Outreach and Extracurricular Activities
Farthest North chapter of the Society for Neuroscience
The Society for Neuroscience is the world’s largest organization of scientists and
physicians devoted to understanding the brain and nervous system. The nonprofit organization,
founded in 1969, now has nearly 42,000 members in more than 90 countries and 130 chapters
worldwide
SfN's mission is to:
- Advance the understanding of the brain and the nervous system by bringing together scientists of diverse backgrounds, by facilitating the integration of research directed at all levels of biological organization, and by encouraging translational research and the application of new scientific knowledge to develop improved disease treatments and cures.
- Provide professional development activities, information, and educational resources for neuroscientists at all stages of their careers, including undergraduates, graduates, and postdoctoral fellows, and increase participation of scientists from a diversity of cultural and ethnic backgrounds.
- Promote public information and general education about the nature of scientific discovery and the results and implications of the latest neuroscience research. Support active and continuing discussions on ethical issues relating to the conduct and outcomes of neuroscience research.
- Inform legislators and other policymakers about new scientific knowledge and recent developments in neuroscience research and their implications for public policy, societal benefit, and continued scientific progress.
Contact mbharris@alaska.edu for more information
Brain Awareness Week
Zombie Physiology
Abstract from Poster by M. B. Harris entitled Nontraditional Case-Based Instruction in Physiology: Deconstructing the Cryptophysicology of Zombies [future link to poster]
Modern teaching in physiology is greatly enhanced by case-based instruction. It is challenging, however, to select cases that engage a wide audience. Without invoking the supernatural, general physiological principles are well illustrated by considering phenomena which could underlie the zombie state. Such treatments also include opportunities to formulate and test hypotheses, design experiments and interpret data to draw conclusions related to the physiology behind depictions of zombie behavior. Here I illustrate an exercise considering effective strategies of zombie defense which incorporates consideration of basic principles of metabolism, as well as respiratory and cardiovascular physiology. Such an exercise provides an opportunity to develop skills in analytical thinking and reflective judgement, and engages students interested in self preservation during the coming zombie apocalypse.
Additional Resources
Harris, 2011. Zombie Hibernation
Schlozman, 2011. The Zombie Autopsies, Secret Notebooks from the Apocalypse
Neuroscience Writing Club for Student Researchers
This club is a flexible student group oriented towards writing and peer editing scientific writing. It can be very helpful to read others and have your own manuscripts, grant applications, poster or other presentations reviewed by peers as a preliminary drafting step. Writing club meets biweekly during the normal school year.
See neuroscience calendar for details.
Yoga for Brains
Meets MW 5:30-6:30pm and F 8:00-9:00am in Murie 301
See neuroscience calendar for more information