BrainE Hour (Boosting Research Area Interactions in Neuroscience Engagement Hour) Activity Report and Budget—Fall 2021

MISSION: The purpose of this organization is to bring together graduate students conducting neuroscience research at CUNY to develop science communication skills through informal and formal science communication events. The main goals of the organization are: 1) to create a low-stress space for graduate students conducting neuroscience-related research to share scientific ideas, 2) to improve science communication skills of graduate students, and 3) to recognize the outstanding neuroscience research conducted across CUNY campuses. Students will have opportunities to develop communication and presentation skills in several academic and non-academic settings by presenting their research in different formats. Additional programming will include workshops on science communication, guest speakers chosen by the students, and larger events for students to transition from low-stakes science communication between their peers to high-stakes events such as larger symposia. Additionally, this organization creates a networking opportunity for students to connect and collaborate with other graduate students across CUNY campuses.

EVENTS: Regular BrainE hour meetings will occur weekly throughout the semester. These events include, but are not limited to, 1-2 student speakers each week to share their research work. Special focus is given to students with upcoming high-stakes presentations, with feedback provided informally though discussion, and formally through a rubric-guided comment sheet. Students are also encouraged to share exciting new data, an interesting recent paper from another lab, or current issues and events in academia and teaching in general. Each semester we will hold 1-2 special events related to improving science communication, including hosting outside speakers, workshops on different strategies of science communication, outreach events where students can practice their science communication skills to a lay audience, and symposia where students can share their science with a more knowledgeable audience. Since students are based at campuses throughout the CUNY system and not solely at The Graduate Center, the organization listserv and Slack Channel will be the primary sites for announcements, discussions, and other event planning.

MEMBERSHIP: All CUNY Graduate Center Student, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, nationality, religion, or area of study, are eligible for organization membership. Members can invite faculty, post-doctoral researchers, and guest speakers from CUNY or other institutions to speak at events with a two-thirds vote of co-chair approval. Current members primarily consist of interdisciplinary groups of doctoral students across developmental psychology, molecular, cellular, and developmental biology, behavioral cognitive neuroscience, and other fields. Graduate Center students from other disciplines with an interest in neuroscience research and science communication are also strongly encouraged to join, as they can provide valuable feedback for presenting students to refine science communication skills.

ELECTIONS: Three co-chairs will be elected through voluntary nominations and anonymous voting by members that are matriculated students of The Graduate Center. Co-chair elections will take place annually each June. Co-chairs are responsible for event and outreach organization, maintenance of the listserv, and matters of funding, budgeting, and other administrative tasks. The elected co-chairs need to be in good academic standing at the university with ≥ 3.0 GPA. Any one of the co-chairs may be removed from office for failure to perform the prescribed and agreed upon duties by a two-thirds vote of the membership.