The Tulane Brain Institute is proud to showcase our engaging neuroscience community education programs. Our programs are directed at a variety of ages, ranging from early childhood to seniors. We prioritize diversity in both in the membership of the team members implementing our outreach programs the communities we engage. To support this important work please click ‘Support Our Outreach Activities’ for more information.
New Orleans-Books & Brains Initiative
The Books and Brains Initiative, the Tulane Brain Institute’s signature outreach program, combines engaging brain education by diverse neuroscientist role models with philanthropic donations of books about the nervous system to individual community members as well as library sites in the area.
Each year, we partner with the New Orleans Book Fest to host tables at the Family Day. In 2024, we invited neuroscientist and children’s book author, Dr. Leanne Boucher Gill, to present about her research and do a story time reading of her books at the festival. Dr. Boucher Gill also sat on a panel discussion with Tulane Brain Institute members Ms. India Pursell and Drs. Engler-Chiurazzi and Sweeten to discuss the importance of enhancing diversity in science.
Tulane Stroke Survivors Support Program
Stroke Survivors Support Group
The Brain Institute supports the Tulane Stroke Survivors Support Group (TSSSG). The mission of the TSSSG is to provide a multidisciplinary resource for stroke survivors as well as for family members and caretakers. We accomplish our mission by providing guidance, stroke education, lifestyle workshops, social events, mental stimulation, and recreational activities in a compassionate and supportive environment.
Collaborations with the Tulane Center for K-12 STEM Education
The Tulane Brain Institute maintains a productive collaboration with the Tulane Center for K-12 STEM Education (https://sse.tulane.edu/k12-stem), led by Dr. Michelle Sanchez.
GIST/BATS
As part of their twice yearly Girls In STEM at Tulane/Boys at Tulane in STEM days, our outreach team leads a ‘brainy’ laboratory on the Tulane campus. At each these events, we engage with ~25 middle school students from all around the greater New Orleans area. At these same events, we also host training sessions for 5th-7th grade teachers to empower them with the neuroscience knowledge as well as practical experience with our teaching tools and the hands-on activities we use to reinforce student learning.
Greater New Orleans Science and Engineering Fair
Every year, the Tulane Brain Institute sponsors a special neuroscience award for the Greater New Orleans Science and Engineering Fair. Selected by a panel of expert Tulane neuroscientists and trainees, the Tulane Brain Institute Award recognizes outstanding projects in neuroscience and related fields. A $100 award and certificate is presented in both Junior and Senior Divisions each year.
Public Appearances and Community Embededness
Members of the Tulane Brain Institute are regular fixtures at STEM events in the New Orleans community. Since 2021, we have interacted with more than 2,500 New Orleanians! Whether it be meeting with students at local schools, hosting a table at the annual STEM Fest at the Super Dome, hanging out at the local museums, or meeting with patients and their caregivers at benefit walks for neurological diseases, our outreach team is easy to find. If you are interested in catching up with us in the community at a future event, please check out the ‘Upcoming Neuroscience Outreach Events’ tab. If you wish to request a brain education presentation by members of our outreach team, please click the ‘Request a Neuroscientist’ link.
