Yerkes Graduate Student Honored By Society For Neuroscience

Kimberly Maguschak, a graduate student at the Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, received the Next Generation Award at the Society for Neuroscience Conference in October. Established in 2007, the Next Generation Award recognizes individuals who are making significant efforts in public communication, outreach and education about neuroscience.

Maguschak, a student in the lab of Kerry Ressler, PhD, and fellow award winner Michael Black, PhD, served as coordinators for the Society for Neuroscience Atlanta Chapter’s Brain Awareness outreach visits from 2006-2009. The team helped to bring neuroscience education to over 27,000 students in K-12 classrooms, and their work in organizing outreach efforts have brought together volunteers from local colleges and universities to provide personalized programs for Atlanta-area schools. They have also captured the attention of local legislators and were successful in their efforts to have Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue declare March as “Brain Awareness Month” across the state.

Maguschak received an honorarium and travel award to attend the Society for Neuroscience Conference. Additionally, the Atlanta chapter received $2,000 to be used to continue outreach efforts in the coming year.