CONNECTOME MISSION
The Connectome Project is dedicated to fostering diversity and building a sense of community in the fields of neuroscience and psychology. Our primary objective is to connect students with professionals from diverse backgrounds and locations around the world. As a team, we actively seek out professionals who are passionate about forging connections and imparting knowledge to students in these rapidly evolving disciplines. Just as the brain relies on interconnected neural circuits, our goal is to enhance the global network of enthusiastic individuals passionate about neuroscience!
MEET THE CONNECTOME PROJECT
SPRING 2023 TEAM
CHAIR:
Mariel Lansangan
MEMBERS:
Samantha Samlal
Naila Anindya Rusdi
Nouran Rashad
Xinxin Zhu
Sophia Zheng
Kelly Kim
Rajshri B
Maadhavan Ganesh Iyer
Ritika Parsa
BRANCHES
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Synaptic Connections: Mentorship Program
Our mentorship program offers a virtual experience that pairs groups of students with professionals in the fields of neuroscience and psychology for a six-month rotation. This program provides students with an immersive opportunity to gain firsthand insights into their desired career paths, including access to continued education resources, current research articles, and a glimpse into the daily lives of professionals. To facilitate a personalized experience, students are divided into small groups consisting of four to five students per mentor. These groups meet twice a month throughout the duration of the six-month rotation.
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Neuroscience Coffee Talk Sessions
Introducing our Neuroscience Coffee Talk Sessions, a distinct facet of our mentorship program that offers students an exclusive opportunity. Throughout the year, selected students will have the chance to participate in group sessions with professionals. These engaging coffee sessions provide a platform for professionals to discuss their passions, exchange ideas, and educate students while enjoying a cup of coffee or tea of their choice. The professionals will delve into the significance of their field and provide valuable insights. Applications for these sessions are released periodically throughout the year, allowing students to seize the chance to participate in this unique experience.
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Neuroscience and Psychology Opportunities
The field of Neuroscience and Psychology is continuously evolving, offering a plethora of opportunities for students worldwide. We have curated a comprehensive list of current opportunities available, catering to students of all ages. These opportunities encompass a diverse range of options, including virtual classes and in-person experiences. Regardless of your background or current stage of education, it is never too late to delve into the fascinating realms of neuroscience and psychology. Embrace the chance to learn and grow in these fields at any point in your journey.
Interested in seeing what it means to be a team member!
Connectome Project Team Spring 2023 Accomplishments
As a valued member of our team, you have the opportunity to enhance your leadership skills, gain valuable insights into the Neuroscience Foundation Community, and establish yourself as a prominent individual at the forefront of the Neuroscience Community. By joining us, you will engage in activities and initiatives that foster personal and professional growth, allowing you to develop and showcase your leadership abilities. Moreover, you will have the chance to connect with like-minded individuals, share ideas, and contribute to the vibrant Neuroscience community. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the field and forge a path towards new discoveries and advancements.
Read about each of our partners below and think about who has the experiences you are looking to learn about.
Consider
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Ask questions, seek opportunities, arrange meetings, and engage with your mentor. There's no stopping you now!
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Consult
Send us an email and we'll get you connected! Assess if they are the right fit for you and learn about how they can help you!
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Connect
MEET OUR
NEUROPROFESSIONALS
Explore the remarkable professionals who serve as inspirations for students venturing into the captivating realms of neuroscience and psychology! These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields and possess the expertise and passion that ignite the curiosity and drive of aspiring students. They serve as beacons of knowledge and innovation, paving the way for groundbreaking discoveries and advancements. By delving deeper into the lives and accomplishments of these inspiring professionals, students can gain valuable insights and forge their own paths towards success in neuroscience and psychology.
Monica M. Gaudier-Diaz
Ph.D. Neuroscience, UNC Chapel Hill Professor
Recognizing that environmental circumstances can influence biological and psychological processes has greatly influenced my teaching philosophy. In the classroom, I strive to contage students with my excitement towards neuroscience, create a safe (i.e., inclusive, welcoming and supportive) space for learning, and promote higher-order thinking in my students. Moreover, as a hispanic neuroscientist, I aim to inspire and empower students from underrepresented backgrounds to advance in the field and pursue their dreams.
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Recognizing that environmental circumstances can influence biological and psychological processes has greatly influenced my teaching philosophy. In the classroom, I strive to contage students with my excitement towards neuroscience, create a safe (i.e., inclusive, welcoming and supportive) space for learning, and promote higher-order thinking in my students. Moreover, as a hispanic neuroscientist, I aim to inspire and empower students from underrepresented backgrounds to advance in the field and pursue their dreams.
Alexander J. Schupper
M.D., Neurosurgery Resident
It’s a privilege and the greatest responsibility to be able to take care of the most fragile patients with diseases and disorders of the nervous system.
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Luke D. Tomcyz
M.D. FAANS
Epilepsy surgery is one of the most underutilized procedures in modern medicine. Offering this safe and effective intervention to patients suffering from drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) has become the passion and focus of my neurosurgical career. I am inspired by the bravery and fortitude of my patients, and honored to guide them through this journey of healing.
Shubhangi Agrawal
Clinical Psychologist
Neurosurgery and Neurosciences have been a great part of my life for several years now. The ever growing knowledge and yet the huge gap for new discoveries and advancements is simply too enchanting to be left apart. In my personal experience, some of the best moments come from the direct application of the whole neuroscience concepts within the surgery itself, such as the awake neuromonitoring during brain resection, or the deep brain mapping during functional neurosurgery. In the end of the day, watching and helping people recover their neurological functions and improve their quality of life after a major event such as cancer or trauma is the best feeling you can get.
Tulsi Shah
Doctor of Medicine (MD), Neurology
One exciting patient encounter that I saw as a medical student that I remember is of a patient with Parkinson's Disease who had a fairly debilitating tremor on his right side, to the point that it was affecting his job and home environment. He had undergone a surgery for DBS placement and I was in clinic the day the neurologist was going to turn it on and program it. Seeing the DBS get programmed and the patient's tremor go away was one of the most miraculous things I had ever witnessed. Simply put, I witnessed a patient's life completely change with my very own eyes. It was such a raw and emotional moment and definitely a patient encounter that inspired me to be a neurologist.
Daniel T. Nagasawa
Neurosurgeon
Never let a test score, a two-or three-digit number, dictate the rest of your life. Find your passion and go do it.
Annie Palermo,
PT, DPT, PhD
Annie Palermo, PT, DPT, PhD (she/her) is a Physical Therapist and researcher aiming to evidence-based neurological rehabilitation practices in the field of spinal cord injury. Her research focuses on providing clinicians and individuals with lived experience of neurological conditions an opportunity to focus on and enhance the abilities of the person to improve overall wellness and function.
Randy D'Amico
Director of Neurosurgery at Northwell Health & Neuro-Oncology
Epilepsy surgery is one of the most underutilized procedures in modern medicine. Offering this safe and effective intervention to patients suffering from drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) has become the passion and focus of my neurosurgical career. I am inspired by the bravery and fortitude of my patients, and honored to guide them through this journey of healing.
Lietsel Richardson
M.S., Mechanical Engineering, Ph.D. Student
My favorite neuron fun fact is that myelinated neurons have conduction velocities up to 120 m/s! That's like the length of a football field in a minute (I think)! Our brains are the final frontier in science and I enjoy embarking on a journey to understanding how our nervous systems function.
Caesar Cimonari De Almeida
M.D. - FMUSP - Brazil,
PhD. Student - Neuroscience
Neurosurgery and Neurosciences have been a great part of my life for several years now. The ever growing knowledge and yet the huge gap for new discoveries and advancements is simply too enchanting to be left apart. In my personal experience, some of the best moments come from the direct application of the whole neuroscience concepts within the surgery itself, such as the awake neuromonitoring during brain resection, or the deep brain mapping during functional neurosurgery. In the end of the day, watching and helping people recover their neurological functions and improve their quality of life after a major event such as cancer or trauma is the best feeling you can get.
Chiettha Prajnadewie
BAdvSci(Hons)/BA
PhD Student
Chiettha completed her Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours)/Arts in Neuroscience and Advanced Japanese Studies. Her Honours research focused on the use of a microfluidic device to model the relationship between microglia and neurons of the central and peripheral nervous systems and their roles in neuropathic pain. Currently, she is undertaking her PhD candidature in the field of spinal cord injury, with a focus on developing interventions to assist respiratory physiology and autonomic function after injury to the spinal network.
Jodi Parslow
PhD Molecular Neuroscience
Epilepsy surgery is one of the most underutilized procedures in modern medicine. Offering this safe and effective intervention to patients suffering from drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) has become the passion and focus of my neurosurgical career. I am inspired by the bravery and fortitude of my patients, and honored to guide them through this journey of healing.