Community Engagement: Neurodevelopment and degeneration

Public engagement with science describes intentional, meaningful interactions that provide opportunities for mutual learning between scientists and members of the public. Mutual learning refers not just to the acquisition of knowledge, but also to increased familiarity with a breadth of perspectives, frames, and worldviews.

https://www.aaas.org/resources/communication-toolkit/what-public-engagement

Many of the recent projects students developed in our BIOL 431 Science and Society were designed to foster community and public engagement around neuroscience topics, specifically neurodevelopment and neurodegeneration. Below are some samples of some of the innovative projects:

• A pamphlet and community conversations about Accessible Tools for Mitigating the Complex Effects of Childhood Trauma
• Introduction to Neuroscience: the beginnings of a curriculum for use in Reed Science Outreach Program
• Example Blog for NEW: Neurogenesis Empowerment Workshop for cultivating brain health in underserved communities in schools, community centers, and churches
• Dementia caregiving and the brain: Seminars and support groups in an adult day care center
• Disguising Neurobiology as Therapy in an immigrant community in NJ
• Alzheimer’s disease: Engagement and Education for caregivers. The start of support groups for caregivers initiated in partnership with clinicians.
• Understanding neurodegeneration: connecting patients and scientists to bridge scientific and Hispanic communities