UNE Center for Excellence in Neurosciences hosts second annual Brain Blast

On Wednesday, March 11, the UNE Center for Excellence in the Neurosciences hosted its second annual Brain Blast— a “Powered by Pecha Kucha” series of talks at Engine in Biddeford. The Brain Blast was put on as part of the National Brain Awareness Week initiative coordinated by the Dana Alliance and the Society for Neuroscience. 

At the event, five UNE students told inspiring personal stories about how an injury that affected the brain and nervous system impacted their lives, and how the experience led to personal growth and a changed perspective. The student speakers and topics included: 

* Ally DeFlumeri (Health Wellness and Occupational Studies ’15)- Art and Injury 

* Samantha Shepard (Medical Biology ’17)- Stress and Meditation 

* Ryan Quinn (Nursing ‘16)- Hockey Concussions 

* Brittany Bolduc (College of Osteopathic Medicine, ‘15)- Therapeutic Hypothermia 

* Kirstyn Tracey (Masters of Occupational Therapy, ‘15)- Softball Concussions 

Associate Professor Lara Carlson, DPE., FACSM, CSCS, gave the final presentation on her research into NASCAR racing and its impact on the brain and performance. 

The event drew over 80 people from UNE and local communities in Southern Maine. The talks were made possible by the generosity of the host Engine, as well as gracious donations from Vic and Whit’s Wine and Sandwich Shop, Banded Horn Brewery, Run of the Mill Public House and Brewery and the Cheese Iron.