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WIU Student Chosen for Prestigious Neuroscience Summer Camp

April 6, 2017

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MACOMB, IL – A Western Illinois University student has been accepted into a prestigious summer workshop at the University of Delaware in June.

Junior psychology major Cheri Newell, of Ottawa, IL, has been accepted into the 2017 Summer Workshop in Cognitive and Brain Sciences, also known as "Brain Camp." Newell was one of only 15 students chosen for the camp from more than 500 applicants nationwide.

"I applied to this workshop to gain experience working with neuroimaging technology and to gain more knowledge about the neuroscience field," said Newell. "I have always wanted to work with higher neuroimaging technology ever since I developed a true passion for neuroscience in Dr. (Matthew) Blankenship's neuroscience lab (at Western)."

University of Delaware Assistant Professor Jared Medina said the two-week program is funded by a National Science Foundation (NSF) grant, making the opportunity free for the students selected for the program. The program is a chance for students to have an intensive learning experience studying cognitive and brain sciences through traditional lectures, discussion sections and laboratory sessions.

"More importantly, students will get hands-on experience in cognitive neuroscience techniques, including various methods of brain imaging, brain stimulation, studying individuals with brain damage, electroencephalography and more," said Medina. "As one of the members of the admissions committee, I was extremely impressed by the number of thoughtful applications by highly qualified, clearly talented students. We could have easily filled several workshops with excellent students."

Newell said she is excited to bring the knowledge she gains back to Western to enhance her studies on campus.

"I am ecstatic that I have been given such an incredible opportunity," she said. "I want to thank Dr. (Robert C.) Intrieri and Dr. Blankenship for helping me get me where I am today and helping me accomplish one of my goals. I feel this workshop will open many more doors to me in the near future."

Newell said she hopes to carry her love for neuroscience to a graduate program after she graduates from Western.

For more information about the camp, visit psych.udel.edu/brainworkshop/.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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