NeuroCOM Newsletter

We welcomed PIs, graduate students, and lab technicians from the Neuroscience, Neurology and Psychiatry departments. Part of our goals are to build a stronger sense of community and find better ways to support neuroscientists at UTSW.

The committee sought feedback from the neuroscience community to implement transformative changes that benefit everyone. We are already planning our next social events and will send the details soon!

Special thanks to the Department of Neuroscience, who supplied the food and drinks.

More than 200 middle and high school students, plus teachers from Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD, Richardson ISD, Uplift Education, and Harmony Public Schools, attended the April 4 event that was held on UTSW’s North Campus. Our goal was to teach students about neuroscience research and associated careers.

Mayela Soto practices her skills using electrical signals on a robotic claw at the STARS Neuroscience Day as Daisy Morales looks on.

Program organizers include (from left) Nyjerus Liggans, Research Assistant with the Peter O’Donnell Jr. Brain Institute; Ms. Tam, STARS Associate Director; Helen Lai, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Neuroscience; and Ms. Jobbins.

During a tour of the Peter O’Donnell Jr. Brain Institute, students learned how scientists study sensory-motor behavior and disorders in mice from graduate student researcher Sarah Jobbins

Excerpts from the Center Times article

Save the Date!

 We are hosting the STARS Neuroscience Day again on

Sat 10/19/24

Outreach Opportunities

STARS is collaborating with SMU and Fred Grinnell to implement a non-competitive science fair at Irving High School for 100+ students. Volunteers are needed to virtually mentor groups of students on the process of science, project ideas, etc. Commitment is approximately 1 hr every 2 months. This is a great mentoring opportunity for grad students and postdocs to volunteer with an underserved district. If interested, please contact Lynn.Tam@utsouthwestern.edu.

Implicit Bias training - Coming this fall!

NeuroCOM Committee

Helen Lai

Nan Li

Nyjerus Liggans

Heidi Pak

Richa Pandey

Hume Stroud

Jon Terman

Yoheilly Velázquez