Neuroscience Outreach and Volunteer Association
by Amanda Labuza
Join NOVA!
As prospective students come through and ask about graduate life while interviewing, I sense several current students holding back sarcastic comments. There's always one bitter student that doesn't succeed. It can be frustrating to spend so much time in lab, get negative results, and repeati the whole process again. I find it helpful to take time away from the lab, away from complaining, away from stress, and focus on others. It is why I have become so passionate about the Neuroscience Outreach and Volunteer Association (NOVA).
NOVA is a student-led outreach and volunteer group. Every month, we play BINGO with residents at Spring Grove Psychiatric Hospital; in addition, we will soon begin to teach young kids at Port Discovery Children's Museum about science. Our first trip to Port Discovery will be this Saturday. The spring semester also brings my favorite event, Brain Awareness Week. It is a chance to take over a middle or high school classroom for a day and show students how exciting science can be. This year we are planning on going to three schools, and we need lots of help.
NOVA will be holding a general information meeting and social gathering this Thursday, February 4 in the GSA Student Lounge (SMC Room 305). If you are a current member of NOVA, would like to be one, or just want some free snacks, stop by at 5 p.m. and join us. We'll have information about upcoming events, we're always looking for new ideas, and you'll get to meet some fun people. To join our email list today or sign up for current activities, please visit our webpage or email Amanda.
