The Changing Brain
The Changing Brain project, a collaboration between the University of Montana’s Living Lab and spectrUM Discovery Area, addresses the vital need for health science education within Montana’s rural and medically underserved communities.
Grounded in cutting-edge research from the University of Montana, this initiative invites the public to explore neuroplasticity, the science of how our brains are shaped by genetics, behavior, environment, and injury. By bridging the gap between neuroscience, psychology, and mental health, the project offers locally and culturally relevant career exploration for P-12 students, aiming to inspire a homegrown workforce of future healthcare professionals and researchers. The project’s programming is embedded in trusted community hubs in Missoula and on the Flathead Indian Reservation.
A primary objective of the project is to engage high school students in topics aligned with its core themes. The High School Explainer Program immerses high school students in topics pertaining to neuroscience, biomedical science, and psychology, while empowering them to become near-peer educators who inspire younger learners and bridge the gap between science education and community impact.
High School Explainers do more than just study science but lead, shape, and bring it to life! Two program sites will run three times a year, located at the Boys and Girls Club of Ronan and the Flathead Reservation and at the Missoula Public Library. These students take on professional roles to:
- Learn: Build a strong foundation in neuroscience, psychology, and biomedical sciences through hands-on activities, inspiring guest speakers, and immersive field trips to community organizations.
- Design: Create hands-on, high-energy experiments and demonstrations related to the delivered content.
- Facilitate: Lead interactive programming for K-8 students, making complex scientific concepts accessible and fun.
- Inspire: Serve as role models, sparking curiosity and discovery in the next generation.
This program serves as a vital pathway for future leaders in healthcare, research, and education. Participants sharpen real-world skills in public speaking, activity planning, team collaboration and communication.
Contact Alex Sobin for more information at alex.sobin@mso.umt.edu.
Research reported in this publication was supported by the National Institute On Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health under Award Number R25DA064772. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health.