Saturday, Nov. 23rd Schedule
6 am to 7 am Eastern Time:
Human Digital Brain Twins
Workshop information is coming soon!
Dr Petra Ritter,
Berlin Institute of Health and Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin
Dr. Petra Ritter is a leading neuroscientist and the Johanna Quandt Professor for Brain Simulation at the Berlin Institute of Health (BIH) and Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin. She is also the Director of the Brain Simulation Section at Charité, where she pioneers personalized brain simulation technologies to advance understanding and treatment of neurological diseases. Her research integrates cutting-edge techniques like multimodal imaging with simultaneous EEG-fMRI and computational modeling to explore brain state dependencies of plasticity and learning. Notably, she co-founded The Virtual Brain, an open-source brain simulation platform utilized globally in academic and clinical settings. She also leads major international initiatives, such as the EU-funded Virtual Brain Cloud, and the Health Data Cloud of EBRAINS - a European research infrastructure.
11 am - 12 pm Eastern Time:
Graduate School Panel
Interested in learning about what pursuing the brain in graduate school is like? If so, then this panel discussion is for you! Join Simone, Ashley, and Patrick–three current neuroscience graduate students–as they discuss their experiences in graduate school. They will share their insights on everything from choosing a program to preparing for the admissions process to navigating the challenges of graduate school life.
Simone Mohite
University of Miami
Ashley Lueschen
Central Michigan University
Patrick Bloniasz
Boston University; New York University
Simone Mohite graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in 2022 with a Bachelor of Philosophy in Neuroscience and is currently a 3rd year Ph.D. Candidate at the Miller School of Medicine at University of Miami studying spinal cord injury in Jae K. Lee’s laboratory. Her research interests are broadly neurotrauma ( in particular TBI and SCI) and her current efforts include investigating macrophage kinetics after SCI at chronic timepoints. Additionally her passions include scientific outreach and teaching.
Ashley C. Lueschen is a Master of Public Health student at Central Michigan University. In 2023, she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience (Honors) from Central Michigan University. Her research includes using a Parkinsonian rodent model to evaluate the combined effects of stem cell therapy, exercise, and optogenetic stimulation of transplanted cells to promote correct integration and behavioral improvements from these cells.
Patrick F. Bloniasz (he/him) is a statistical neuroscientist, adjunct faculty member, and philosopher of science. He holds a BA in Neuroscience (Honors) and Digital and Computational Studies from Bowdoin College and is currently working toward a PhD at Boston University in Computational Neuroscience as a National Science Foundation (NSF)-funded graduate fellow. He teaches Foundations in Cognitive Science at New York University. Patrick’s neuroscience work focuses on developing probabilistic and statistical methods for modeling neural time series across emergent spatial scales (e.g., spike trains, LFP, ECoG, and EEG/MEG). Currently, he is using filtered point processes to model and explain biomarkers of propofol anesthesia-induced unconsciousness in humans and macaque monkeys.
Inchara Athreya
University of Warwick
Inchara Athreya is doing an MA in Social Sciences Research and a PhD on Academic Misconduct Investigations in Higher Education Institutions on a scholarship and stipend from the UK’s Economic and Social Research Council at the University of Warwick. She was also there for her undergrad in Psychology with Linguistics. At university, she serves as a Student Experience Coordinator and Course Representative for her department. She writes a series of poems called Brain Ballads. It aims to simplify psychological ideas in a manner that is easy for anyone to comprehend, even if they have no background in the subject. The essence of each concept is conveyed through short, relatable poems. The poems range from phenomena like the Bystander Effect all the way to disorders such as Insomnia. This started as posts on social media platforms and has continued till date. In December 2020, she released her first with 18 poems.
12- 1 pm Eastern Time:
Fireside Chat with Alissa Mayers
Alissa Mayers, MA
Columbia University's Zuckerman Institute
Alissa Mayers, is a Brooklyn native and has over 12 years of experience and training in counseling, and research and evaluation. She holds a bachelor's degree in Psychology and Africana Studies from Brown University and Masters degrees in Rehabilitation Counseling & Counseling Psychology from The George Washington University and the University of Maryland, respectively. Alissa currently serves as the Director of Public Programs at Columbia University's Zuckerman Institute, where she works with a team to build public programming that helps to create accessible pathways to science education. Additionally, Alissa is a retired baker and former owner of her own dessert company called Born and Bread where she infused mindful baking practices into her work and hosted monthly workshops focused on mindful baking.
1-2 pm Eastern Time:
Creating Effective Presentations to Share Your Research
We’ve all been in situations where we’ve had to listen to presentations that sound absolutely uninteresting. This workshop will focus on effective ways to present your research while speaking to various audiences, tips to communicate the key takeaways and more. Most importantly, we’ll discuss ways you can help grab audience attention, even when people aren’t necessarily interested in your subject area!
Inchara Athreya
University of Warwick
Inchara Athreya is doing an MA in Social Sciences Research and a PhD on Academic Misconduct Investigations in Higher Education Institutions on a scholarship and stipend from the UK’s Economic and Social Research Council at the University of Warwick. She was also there for her undergrad in Psychology with Linguistics. At university, she serves as a Student Experience Coordinator and Course Representative for her department. She writes a series of poems called Brain Ballads. It aims to simplify psychological ideas in a manner that is easy for anyone to comprehend, even if they have no background in the subject. The essence of each concept is conveyed through short, relatable poems. The poems range from phenomena like the Bystander Effect all the way to disorders such as Insomnia. This started as posts on social media platforms and has continued till date. In December 2020, she released her first with 18 poems.
8-9 pm Eastern Time:
Casual Attendee Social
9-10 pm Eastern Time:
Introduction to Neuroethics
Neuroethics is an emerging field that studies the "ethical, legal, and societal implications of neuroscience." This workshop will explore the foundations of the field, encourage attendees to participate in interactive discussion about hypothetical case studies, and provide insight into career pathways and educational resources for further learning.
Chinmayi Balusu, MPH
Simply Neuroscience
Chinmayi received her Bachelor of Arts in Medical Humanities and Master of Public Health (with a focus in neuro-epidemiology) from Columbia University. Chinmayi is the founder of Simply Neuroscience and has also served in leadership and advisory roles with global STEM platforms such as the ALBA Network, HFC, American Brain Coalition, 500 Women Scientists, and International Neuroethics Society. Chinmayi is passionate about youth science communication and has presented her work at more than 165 universities, schools, and conferences such as the United Nations General Assembly Science Summit. Her interests include clinical stroke and brain injury research, cross-cultural neuroethics, and global health.
Sunday, Nov. 24th Schedule
9-10 am Eastern Time:
Poster Presentations (Part 1)
10-11 am Eastern Time:
Fostering Inclusive and Culturally Diverse Research Communities
This interactive workshop explores how immigrant neuroscientists contribute to scientific innovation while promoting diversity and inclusion in research environments. Participants will explore the challenges faced by immigrant researchers, such as language barriers, implicit bias, and funding obstacles, and the unique strengths they bring to neuroscience. Supported by current research in cultural neuroscience and studies on diversity in STEM, the session will provide strategies for fostering inclusive, culturally diverse research communities.
Kimia Rounama
The University of Padua; Linkoping University
Kimia Rounama is a junior researcher in neuropsychology and cognitive neuroscience, with a focus on cognitive aging and neurodegenerative disorders. Currently pursuing her Master's degree in Clinical Social and Intercultural Psychology at the University of Padua, she explores how aging affects cognitive function and how lifestyle interventions can promote healthy aging. Kimia has also been working as the Research Responsible for the European Federation of Psychology Students' Associations (EFPSA) Research Program. She has recently joined the Simply Neuroscience podcast team, launching a new show called Simply Aging.
11 am - 12 pm Eastern Time:
Causality and the Law -- How neuroscience and biological determinism impact punishment intuitions
An introduction to ideas at the intersection of neuroscience, physics, and criminal justice. Understanding how the physical principles of causality are relevant to neurobiology and, in turn, criminal justice and intuitions about blame and punishment.
Mia Thomaidou, PhD
Dana Foundation
Dr. Mia Thomaidou is a Fellow in Neuroscience & Society for the Dana Frontiers program at the Dana Foundation, where she supports multidirectional community engagement with neuroscience. Her work has focused on applications of (neuro)science and AI in the context of punishment, sentencing, and criminal justice policy. Dr. Thomaidou received her PhD in behavioral neuroscience in the Netherlands. She holds a Bachelor's degree in cognitive neuroscience from the University of Westminster in London and two Master's degrees, in neuropsychology and in criminal justice.
12- 1 pm Eastern Time:
Fireside Chat with Safa Karman
Safa Karman, LLM, MPP
Investigative Journalist; Reveala Media Production
Safa Karman graduated from the University of Oxford with a Master of Public Policy (MPP) and is the first Yemeni citizen to have been awarded a degree from Harvard Law School, where she graduated with a Master of Laws (LLM). Previously, she was Co-Founder and Board Member of Be Insan Initiative, the first NGO in Yemen to provide psychological treatment and support for war-zone civilians suffering from war and conflict-related Post-Traumatic Tress Disorder (PTSD). Additionally, she was an investigative journalist and news editor at Al Jazeera Media Network, where she covered complex political issues. Today, she is pioneering the emerging field of neuroscience and law in the Arab world, where it remains an unexplored frontier. A personal tragedy led her to delve into the neuroscience of grief and bereavement, inspiring the founding of Reveala Media Production. Through Reveala, she aims to bridge the gap between science, culture, language, and personal experience—offering Arab audiences new perspectives and practical tools, while providing scientists and global communities with nuanced insights into Arab culture.
1-2 pm Eastern Time:
Introduction to Best Practice Computational Reproducibility in Python
This workshop on best practice computational reproducibility in Python will guide participants through key principles and tools for ensuring that scientific analyses are transparent, robust, and easily replicable. Topics will include structuring code for clarity using unit testing, creating modular and reusable scripts, managing dependencies, and using version control with Git. Ideal for new researchers not formally trained in computational sciences, this workshop provides practical strategies to make projects both shareable and rigorously reproducible in any computational biological setting.
Patrick Bloniasz
Boston University; New York University
Patrick F. Bloniasz (he/him) is a statistical neuroscientist, adjunct faculty member, and philosopher of science. He holds a BA in Neuroscience (Honors) and Digital and Computational Studies from Bowdoin College and is currently working toward a PhD at Boston University in Computational Neuroscience as a National Science Foundation (NSF)-funded graduate fellow. He teaches Foundations in Cognitive Science at New York University. Patrick’s neuroscience work focuses on developing probabilistic and statistical methods for modeling neural time series across emergent spatial scales (e.g., spike trains, LFP, ECoG, and EEG/MEG). Currently, he is using filtered point processes to model and explain biomarkers of propofol anesthesia-induced unconsciousness in humans and macaque monkeys.
2-3 pm Eastern Time:
From Operating Room to Innovation Hub:
A Neurosurgeon's Journey Across Borders to Inspire the Next Generation in Neuro
Hanna Aliashkevich, MD
R3 Biotechnologies; PigPug Health
Hanna Aliashkevich, MD, is a neuroscientist at R3 Biotechnologies, a US biotech company. Formerly, she was a distinguished neurosurgeon in Europe with more than a decade of expertise in neurosurgery and neuroscience. She is also a co-founder of PigPug Health, a company developing AI-powered neurofeedback solution for children with ADHD and autism. For her groundbreaking contributions to neuro-oncology and brain cancer research, Hanna was honored with the Woman Changing the World 2024 Award, winning in the categories of Woman in Health and People’s Choice Global Impact. She now serves as an ambassador for the WCW Awards, championing women changemakers worldwide. Additionally, Hanna achieved the EB1A immigrant visa in the US for individuals of extraordinary ability, a significant recognition of her exceptional expertise and impact in the field.
5-6 pm Eastern Time:
Poster Presentations (Part 2)
6-7 pm Eastern Time:
Neuro Book Club - The Power of Words
Join us for a virtual neuro book club featuring The Power of Words: How to Speak, Listen and Think Better by Dr. Mariano Sigman! Combining business, neuroscience, and self-help, The Power of Words explains language’s reflective property: the capacity of a statement to modify what it describes, above all to the speaker--and how this impacts our daily lives.
Drawing from his extensive research in neuroscience and his role as one of the directors of the Human Brain Project, the world’s largest effort to understand and emulate the human brain, Dr. Mariano Sigman reveals that our minds are much more malleable than we think. This holds true for not only children and teenagers. We retain the same ability to learn and change throughout our lives. By understanding this, we can rewrite our own narratives and break free from self-defeating and limiting beliefs.
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​No need to finish the entire book before the book club — we welcome all who are interested in this topic to join in discussing overall themes.
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​Thank you to Ro Romanello and Pan Macmillan for supporting this book club!