A group of students, faculty and alumni attended the Society for Neuroscience (SfN) annual meeting at the Washington DC Convention Center from November 11-15, 2023. The conference attracts over 30,000 neuroscientists from around the world to present their latest research, learn about others' research, participate in professional development workshops, and more. Such conferences are one of the ways that scientists share and get feedback on their work before publication. They also provide opportunities for networking and learning about cutting edge research in the field.
Current SMCM students Merel Verhoeven '24, Brayan Ruiz Lopez '24, Tara Barnes '23 and Anna Estremsky '25 presented work they've done with their faculty research mentors. SMCM faculty members Torry Dennis, Sarah Latchney, Liz Leininger and Daniel Tobiansky were authors of presentations. Many SMCM alumni who have gone on to graduate school also present their work at SfN. A portion of the cost of attendance for three of the four students was covered by an SMCM Neuroscience travel grant, thanks to donations to the Neuroscience program.
"My experience was enlightening and very educational. I experienced head on what neuroscientists are currently studying and what some of their future directions are for their work," said Barnes, a neuroscience major from Lagrangeville, New York, who presented her research (done in Tobiansky's lab) on chronic traumatic encephalopathy in woodpeckers. "We had a lot of fun and it was definitely an experience I will never forget and hope to attend SFN again next year."
"I was fortunate enough to participate in several workshops, attend inspiring lectures, and connect with many talented and amazing scientists from all over the world," said Ruiz Lopez, a neuroscience major from Columbia, Maryland who presented research he has been working on the past three years. "I am thrilled to say that my time at the conference has only strengthened my passion for this wonderful field."
