Gaston College

Brain Under Construction: presented “Brain Under Construction” workshop. In this workshop, we learned about the concept of “Neuroplasticity.” The presentation focused on the changes of the brain and the consequences of those changes during three periods in our lives: infancy, adolescence, and late adulthood. For infancy, the pattern of brain development and environmental factors that may affect the development of the brain were addressed. For the adolescence period, the presenter discussed how changes in the brain may result in risk-taking behaviors. And for the late adulthood, the presenter focused on how changes may lead to the loss of cognitive functions and what can be done to prevent the decline. Brain Damage: a discussion on brain functions. We addressed symptoms caused by brain damage such as Broca’s Aphasia, Prosopagnosia and what these symptoms tell us about how the brain works. Dissection of a Brain: a demonstration of a dissection of a sheep’s brain. Started with the tour of the lab, explained dissection techniques, including descriptions of tools, safety measures and respect for the organ. The olfactory and tactile experiences of having a brain in one’s own hands will be communicated in details, while functions of different parts of the brain are discussed in general terms. The Library Display of BAW: 10 books about the brain and a model of the brain were in the display box along with the descriptions of BAW events.

It’s very hard to measure the benefit of this year’s BAW events, since all events were virtual. But the responses and questions at the end of each Zoom lectures were lively. The participants were intrigued by the presentations

Recording of the events can be used in the future. Collaboration with other institutions would be helpful, although it’ll require a lot more preparations.

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