At Wake Forest University, our commitment to neuroscience reaches beyond campus to inspire and engage the broader community. Through hands-on activities, educational outreach, and unique opportunities for learners of all ages, we work to deepen public understanding of the brain’s complexities and foster a passion for discovery. Whether it’s sparking curiosity in young minds or supporting educators in the field, our community engagement initiatives make neuroscience accessible, exciting, and impactful. Explore the programs below to see how we’re building connections and advancing knowledge in our community.
The Wake Forest Summer Immersion Neuroscience Institute
From the molecular to the philosophical, high school students have the opportunity to explore how the brain develops, functions, and learns through interdisciplinary, experiential programming.
Brain Awareness Council
The Brain Awareness Council (BAC) is a graduate student-led organization at Wake Forest University, dedicated to promoting neuroscience education and fostering interest in science among community members of all ages. With over 70 graduate students, postdocs, and faculty, BAC volunteers engage in various outreach activities, including school visits and community events, to increase understanding of neuroscience and inspire a passion for learning.
Neuroscience Teaching Conference
The Neuroscience Teaching Conference is a two-day conference devoted to the classroom teaching of neuroscience to high school, college, and graduate level students. Its goal is to provide an inclusive space for teachers of neuroscience to collaborate, share ideas, and further their knowledge of the teaching of neuroscience.
Project Pumpkin
Each fall, students in the WFU Neuroscience Club volunteer at Project Pumpkin, a signature student-led community-building event aimed at bringing together the campus and Winston-Salem communities. Students organize fun and educational activities that give children an opportunity to exercise their brains and learn about how they work.