Future Leaders in Medicine Youth Summit 2025 

Rylan Batten recently participated in the Future Leaders of Medicine Youth Summit, a bi-annual event designed to introduce and engage 3rd grade to undergraduate students with the field of medicine. The summit featured hands-on workshops, seminars, and panel discussions aimed at exciting, educating, and empowering students to pursue their interests in medicine. Rylan led an engaging breakout session, including a Neuroscience "Potato Brain" Workshop, providing students with interactive experiences to stimulate their curiosity and passion for medical sciences. Read more here.

Undergradute Research Day at Missouri Capital 2025

Earlier in the Spring 2025 semester, Sydney Turner was selected as one of ten Mizzou undergraduates to present our lab's research at Missouri's Capital in Jefferson City. She engaged with professionals in politics, law, and public service. Lab Director Dr. Laura M. Morett stopped by to support Sydney and our lab. We are so proud of you, Sydney!

Columbia Young Scientists (CYS) Expo 2025

The NERD Lab volunteers for our second time at Columbia Young Scientists! Special thanks to Hanna who ran the table all day, Lauren and Shauna for assisting most of the day, Allana and Derrick for setting up, and Sydney & Cait for their additional support in creating our materials. Lab director Dr. Laura M. Morett also stopped by the event to engage with the curious young scientists!

"The Columbia Young Scientists (CYS) Fair and Expo is an annual event hosted by The Connector, promotes STEM for people of all ages by connecting youth and families with science and technology research on the University of Missouri campus .

The CYS Expo provides an opportunity for the public to engage with hands on STEM programs.  Science enthusiasts of all ages can explore a variety of booths featuring research and technology activities from scientists in Missouri. Presenters include university, local, and state scientists, organizations, and clubs."

Lunch & Learn with AmeriCorps 2025

Lab Manager and former AmeriCorps member, Derrick Nguyen recently returned to the high school in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he once served, to discuss his current role in academic research. Nguyen, who comes from a similar high-need public high school in Arkansas, shared his journey and the steps he took to achieve his career goals. During his visit, he reconnected with his former service team, which now includes two English Language Development teachers, two school paraprofessionals, an aspiring lawyer, and Nguyen himself, an emerging academic researcher.

STEM Cubs 2024

STEM Cubs is a free S.T.E.M. education program hosted by the Office of Academic Access and Leadership Development, College of Education & Human Development and College of Engineering at the University of Missouri. Emphasizing the importance of exposing all students to exploratory and experiential learning, STEM Cubs seeks to engage elementary students, particularly those historically underrepresented in STEM education and career fields, to hands-on STEM activities. (Link)

In Fall 2024, Graduate Researcher Rylan Batten and Lab Manager Derrick Nguyen hosted a neuroscience class for 4th and 5th graders where they introduced students to the study of the brain through a mini-lesson and hands-on/interactive activities.

Brain Camp Summer 2024

Columbia Young Scientists (CYS) Expo 2024

"The Columbia Young Scientists (CYS) Fair and Expo is an annual event hosted by The Connector, promotes STEM for people of all ages by connecting youth and families with science and technology research on the University of Missouri campus .

The CYS Expo provides an opportunity for the public to engage with hands on STEM programs.  Science enthusiasts of all ages can explore a variety of booths featuring research and technology activities from scientists in Missouri. Presenters include university, local, and state scientists, organizations, and clubs."