Discovering the World of Neuroscience - My experience attending the OSU Explorations in Neuroscience Program

The Ohio State University has an incredible summer program called Explorations in Neuroscience that offers high school students a deep dive into the fascinating world of neuroscience, along with a glimpse into various medical-related careers. The program is led by Georgia Bishop, PhD, professor and vice chair of the Department of Neuroscience; Phoebe Long, program manager and Melissa Stenger, associate administrator in the School of Biomedical Sciences at the College of Medicine.

I was honored to attend the program as one of 80 students out of 200+ applicants from June 3-7, 2024.

During this program, we explored the essentials of neuroscience, from the brain’s structure and function to the nervous system and the intricate workings of neurons. As a visual and kinesthetic learner, the blend of lectures, hands-on activities, and lab explorations allowed me to comprehensively grasp this complex and rapidly evolving field (More details here.)

In addition to educating us on the latest advancements in neuroscience, the program also nurtured a new appreciation in me for various neuroscience-related careers. A major feature of this program that I found helpful was its career exploration component. We were allowed to interact with professionals like neurologists, neurosurgeons, psychiatrists, and neuroscientists to gain insights into their career paths and how they discovered their passion.

Besides neuroscience education, the Explorations program also focused on developing valuable skills such as communication, collaboration, and analytical abilities through team-building exercises, problem-solving activities, and critical thinking exercises.

For me, The Ohio State University's Explorations in Neuroscience Summer Program provided a well-rounded, immersive experience. It combined theoretical knowledge with practical applications, exposing us to various career paths and equipping us with essential skills for our future endeavors.

Whether you’re eyeing a career in neuroscience or just curious about the brain, this program is an amazing opportunity for high school students like myself to explore the world of neuroscience and gain valuable insights into the medical field and beyond.

Check it out here: https://medicine.osu.edu