Lehigh Valley SfN Chapter
In 2009, the Society for Neuroscience (SfN) approved a petition to develop a chapter in the Lehigh Valley. The Society for Neuroscience is the largest professional organization committed to the discipline of neuroscience worldwide. The Lehigh Valley SfN Chapter is composed of primarily neuroscience faculty, undergraduates, graduate students, clinicians and interested public. This local chapter is dedicated to fostering a sense of social responsibility and leadership abilities in all Lehigh Valley SfN Chapter undergraduate members as they engage in scholarship and educating the public about the brain and benefits of neuroscience research through Brain Awareness Outreach programs. Our chapter is unique in that we focus our resources in supporting the work of undergraduates. The founding neuroscientists of this chapter are faculty currently working at Moravian University, Cedar Crest College, Muhlenberg College, Lafayette College and Lehigh University.
LVSfN Officers
President: Elaine Reynolds, Lafayette College
Vice President: Audrey Ettinger, Cedar Crest College
Treasurer: Cecilia Fox, Moravian University
Secretary: Kathleen Dave, St. Luke's University Health Network
Brain Awareness Service Learning
Students and faculty provide “hands-on” neuroscience activities for children of all ages and general brain research information for their families. Over the past few years, we have developed partnerships with the Bethlehem Area Public Library, Parkland Library, Cops-n-Kids reading program, local science centers, local schools, Moravian Village Assisted Living Community and Phoebe Ministries.
LVSfN Undergraduate Research Conference
Each spring, one of the founding colleges of the Lehigh Valley Society for Neuroscience Chapter hosts our undergraduate research conference. This event celebrates the scholarly work of our undergraduates and their faculty mentors in the disciplines of neuroscience, psychology and philosophy of mind. On April 25, 2021 the conference was hosted virtually by the LVSfN-affiliated colleges in the Lehigh Valley of PA.
Poster Session
Advocacy
In cooperation with the Society for Neuroscience, scientists are beginning to play a more vital role in working toward increasing research funding and promoting scientific issues with the public and policymakers (http://www.sfn.org/Advocacy). Becoming responsible citizens and leaders are part of the Moravian University philosophy. So, it is appropriate to develop our Neuroscience undergraduates into advocates for such an important cause. Scientific research adds value to our society through discoveries about health and the world in which we live. In the field of neuroscience research, our work provides a foundation for education and economic expansion that benefit our entire community. Through our LVSfN Chapter, we provide opportunities for our undergraduates and faculty to engage in this critical endeavor.
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| Moravian University students contacting PA reps via electronic petitions to request their support for funding scientific research. | Dr. Cecilia Fox at Capitol Hill for the annual SfN Day to speak with representatives and senators about the importance of funding neuroscience research |