Where is NW Noggin?
NW Noggin is a locally sourced, 501(c)(3) ALL-VOLUNTEER shoestring nonprofit organization. Your tax-deductible contribution supports the purchase of sheep brains, pipe cleaners, electrodes and clay for innovative, arts-integrated outreach, and helps send volunteers from local universities (including Portland State University, OHSU, and other area institutions) to public school classrooms, conferences and free community events.
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NW Noggin: Art + Brains
Brains, Art & Inquiry @ Hosford
NogginFest 2024!!!
More Bonny Brains
Join us in Chile in *2027*!
In 2027 we'll return to Valparaíso, Chile, home of the Humboldt squid! 🦑⚡️🧠🎨😃 Just like in 2025, and 2023, we'll explore how neurons carry information, and how research in Chile (involving the squid’s giant fused axons) informed our understanding of the electrical signaling that links our experiences to the world. We’ll visit laboratories to examine the rich history and exciting present of brain research, make art (including arpilleras, woven depictions of events that help people express challenging memories and preserve them for accountability), and contribute to community engagement with Ciencia al Tiro, a local STEAM (STEM + Arts) outreach nonprofit. LEARN MORE: LAS NEURONAS SON BACANES. LEARN MORE: Arte y Cerebros en Chile LEARN MORE: ARTS & BRAINS IN CHILE
Drop the Beat
Post by Cassidy Rickel, an undergraduate pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and an Interdisciplinary Neuroscience minor at Portland State University. How EDM moves the mind, body, and brain In Amsterdam on King’s Day, the entire city turns orange. Streets overflow with energy as people dance on boats in the…
Can you spot a psychopath by looking at their brain?
Post and illustrations by Janani Romero, an undergraduate currently pursuing a Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology and the pre-professional Physicians Assistant program track, along with a minor in Interdisciplinary Neuroscience at Portland State University. Where it all started… It happened at a neuroscience outreach event at Benson High School. A…
Why are our brains so wrinkly?
Post by Elizabeth Gomez, a senior at Portland State University set to graduate this June and earn a bachelors degree in Psychology and a minor in Interdisciplinary Neuroscience. Elizabeth is starting a Clinical Psychology masters program this fall at Pacific University. She ultimately wants to earn a Ph.D. and become…
Maybe Mom Was Right
Post and illustrations by Cody Walker, a junior at Portland State University pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Interdisciplinary Neuroscience. Cody is a member of the Portland State University Honors College and graduates in spring of 2026. Honoring moms and mom-like figures Today, the day…
Música y Mente: Entre la Neurociencia y la Identidad
Post by Maryfer Ortiz, an undergraduate pursuing a B.S in Psychology and an Interdisciplinary Neuroscience minor at Portland State University. Maryfer spent last summer interning for PSU’s Aphasia Lab and began participating with NW Noggin this spring. Music is one of the most important things in my life. Growing up…
Roots in Research
Bayler Brundage is an undergraduate at Portland State University, majoring in Psychology with a minor in Interdisciplinary Neuroscience and a certificate in Communication Sciences and Disorders. She is a Research Assistant in the RAICES Lab, directed by Dr. Susana Beltrán-Grimm. Bayler plays golf for the Portland State Women’s Golf Team…
Bagpiper of the Brain
Post by Joseph McKinney, senior undergraduate at Portland State University, finishing his Bachelor of Science in Science, with minors in Interdisciplinary Neuroscience, Biology, and Philosophy. During my Winter and Spring terms at PSU, I got to join NWNoggin on some of their neuroscience and art outreach visits to different public…
Rush Hour in the Mind
Post by Jalen Marcil, an undergraduate pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Public Health Studies: Pre-Clinical Health Sciences and a pre-professional track in Pre-Medicine, with minors in Aging Services and Interdisciplinary Neuroscience at Portland State University. This spring I participated in outreach with Northwest Noggin, and visited different high schools…
Dendrites and Dollars
Post by Josie Borden, Senior in the University Honors College at Portland State University, majoring in Psychology with minors in both Interdisciplinary Neuroscience and Spanish Language. The Rosenbaum Service Leadership Scholars Program In my third year at PSU, I joined a cohort of students in the University Honors College in…
Burned into Memory
Post by Hailey Larson, junior undergraduate at Portland State University, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Psychology, with a minor in Interdisciplinary Neuroscience. Hailey is currently going through the process of becoming a United States Marine Corps Officer. This spring, I participated in outreach at both Portland and Vancouver public schools…
What is outreach like?
“I’ve learned that you shouldn’t go through life with a catcher’s mitt on both hands. You need to be able to throw something back.” ―Maya Angelou
Our Northwest Noggin undergraduate and graduate outreach volunteers are enthusiastic and informed, and regularly let knowledge serve by going places, making art, exploring brain research, sharing stories and listening to community questions and interests in urban and rural K-12 public schools, coffee shops, museums, correctional facilities, houseless youth nonprofits, research conferences, Congress and more! LEARN MORE @ What is outreach like?.