Neuroscientists Provide a Hands-on Lesson in Brain Language and Communication Functions

On Thursday, January 9, the Brain Mind and Soul senior seminar class was visited by two neuroscientists: Dr. Patrick Gannon, Chair of the Department of Science Education at Hofstra North Shore-LIJ School of Medicine, and Dr. Nancy Kheck, a neuropsychopharmacologist and the Assistant Dean of Curriculum at Mount Sinai School of Medicine. Dr. Gannon and Dr. Kheck are both the parents of Julian Gannon '17.

Dr. Gannon spoke to the senior seminar class about the evolution of language and communication functions in the brains of humans and other primates. Dr. Kheck provided students with background on her work with primates. Throughout the discussion, she used several preserved specimens to help students localize the brain areas which they were reviewing.

The Senior Seminar, moderated by Dr. Carew, Dr. Nofi, and Dr. Wallin, is an interdisciplinary program focused on the themes of Brain, Mind and Soul. This year, the Seminar is focusing "On the Sublime". The class is attempting to identify and understand the physiological, psychological, and spiritual forces that create an individual’s passion--whether for math, science, discovery, madness and reality, the workings of the psyche, or religious ecstasy.

The seniors students in attendance were also joined by underclassmen who are participating in the Science Research Project. Below are a few photos highlighting the visit.

Above: Dr. Patrick Gannon and Dr. Nancy Kheck present preserved specimens for the students to study.

Above: Senior Warren Thimothe '14 takes a closer look at the preserved specimen.

Above: Students participating in the underclassmen Science Research Project had an opportunity to review the preserved specimens as well.