience for Oregon Youth!

Noggin @ Hosford!!
2025-02-06 09:00 - 13:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Hosford Middle School, 2303 SE 28th Pl, Portland, OR, 97214, United States
WHAT: Noggin at Hosford Middle School (Portland Public Schools)
We did it!
“Thanks again everyone. As always this was a wonderful experience. The students from past years were crazy excited when they found out you were in the building. You have a lasting impact.”
– Kevin Marquardt, Hosford Science, Portland Public Schools 💚

How does consciousness work?
Why do you like different things over time?
What’s the difference between depression and anxiety in the brain?
Do we have hair in the brain?
What causes phobias?
How do chimpanzee brains compare to humans?

Can you have an experience that will then cause depression? How does that happen in the brain?
What causes autism?
Why do I get paralyzed when falling asleep?
Where in the brain do I know where my body is, and how it feels?

How do brain farts work?
What happens to your brain when you die?
Can you ever truly accurately remember something?
Why do you forget your childhood?
What do we see when our eyes are closed?
What is a dream?
How many neurons do people have?
How can it be that your brain can see things that your eyes miss?
Why does the brain twist the reality of a memory?

If we all perceive things differently, how could we classify something as ‘wrong’?
What part of our brain asks questions?
If you recall something you learned and it gets distorted, is it the same?
Can we run out of information space in our brains?
How does your brain see when you are blind?
How does the brain keep so much information?
Are there different types of neurons for different parts of the brain?

WHERE: Hosford Middle School, 2303 SE 28th Pl, Portland, OR 97214
WHEN: Thursday, February 6, 9:00am – 1:00pm; meet at the school office
CONTACTS: Jane VanDam, Science teacher; Kevin Marquardt, Science teacher

We love Hosford!!
Noggin volunteers from Portland State University, OHSU and other area campuses will meet with students in Kevin Marquardt and Jane VanDam’s 6th grade classrooms at Hosford, introducing them to neuroscience research and art projects related to understanding the brain.

Come join us! Please contact Bill Griesar (griesar@pdx.edu) and Jeff Leake (jleake@pdx.com) to get involved.
COMMITTED PARTICIPANTS
1. Bill Griesar, NW Noggin/PSU/OHSU
2. Jeff Leake, NW Noggin/PSU
3. Noelle Wilcox, PSU
4. Allan Gaither, PSU
5. Emmali Luangrath, PSU
6. Willow Coughlan, PSU
7. Omri Jones, PSU
8. Becky Callos, PSU
9. Sydney Watson, PSU
10. Beckett Bruni, PSU
11. Sam Mutschler-Aldine, PSU
12.
13.
14.
15.
See what we’ve done at Hosford before!
Your Invisible Sixth Sense

KGW did a story!
Getting kids excited about neuroscience

Hosford, Hippocampi & Hope

Brains examining brains

Honest selves @ Hosford

Brains, Art & Inquiry @ Hosford

High energy Hosford: Tumors, music & drugs!

Noggin in Gaza!
2025-02-13 08:00 - 09:15 (America/Los_Angeles)
WHAT: Virtual Noggin + NeuroChem Lab visit with students in the Gaza Strip
We did it!
Noggins in Gaza

A tremendous THANKS to the young students in Gaza, whose questions about racing thoughts before bed, fight or flight panic, memory, sleep, development, autism, and the power of art to heal we’ll be thinking about for a long time.
WATCH THE EVENT
And thanks to everyone for joining us today and sharing your insights and knowledge of the brain! Abdulrahman I’m so glad you could join us – thank you for arranging such a wonderful opportunity. We are super-excited to return in March. We cannot wait to see the found object brain cells the students create – just loved how several were already crafting them in earnest while today’s session was underway 😅
So excited to return next month!!
WHERE: British International School, 9835+VGG, Aldahdooh Street, Tel Al Hawa, Gaza Strip VIA ZOOM (link available to participating volunteers)
WHEN: Thursday, February 13th from 8:00 – 9:15am Pacific (6:00 – 7:15pm in Gaza); with follow up virtual visit on Tuesday, March 4 from 8:00 – 9:15am

From Abdulrahman Abou Dahesh, a Fulbright Scholar and Neuroscience Graduate Student at University of Texas at Dallas, and the founder of Neurochem Lab: “We’ll visit BIS Gaza. Neurochem Lab has provided neuroscience programs for elementary and middle school students at BIS Gaza, and Noggins will join as guest hosts to facilitate their found object brain cells outreach project…”

LEARN MORE: Found Object Brain Cells
“Elementary and middle school students will attend. The audience will be Palestinian students either in Gaza or those who have evacuated to Egypt…Now that a ceasefire is in place, the children are hopeful, and are excited to get back to learning. Yet, the emotional impact of the war persists, and the neuroscience activities we will provide will hopefully support them.”

We’re excited to meet with students and hear what they already know about brains and brain cells from their previous visits with Abdulrahman! We’re going to introduce neurons and glia, both important cell types found in our brains, and explore how they link up into networks that let us see, hear, feel, understand and appreciate each other.

We’ll introduce the found object brain cell project, and we look forward to returning to the classroom on Tuesday, March 4, to see and hear about the cells that students create, and any stories behind the materials they chose.

Some research background on the war
LEARN MORE: UN Special Committee finds Israel’s warfare methods in Gaza consistent with genocide, including use of starvation as weapon of war
LEARN MORE: Israeli necropolitics and the pursuit of health justice in Palestine
LEARN MORE: Unbearable suffering: mental health consequences of the October 2023 Israeli military assault on the Gaza Strip
LEARN MORE: Civilian mortality and damage to medical facilities in Gaza
LEARN MORE: Israel’s Unfolding Crime of Genocide of the Palestinian People & U.S. Failure to Prevent and Complicity in Genocide
This is the current state of school buildings, after destruction by Israeli forces with U.S. investment and weaponry 💔. As the school and neighborhood are both destroyed, the students in Gaza will be joining us remotely from individual camps.

COMMITTED PARTICIPANTS
1. Bill Griesar, PSU/OHSU/NW Noggin
2. Jeff Leake, PSU/NW Noggin
3. Natalie Robison, UW
4. Salma Nassar, PSU/OHSU
5. Becky Callos, PSU
6. Allan Gaither, PSU
7. Angelique Allen, University of Oregon

Noggin @ Vancouver Flex Academy
2025-02-20 12:00 - 15:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Vancouver Flex Academy, 2901 General Anderson Ave #6181, Vancouver, 98661, United States
WHAT: Noggin visit with high school students @ Vancouver Flex Academy
We did it!!

WHERE: Vancouver Flex Academy, 2901 General Anderson Ave #6181, Vancouver, WA 98661
WHEN: Thursday, February 20, 2025, noon – 3:00pm
CONTACT: Angela Fojtik, Teacher

Our first visit to this innovative Vancouver Public School!
Students at Flex pursue their own unique applied learning experiences through experiential projects and activities. We’re excited to hear what they already know about brains and are interested in exploring further. And we’ll make some art!

And students have knowledge to share and questions for US:

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. Joe McKinney, PSU
4. Emmali Luangrath, PSU
5. Omri Jones, PSU
6. Becky Callos, PSU
7. Sydney Watson, PSU

Noggins in ASTORIA!
2025-02-25 - 2025-02-27
WHAT: Outreach collaboration with TRIO Clatsop in Astoria area public schools
We did it!!

“This week was incredible and we are so glad you all were able to come out to Astoria! Your impact is huge and I think the photos are evidence of this. Thank you all so much for sharing your time, knowledge, and passion with the students here. We appreciate you and hope to see you again in the fall!”
-Lacy Guest, College & Career Advisor, TRIO Program
WHERE: Complimentary housing at The Y, 514 12th Street, Astoria, OR, 97103
WHEN: Tuesday, February 25 – Thursday, February 27, 2025

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!

FULL SCHEDULE: NW Noggin Schedule 2025

DAY ONE: BUMBLE PRE-K AND LEWIS AND CLARK ELEMENTARY

“How do you think? Why is the brain bumpy? How does my leg move? If you don’t have that (myelin 👀) on the brain wires, does it go slower? I want to keep my own electricity ⚡️🤓”

DAY TWO: ASTORIA HIGH SCHOOL

COMMITTED VOLUNTEERS
1. Bill Griesar, NW Noggin/PSU/OHSU
2. Jeff Leake, NW Noggin/PSU
3. Annabel Jensen, PSU
4. Allan Gaither, PSU
5. Sam Mutschler-Adler, PSU
6. Noah Milman, OHSU
7. Becky Callos, PSU
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

NogginFest + Brain Fair!!!
2025-03-01 14:00 - 22:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Leaven Community Center, 5431 NE 20th Ave, Portland, OR, 97211, United States
WHAT: NogginFest PLUS Brain Fair!
We did it!!!
ALL BRAINS ON DECK!

WHERE: Leaven Community Center, 5431 NE 20th Ave, Portland, OR 97211
WHEN: Saturday, March 1, 2:00pm – 10:00pm (COME BY ANYTIME!)

WHAT IS NOGGINFEST?
Science, research, collaboration, empathy and art matter, and we aim to celebrate it all!
Make art! Enjoy music! Discover cutting edge research! Ask questions! Hold BRAINS! This is the largest student-run, accessible, FREE, all ages, public celebration of music, art, brain research and interdisciplinary neuroscience in the Pacific Northwest!
FEATURING!
Bonnie Nagel: Mental Health, development and Resilience
Matt Lattal: The Science of Severance
Tess Koerner: Auditory processing
Hannah Cunningham: Bonked your Noggin? How a dietary intervention can help sleep.
Nicholas Margolies: Graduate student talk about getting involved in research and overcoming challenges.
Anneliese Bishop-Perdue: engaging the public in marine research using STEAM

Last year OHSU killed their Brain Institute, which ended the annual Brain Fair at OMSI and the Society for Neuroscience Oregon/Southwest Washington Chapter Meeting each spring.

And of course we’re ALL under assault by spectacularly unqualified billionaires and felons, who intentionally sow chaos and division, and work to undermine evidence-based research, community safety and public health.
LEARN MORE: NIH slashes overhead payments for research, sparking outrage
LEARN MORE: Trump Abruptly Cancels Crucial Science Reviews at NIH, World’s Largest Public Funder of Biomedical Research
LEARN MORE: Trump Funding Freeze Could Set Disaster Recovery Back ‘for Years’
LEARN MORE: Trump’s Billionaire Cabinet Represents the Top 0.0001%
LEARN MORE: Trump’s disregard for US constitution ‘a blitzkrieg on the law’, legal experts say
So Northwest Noggin and the PSU Interdisciplinary Neuroscience Association/Neuro Club are stepping up for our EIGHTH annual NOGGINFEST! And this year we’re adding a BRAIN FAIR and a Society for Neuroscience Chapter Meeting, with MORE research speakers and research posters, MORE brains, MORE live music and MORE art!

LEARN MORE: NOGGINFEST
LEARN MORE: Noggin Brings Brains, Volunteers, Coffee and Pizza to Brain Fair 2024
Hold the date! More details coming soon 😃

Noggin in Gaza
2025-03-04 09:30 - 11:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
WHAT: Virtual Noggin + NeuroChem Lab visit with students in the Gaza Strip
We did it!!
Noggins in Gaza

WHERE: British International School, 9835+VGG, Aldahdooh Street, Tel Al Hawa, Gaza Strip VIA ZOOM (link available to participating volunteers)
WHEN: Tuesday, March 4th from 9:30 – 11:00am Pacific (7:30 – 9:00pm in Gaza); this is a follow up after our first virtual visit on Thursday, February 13

From Abdulrahman Abou Dahesh, a Fulbright Scholar and Neuroscience Graduate Student at University of Texas at Dallas, and the founder of Neurochem Lab: “We’ll visit BIS Gaza. Neurochem Lab has provided neuroscience programs for elementary and middle school students at BIS Gaza, and Noggins will join as guest hosts to facilitate their found object brain cells outreach project…”

LEARN MORE: Found Object Brain Cells
We’re excited to see and hear about the cells that students create, and any stories behind the materials they chose. What is the significance of the objects used?

“Elementary and middle school students will attend. The audience will be Palestinian students either in Gaza or those who have evacuated to Egypt…Now that a ceasefire is in place, the children are hopeful, and are excited to get back to learning. Yet, the emotional impact of the war persists, and the neuroscience activities we will provide will hopefully support them.”

Some research background on the war
LEARN MORE: UN Special Committee finds Israel’s warfare methods in Gaza consistent with genocide, including use of starvation as weapon of war
LEARN MORE: Israeli necropolitics and the pursuit of health justice in Palestine
LEARN MORE: Unbearable suffering: mental health consequences of the October 2023 Israeli military assault on the Gaza Strip
LEARN MORE: Civilian mortality and damage to medical facilities in Gaza
LEARN MORE: Israel’s Unfolding Crime of Genocide of the Palestinian People & U.S. Failure to Prevent and Complicity in Genocide

COMMITTED PARTICIPANTS
1. Bill Griesar, PSU/OHSU/NW Noggin
2. Jeff Leake, PSU/NW Noggin
3. Natalie Robison, UW
4. Salma Nassar, PSU/OHSU
5. Becky Callos, PSU
6. Denesa Lockwood, OHSU
7. Austin Schubert, OHSU
8. Angelique Allen, University of Oregon
9. Kadi Rae Smith, PSU

Noggin @ Ron Russell Middle School
2025-03-06 08:30 - 15:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Ron Russell Middle School, 3955 SE 112th Ave, Portland, OR, 97266, United States
WHAT: Noggin visit to Ron Russell Middle School
We did it!

Why is perception in our brain delayed by milliseconds?
Why do people have mental disorders?
How long does it take your brain to fully develop?
What parts of the brain does ADHD affect?

What is sleep paralysis?
What is sleep walking?
Do each of the brain cells do something different?
How does the brain work from when you wake up until midday?
Is it possible to be awake while sleep walking?
How can you sleep talk?
When it’s raining why do I get more sleepy?
How do you lucid dream?

Why do we get headaches?
Why do some people get cancer?
Why do some people need glasses?
What are learning disabilities?
What happens if you damage your cerebellum?
Why are there two sides of the brain?

WHERE: Ron Russell Middle School, 3955 SE 112th Ave, Portland, OR 97266
WHEN: Thursday, March 6, 2025, 8:30am – 3pm
CONTACT: Brennan Brockbank, Health & Science Coordinator, David Douglas School District

First Class: 8:44 -9:55
Second class: 10:09-11:20
LUNCH PROVIDED BY SCHOOL!
Third Class: 1:39 – 2:50

Please check in at the school office. We’ll meet students in the commons area (cafeteria).

Noggin volunteers from Portland State University, OHSU and other area campuses will meet with 6th and 8th graders in this David Douglas District public middle school, to explore neuroscience research and make art related to understanding our brains.

Come join us! Please contact Bill Griesar (griesar@pdx.edu) and Jeff Leake (jleake@pdx.com) to get involved.
COMMITTED PARTICIPANTS
1. Bill Griesar, NW Noggin/PSU/OHSU
2. Jeff Leake, NW Noggin/PSU
3. Sam Mutschler-Aldine, PSU
4. Greyson Moore, PSU
5. Cass Rickel, PSU
6. Sydney Watson, PSU
7. Omri Jones, PSU
8. Becky Callos, PSU
9. Beckett Bruni, PSU
10. Willow Coughlan, PSU
See what we’ve done before at Ron Russell!
When I Grow Up: Learning, Memory, and LTP

“That was so awesome! Thank you so much, our kids learned a ton and they really enjoyed meeting professional scientists!”
— Elizabeth Archodominion, Sixth Grade Science & Social Studies, Ron Russell Middle School

Inspiring Tomorrow’s Leaders in the Neuro Space
2025-03-11 11:00 - 12:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Zoom
WHAT: NW Noggin joins an educational webinar from the American Brain Coalition
WHERE: “Inspiring Tomorrow’s Leaders in the Neuro Space”; RSVP for access HERE
WHEN: Tuesday, March 11, 2025, 11:00am – noon (Pacific), 2:00 – 3:00pm (Eastern)

SLIDES (*.ppt): NW Noggin ABC Webinar 3_25
SLIDES (*.pdf): NW Noggin ABC Webinar 3_25

Noggin Presents: 2025 OPPA Conference
2025-03-15 13:00 - 14:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
WHAT: Bill Griesar of NW Noggin presents “Exploring the neuroscience of drug use disorders: Brains, policy and art” at the 2025 Oregon Psychiatric Physicians Association Spring CME Conference
WHERE: Online! Registration details here
WHEN: Saturday, March 15, 1:00 – 2:00pm Pacific

The session will cover the actions and effects of drugs, the nature and prevalence of drug use disorders, and the powerful role of environment and public policy in improving outcomes. Current neuroscience research as well as insights from extensive interdisciplinary community engagement in urban and rural K-12 schools, correctional facilities, houseless youth nonprofits and other public venues will be explored. Questions are welcome.

SLIDES (*.ppt): OPPA Spring 2025
SLIDES (*.pdf): OPPA Spring 2025
LEARN MORE: Substance use disorders: a comprehensive update of classification, epidemiology, neurobiology, clinical aspects, treatment and prevention

Noggin @ Benson!
2025-04-10 09:30 - 14:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Benson Polytechnic High School, 546 NE 12th Ave, Portland, OR, 97232, United States
WHAT: Noggin visit to Benson Polytechnic High School in Portland
We did it!!

WHERE: Benson Polytechnic High School, 546 NE 12th Ave, Portland, OR 97232
WHEN: Thursday, April 10, 9:30am – 2:00pm – GO TECH!
Contact: Heidemarie Goertzen, Benson MWH & PSY Dept (they will meet us at the school entrance)

We are excited (actively depolarized!) to visit Heide’s Psychology classroom at the gorgeously renovated Benson to discuss neuroscience research, examine specimens and create a little brain-related art!

The school is providing a picnic lunch (THANK YOU!!!)
COMMITTED PARTICIPANTS
1. Bill Griesar, PSU/OHSU/NW Noggin
2. Jeff Leake, PSU/OHSU/NW Noggin
3. Cassidy Rickel, PSU
4. Janani Romero, PSU
5. Becky Callos, PSU
6. Jalen Marcil, PSU
7. Cody Walker, PSU
8. Joe McKinney, PSU
9. Elizabeth Gomez, PSU
10. Andrea Kekahuna, PSU
11. Andy Ng, PSU
12. Hailey Larson, PSU
13. Jennifer Logan, PSU
14. Lauren Campbell, PSU
15. Maryfer Ortiz, PSU

Noggins @ Parkrose!
2025-04-17 08:00 - 14:45 (America/Los_Angeles) | Parkrose High School, 12003 NE Shaver Street, Portland, OR, 97220, United States
WHAT: NW Noggin at Parkrose High School
We did it!

“I want to extend my gratitude to you and your entire team with NW Noggin. This was an incredible presentation for the students at Parkrose High School and we would love to invite you back next year!…This was such an interesting presentation where neuroscience, art, and genuine student inquiry led to learning. Thank you…” -Craig Hume, Parkrose High School

WHERE: Parkrose High School, 12003 NE Shaver St, Portland, OR 97220
WHEN: Thursday, April 17, 2025, 8:00am – 2:45pm

We’ll meet with high school students during our first visit to this Parkrose Public school!
Come join us!

The school is providing coffee, breakfast, lunch and art materials for day of art making, brain learning and fun. Please email griesar@pdx.edu and jleake@pdx.edu to learn more.
COMMITTED PARTICIPANTS
1. Bill Griesar, PSU/OHSU/NW Noggin
2. Jeff Leake, PSU/NW Noggin
3. Pearl Ton, PSU
4. Cassidy Rickel, PSU
5. Janani Romero, PSU
6. Becky Callos, PSU
7. Cody Walker, PSU
8. Elizabeth Gomez, PSU
9. Andy Ng, PSU
10. Hailey Larson, PSU
11. Jennifer Logan, PSU
12. Maryfer Ortiz, PSU
13. Luis Carillo, PSU
14. Xander Hawkins, PSU
15. Dr. Aaron Eisen, OHSU

Noggins in Gaza!
2025-04-21 08:00 - 09:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Zoom
WHAT: Virtual Noggin + NeuroChem Lab visit with students in the Gaza Strip
We did it!!
Noggins in Gaza

Terrific and powerful questions
1. If someone with Alzheimers remembers something, does the memory come back?
2. What happens if we get hit on the back of the head, and you lose our memory?
3. How much time does your brain live after you die?
4. Is your mental and physical health equally important when trying to keep your brain healthy?
5. When we are experiencing intense stress and violence in our lives, is there anything we can do at an individual level to help protect and support our brain?
6. Can the brain continue to learn and develop throughout life?
7. Regarding brain diseases (cognitive decline), are people aware that they have lost something, or do they not know?
8. Do your brain cells work when you sleep?
9. If you are in a coma: do you feel anything around you? What happens when you wake up?

WHERE: British International School, 9835+VGG, Aldahdooh Street, Tel Al Hawa, Gaza Strip VIA ZOOM (link available to participating volunteers)
WHEN: Monday, April 21st from 8:00am – 9:30am Pacific (6:00 – 7:30pm in Gaza); this is a follow up after our previous virtual visits on Thursday, February 13 and Tuesday, March 4.

During our first two visits to BIS, we discussed compelling student questions about the brain, and introduced our found object brain cell project. We also shared some cells created by our Northwest Noggin volunteers.
Noggins in Gaza

LEARN MORE: Found Object Brain Cells
For this next visit the youth in Gaza will share their own brain cell creations, and we’ll learn about the objects used, and the significance and stories behind the objects chosen.

We are super excited to meet and learn with these wonderful young people again.

COMMITTED PARTICIPANTS
1. Bill Griesar, PSU/OHSU/NW Noggin
2. Jeff Leake, PSU/NW Noggin
3. Natalie Robison, UW
4. Salma Nassar, PSU/OHSU
5. Becky Callos, PSU
6. Hailey Larson, PSU
7. Austin Schubert, OHSU
8. Maryfer Ortiz, PSU
9. Kadi Rae Smith, PSU
10. Jennifer Logan, PSU
11. Cody Walker, PSU

Noggin @ Hudson's Bay!
2025-04-22 08:15 - 12:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Hudson’s Bay High School, 3528, 1601 E McLoughlin Blvd, Vancouver, WA, 98663, United States
WHAT: Noggin visit with students at Hudson’s Bay High School!
We did it!

1) Isn’t your brain supposed to be pink? Is everyone’s pink? Why are these brains grey?
2) Where did you get these brains?
3) Why are some veins blue?
4) What inspired you all to be a part of this project?
5) What happens to your brain when you go through withdrawals?
6) How do you know if you’re developing a brain tumor?
7) Are there microorganisms in your brain? (Like the gut micro biome?)
8) How does schizophrenia affect the brain?
Is there a way to produce less dopamine to treat schizophrenia?
9) Without dopamine, do people get depressed?
10) Do all women develop post partum depression? How does that affect the brain?

WHERE: Hudson’s Bay High School, 3528, 1601 E McLoughlin Blvd, Vancouver, WA 98663
WHEN: Tuesday, April 22, 8:15am – noon
CONTACT: Steven Jones, Biology/AVID Teacher, Hudson’s Bay High School

Our first visit to this Vancouver Public School!
COME JOIN US!
Please email griesar@pdx.edu and jleake@pdx.edu to get involved 🙂
COMMITTED PARTICIPANTS
1. Bill Griesar, NW Noggin/PSU/OHSU
2. Jeff Leake, NW Noggin/PSU
3. Janani Romero, PSU
4. Becky Callos, PSU
5. Cassidy Rickel, PSU
6. Cody Walker, PSU
7. Joe McKinney, PSU
8. Elizabeth Gomez, PSU
9. Hailey Larson, PSU
10. Jennifer Logan, PSU
11. Jalen Marcil, PSU
12. Maryfer Ortiz, PSU
13. Camden Love, PSU

Noggins @ New Year in the Park!
2025-04-26 08:30 - 14:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Glenhaven Park, 7900 NE Siskiyou St, Portland, OR, 97213, United States
WHAT: Noggin brains and art @ New Year in the Park 2025!
We did it!!

Hello Bill and Jeff,
I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to you and your WONDERFUL team for taking time out of your busy schedules to join us for the 2025 New Year In The Park festival! It sounds like your booth was a big hit – engaging, fun, and enjoyed by many!! Thank you as well for the fantastic photos!
We hope to see you all again in 2026 (April 25th😊)!!
Kind regards, Koy Saechao, NYP TRI-CHAIR
New Year in the Park Planning Committee

WHERE: Glenhaven Park, 7900 NE Siskiyou St, Portland, OR 97213; BOOTH 53
WHEN: Saturday, April 26, 8:30am (for set up) – 2:30pm!
CONTACT: Koy Saechao, New Year in the Park Planning Committee

Join us in celebrating one of the largest and most important cultural festivals in several Southeast Asian countries, right here in Portland, Oregon! Attendance is free and all ages are welcome!

New Year in the Park will showcase cultural dance and music performances, traditional games, cultural crafts and activities, and vendor booths with food and merchandise. The purpose of our cultural event is to highlight vibrant Southeast Asian communities in the greater Portland area.
COMMITTED PARTICIPANTS
1. Bill Griesar, NW Noggin/PSU/OHSU
2. Becky Callos, PSU
3. Jalen Marcil, PSU
4. Joe McKinney, PSU
5. Elizabeth Gomez, PSU
6. Jennifer Logan, PSU
7. Madeleine Limon, PSU
8. Owen Wogmon, Brown University
9. Emmali Luangrath, PSU
10. Jasmine Loeung, OHSU/PSU
11. Gabe Guarin, PSU
12. Liam Hosse McKenna, PSU
13. Maryfer Ortiz, PSU

Noggin @ MacLaren!
2025-05-09 13:30 - 17:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | MacLaren Youth Correctional Facility, 2630 N Pacific Hwy, Woodburn, 97071, United States
WHAT: Noggin visit to MacClaren Youth Correctional Facility
We did it!!

WHERE: MacClaren Youth Correctional Facility, 2630 N Pacific Highway, Woodburn, OR 97071; go first to the Gatehouse to check in.
WHEN: FRIDAY, MAY 9, 2024, 1:30 – 5:00pm
1:30-2:00pm – Check in Gatehouse/ Set UP
2:30-3:30 – Pooch Noggin
3:30- 4:00 – Lunch Provided (Subway)
4:00-5:00 – Unit Presentation Noggin/AMP
***IMPORTANT: PLEASE ARRIVE AT 1:30pm!! ***NO cellphones/cameras allowed.
Contact: Vanessa Bucio Chavez, Project Coordinator, 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.

We are VERY pumped to collaborate on this visit with the Artist Mentorship Program, an incredible nonprofit that for three decades has worked to empower young individuals, many without access to safe and secure housing, through music, mentorship and art. We’re also thrilled to reconnect with Project Pooch, an inspiring program that teaches dog training and rehabilitation to MacLaren youth!
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) (FULL)
1. Bill Griesar, NW Noggin/PSU/OHSU
2. Will Kendall. Artist Mentorship Program
3. Janani Romero, PSU
4. Watson Kendall, Artist Mentorship Program
5. Sarah Vaillancourt, Artist Mentorship Program
6. Justin Thompson, Artist Mentorship Program
7. Cassidy Rickel, PSU
8. Jalen Marcil, PSU
9. Cody Walker, PSU
10. Joseph McKinney, PSU

Noggin @ SW Oregon Economic Summit
2025-05-14 09:00 - 12:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Seven Feathers Casino Resort, 146 Chief Miwaleta Ln, Canyonville, OR, 97417, United States
WHAT: Noggin presents @ SW Oregon Economic Summit
We did it!!

WHERE: Seven Feathers Casino Resort, 146 Chief Miwaleta Ln, Canyonville, OR 97417
WHEN: Wednesday, May 14, 10:00am – noon

NW NOGGIN PRESENTS: Brains, art and economic development – and the value of changing social and brain networks through going places, art making and listening to and including youth.

The Umpqua Economic Development Partnership is partnering with business leaders, policymakers, and community stakeholders from Douglas, Coos, Curry, Jackson, and Josephine Counties to address critical economic challenges and the opportunities that exist as we look into the future. The Southwestern Oregon Economic Summit spans three days of tours, panels, speakers, inventive activities, and networking with the goal of providing leadership, direction, and knowledge for what is next for Southwestern Oregon.
The Summit begins with tours in three counties on May 13, 2025. The tours offer exclusive behind-the-scenes access to transformative sites in Coos, Douglas, and Josephine Counties, followed by a dynamic two-day conference May 14 and 15 at Seven Feathers Casino Resort in Canyonville, Oregon. Attendees will include decision-makers and thought leaders eager to engage with organizations committed to shaping the future of our region all with an eye on “Preparing Southwestern Oregon’s Economy for the Future.”

COMMITTED PARTICIPANTS
1. Bill Griesar, NW Noggin/PSU/OHSU
2. Jeff Leake, NW Noggin/PSU
3. Sydney Watson, PSU; Check out Sydney’s post: To Bounce Or Not To Bounce
4. Willow Coughlan, PSU; Check out Willow’s post: Is There Room Enough?

SLIDES (*.ppt):
SLIDES (*.pdf): SW OR Econ Summit MAY 2025

Noggin @ David Douglas!
2025-05-30 09:00 - 14:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | 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!

1. Why are yawns contagious?
2. Do animals with less social tendencies have similar mirror neurons as animals who are more social?
3. What causes deja vu in the brain?
4. Do identical twins have similar brain anatomy?
5. Do different animals have different colored brains?
6. Crows and their draw to shiny things to adorn their nests. What is it that makes us drawn to different things to adorn our spaces? Why are we drawn to certain styles more than others?
7. What is the difference between western psychology and Japanese psychology?
8. What is the connection between memory and sleep?
9. Why are western thinkers from universities so often emphasized when, for example, there were incredible scientists from Persia over 1000 years ago (for example: How Islam changed medicine)
10. What is color psychology? How is it researched?
11. How would one describe color to a blind person (born without sight)? Does color psychology still apply?
12. What colors make you feel more happy?
13. What is the most challenging aspect of reintegrating a formerly incarcerated person to mainstream society? What are the barriers?
14. What made you major in psychology?
15. Regarding the science of mental health and nature…how do they relate?
16. What is your favorite part of the brain?

WHERE: David Douglas High School, South Building Board Room, 1500 SE 130th, Portland, OR 97233; Please park in the lot off 130th; enter the doors that face 130th. The secretary will buzz people in and direct them to the board room.
WHEN: FRIDAY, MAY 30, 2025, 9:00am – 2:30pm
Contact: Heather Murdock, Social Studies/Psychology Teacher, David Douglas High School

We are excited – even depolarized! – to return to 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. Janani Romero, PSU
3. Becky Callos, PSU
4. Jalen Marcil, PSU
5. Cody Walker, PSU
6. Joe McKinney, PSU
7. Elizabeth Gomez, PSU
8. Jennifer Logan, PSU
9. Maryfer Ortiz, PSU
10. Luis Carillo, PSU
11. Madeleine Limon, PSU
12. Jasmine Loeung, OHSU/PSU
13. Debra Wilde, PSU
14. Cass Rickel, PSU
15. Betty Canoso, PSU
16. Courtney Paden, PSU
17. Nyah Hawley, PSU
18. Annie O’Neill, PSU
See what we’ve done before @ David Douglas!
Noggin @ David Douglas High!

Thank you for letting us touch your brains

Inspiration & Education!

Everything but guns

Noggins in the UK!
2025-06-20 10:00 - 12:00 (Europe/London) | Kennaway House, Coburg Road, Sidmouth, Devon, EX10 8NG, United Kingdom
WHAT: “What’s in your noggin? Cells, art and stories of your brain!” @ Café Scientifique
We did it!!

WHERE: Kennaway House (Cellar Bar), Coburg Road Sidmouth EX10 8NG, England
WHEN: Friday, June 20, 10:00am – noon GMT

Northwest Noggin crafts beautiful brain cells from pipe-cleaners and found objects and engage a range of visual arts to explore the brain and its function.

LEARN MORE: Northwest Noggin art and brain outreach
LEARN MORE: Northwest Noggin neuroscience art projects
LEARN MORE: Reconnecting Our Brains, One Cell at a Time
LEARN MORE: Lobes in LONDON
Please join Dr. Bill Griesar and artist Jeff Leake from Portland State University’s Interdisciplinary Neuroscience minor program for a “knowing through making” event!

Build your own brain cells while exploring what they do and the fascinating history of their discovery based on the book “The Story of the Brain in 10 1/2 cells” by King’s College London neuroscientist Dr. Richard Wingate.

MORE FOUND OBJECT BRAIN CELLS!
PRINT SLIDES!

SLIDES (*.ppt): Sidmouth Science 2025
SLIDES (*.pdf): Sidmouth Science 2025

Noggins @ Sunnyside!
2025-10-09 13:00 - 15:15 (America/Los_Angeles) | Sunnyside Environmental School, 3421 SE Salmon St, Portland, OR, 97214, United States
WHAT: NW Noggin @ Sunnyside Environmental School
We did it!

“Thank you to everyone who helped make this happen. My kids immediately started talking to their parents about it at pick-up yesterday. You helped create learning and memories that will last a lifetime. Have a great weekend!” -Jeremy Thomas, 4th Grade Teacher, Sunnyside School

Why/How do we dream?
Why do we stay still when sleeping?
How does lucid dreaming happen?
Can neurons be different sizes?

Why does the brain exist?
How do we learn?
What do different part of the brain do?
Is the brain one of the most important body parts? Can we live without it?

WHERE: Sunnyside Environmental School, 3421 SE Salmon St, Portland, OR 97214
WHEN: Thursday, October 9, 1:00pm – 3:15pm!
Contacts: Asa Gervich & Jeremy Thomas, 4th Grade Teachers, Sunnyside School

We are thrilled to return to Jeremy and Asa’s lively classrooms this fall!
From 4th grade teacher Jeremy Thomas: “We’re looking forward to our time with you. The kids will have some background on the main parts of the brain, neurons, and neuroplasticity by the time you arrive. My class has been talking a lot about neuroplasticity and how we learn/get better at things. Asa and I also tossed around the idea of learning about how a sense of community/belonging supports our brain health (we’ve had a big focus on community and pro-social skills this year ;)”
Attached is a list of ideas and questions about the brain from my class (sorry, you might have to zoom in):

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
3. Vivi Sierra, PSU
4. Allison Ellingson, OHSU
5. Ana Borders, PSU
6. Jessica Vilaysanh, PSU
7. Ginger Lee Owens, PSU
8. Hana Haley, PSU
9. Emma Jerome, OHSU
10. Becky Callos, PSU
11. Dasha Gernega, PSU
12. Jasmine Win, PSU

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?

Noggin @ Grant!
2025-10-16 08:00 - 12:20 (America/Los_Angeles) | Grant High School, 2245 NE 36th Ave, Portland, OR, 97212, United States
WHAT: NW Noggin visit with students at Grant High School
We did it!

WHERE: Grant High School, 2245 NE 36th Ave, Portland, OR 97212
WHEN: Thursday, October 16, 8:00am – 12:20pm
CONTACTS: Keina N. Ga, Red Cross Club @ Grant; Ms. Sorcinelli, Anatomy and Physiology; Mr. Burmester, Biomedical Sciences/Medical Interventions/Red Cross Club Advisor.

Our first visit to the Portland Public School!
We are excited – even depolarized! – to join classrooms at David Douglas to discuss neuroscience research, examine brains and make art!

What are you curious about when it comes to the brain or how it works?
like genuinely everything, but some more specific ones would be how memory works, why the brain sometimes does stuff that is actively bad for it, why the brain rationalizes bad ideas.
Information on the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, as well as on reaction time. Also the degradation of neural functioning with age.
I’m curious if the number of “bumps” on your brain really has to do with intelligence or knowledge.
I am curios on how the brain is formed and how our brains differ from others.
How our conscious minds differ from our unconscious minds.
How we learn things so that they become “muscle memory”
What makes people think differently than each other?
Why do humans have like the most complex thoughts.
I wonder how it works for different people.
How do the parts of the brain communicate
Just how each part does each thing
everything 😅
JOIN US! For more information please contact griesar@pdx.edu and jleake@pdx.edu :)
COMMITTED PARTICIPANTS
1. Bill Griesar, PSU/OHSU/NW Noggin
2. Jeff Leake, PSU/OHSU/NW Noggin
3. Kirby Kahl, PSU
4. Vivi Sierra, PSU
5. Ana Borders, PSU
6. Jessica Vilaysanh, PSU
7. Ginger Lee Owens, PSU
8. Calista Lattal, Grant High School
9. Matt Lattal, OHSU
10. Becky Callos, PSU
11. Dasha Gernega, PSU
12. Chelle Parks, PSU
13. Becky Martinez, PSU
14. Andi Licht, PSU
15. Gabe Guarin, PSU
