Brain Awareness Week 2025
Every March, there is a nationwide Brain Awareness Week by the Dana Foundation. This week is dedicated to promoting neuroscience research and careers to the general public.
As part of Academic Memories' mission to promote academic careers to students in the brain sciences, we have asked for our volunteers to provide some insight into their journey with neuroscience.
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Read below some testimonies from our members, or click the button to learn more about Brain Awareness Week!
Desiree Lano
She/Her
Biopsychology BSc and Neuroscience Minor (in progress)
What made you want to pursue neuroscience?
​Since I was a young girl I have been fascinated with the mind, knowing early on that I want to pursue a career in brain science. I initially wanted to become a psychiatrist or a clinical psychologist, but ended up finding my passion behind the bench. After taking my first research methods class at community college, I was encouraged by my professor to apply to my current institution. I was enthralled with the scientific process and knew I wanted to pursue a PhD one day--without her encouragement, who knows where I'd be today! After taking biopsychology and cognitive neuroscience in my first quarter here, I became hooked on the beautiful curiosities of the brain. As an undergraduate researcher, I am just beginning my journey and could not be more excited to contribute to the world of neuroscience!
What does your typical week look like as an aspiring neuroscientist?
​Currently I am starting a new project for my senior thesis, so I have been hard at work behind the microscope (my favorite!) after doing an extensive literature review. I also assist with tasks for the lab as needed, such as making solutions, tissue work, etc.
Sam
They/Them
Biology BSc and Psychology Minor (in progress)
How have virtual opportunities, such as Academic Memories or similar organizations, shaped the way you view neuroscience?
​Well, I learned that you do not need to be a top-of-your-class student who has made zero academic mistakes, which has definitely eased my worries I had previously. Before deciding to continue this as my career goal, I was anxious about the committment and how difficult it may be. As long as you are able to manage your health and priorities equally, things will be okay! Growing up in rural appalachia, careers such as this were rarely ever discussed, as the adults in my life were convinced that someone with my background would never be able to make it as far as I have. Although I do not get to talk to my peers at Academic Memories in person, being able to rely on them if I have any questions or even offer my own advice has opened my eyes to both the struggles of this line of work, as well as how many opportunities are truly available at my fingertips with the use of technology! If you are ever given an opportunity, take it. It may lead you places you never thought you'd be before.
Have you felt adequately supported or represented in the field of neuroscience, given your personal experiences?
​Unfortunately, I do not. One of my biggest inspirations is neurobiologist Ben Barres, who is now deceased. He is important to me because of his experience of being transgender, and how transitioning later in life impacted his career, as well as the societal differences of presenting as a woman versus presenting as a man in STEM. He is the only transgender neuroscientist I know by name, as well as the only immediate result when you use Google. I am hoping that I can make this change myself in the future for other aspiring transgender youth!
Bernd van Ruremonde
He/Him
Cognitive Science and Artificial Intelligence BSc (in progress)
What made you want to pursue neuroscience?
​The brain has always felt like a sort of "final frontier" in the field of human biology to me. As one of the only parts of the body that we still do not understand fully, it has been the source of lots of curiosity in me personally. Whereas organs like the liver, kidneys or even the heart have succesfully been transplanted and even 3D-printed, the brain still poses a challenge. The neural origins of consciousness are not understood. There is so much to learn about the brain still, which is the most exciting part for me.
How have virtual opportunities, such as Academic Memories or similar organizations, shaped the way you view neuroscience?
​Most of all, it has been great at giving me a sort of 'creative outlet'. I can freely talk about the things that I am most interested in, all the while gaining valuable knowledge on those topics. It also gives me a feeling of gratitude, knowing that I can actually contribute to the incredibly important task that is effective science communication, especially in a time where misinformation, clickbait, and buzzwords are everywhere.