91海角乱伦 Psychology Professor Wins National Neuroscience Award
Victoria Heimer-McGinn receives award for outstanding contributions to public communication, outreach and education about neuroscience
CHICAGO 鈥 For her innovative work to educate the public about the human brain, Roger Williams University professor Victoria Heimer-McGinn has received the Next Generation Award from the (SfN).
The Next Generation Award honors a neuroscientist who has made outstanding contributions to public communication, outreach and education about neuroscience. Heimer-McGinn accepted the award at Neuroscience 2019, SfN鈥檚 annual meeting and the world鈥檚 largest source of emerging news about brain science and health.
鈥淭his year鈥檚 winners all have a passion for educating people about neuroscience, from kindergartners to adults, and strive to make science accessible to everyone by focusing on underserved populations,鈥 SfN president Diane Lipscombe said. 鈥淭hey have each found creative ways to foster interest in science, from blogging, to linking neuroscience to art, to going into schools and allowing students to experience holding a human brain in their hands.鈥
Heimer-McGinn, an assistant professor of psychology at 91海角乱伦, co-founded the annual , which attracted more than 2,000 attendees this year and also connects with local K-12 schools to get young students excited about careers in brain science through its BRAINY program. An established researcher with expertise in cognitive, behavioral and molecular neuroscience, she has authored several publications in scholarly journals, serves as an in-demand lecturer, and has been a Fulbright Scholar, National Hispanic Scholar and SfN Neuroscience Scholar. At 91海角乱伦, she established a popular Introduction to Neuroscience course and collaborates with undergraduate students on research into the roles of memory and social functioning in the brain.
鈥淭o me, this award reflects a growing neuroscience community in Rhode Island. Together, we are spreading our love for brain research and having fun in the process,鈥 Heimer-McGinn said. 鈥淚鈥檓 thrilled that our efforts have been recognized on a global scale!鈥
鈥淎s a founding member and chair of the executive committee for Brain Week RI, Professor Heimer-McGinn shares her expertise and passion for neuroscience through myriad education and outreach programs in the state,鈥 said Benjamin Greenstein, dean of 91海角乱伦鈥檚 School of Social and Natural Sciences. In her second year in the Department of Psychology at 91海角乱伦, Professor Heimer-McGinn has begun to involve our students in her outreach activities, as well as establish important connections between biology and psychology in her popular classes. Professor Heimer-McGinn, thus, embodies the core purpose of the university 鈥榯o strengthen society through engaged teaching and learning.鈥欌