Friars Explore Neuroscience Research at UT Southwestern Symposium

Senior students attended a neuroscience symposium at UT Southwestern Medical Center this past Saturday. Facilitated by UT Southwestern’s medical faculty, the symposium was part of a monthly series for secondary students and teachers focused on current biomedical research.

Friars from Mrs. Gaudet’s AP Biology and Honors Anatomy and Physiology classes, as well as Medical Society members, learned about neural circuits in fruit flies, the development of sensory neurons, rats’ conceptualization of the past and future, and how mouse models are used to study brain activity in Fragile X Syndrome. They also enjoyed lunch with a UT Southwestern research scientist and toured the center’s neuroscience labs.

“The program is a great way for students to hear research professors, medical school students, and doctors talk about their career paths,” said Mrs. Gaudet, who attended another UT Southwestern session with ten students earlier this month on embryology. “Students learn about different specialties in science and medicine, and they engage with topics that may be beyond the scope of the high school classroom.”

Through Bishop Lynch’s participation in the Science Teacher Access to Resources at Southwestern (STARS) Program, courses are offered to students free of charge. AP and honors students will have the opportunity to attend upcoming sessions on cancer research, careers in biomedical science, and understanding the molecular control of animal behaviors. This program deepens students’ understanding of science and helps them to envision future possibilities in medicine and research.