STEP Post-Project Reflection: Society for Neuroscience Professional Conference

            For my STEP project, I attended the annual Society for Neuroscience 2024 conference, hosted by the Society for Neuroscience from October fifth through the ninth of 2024, both in-person and virtually. During my time, I explored large-scale company booths where current developing technologies were presented and advertised. Alongside this, I communicated and networked with seasoned and upcoming professionals in the space of neuroscience research. Finally, I listened, observed and engaged with speakers both directly at presentations and online via live recordings.

            After the exclusive time that I spent experiencing my project; exploring the conference shed light on the real-world application on neuroscience and the future of neuro-based technology. Going into the discipline of neuroscience, I always imagined the community to be on a smaller scale, with a reserved population of both researchers and industrial companies. This was far from the truth as I was able to see in-person the magnitude of scientists, researchers, students and other periphery STEM professionals that were invigorated with what was at the forefront of neuroscience. Not only were the crowds from distance states, but there was also a myriad of people that came internationally to present, learn, and engross themselves in the highly coveted conference. I was astonished with how quickly neuroscience is expanding, both in recognition and areas of interests in the sub-specific regions of the principle. After seeing firsthand the true extent of neuroscience, it led to a feeling of fervor. I was inspired to network, build relationships, whilst gaining true insight into career trajectory and opportunities.

            Taking a step back towards the beginning, when I was first developing the concepts of STEP project was going to look like, I immediately knew that I wanted to be enveloped by professionals to have a minor inkling as to what applied neuroscience meant outside of strictly academia. During time spent with my neuroscience academic advisor, they had mentioned how conferences all over the country were able to bridge the gap between upcoming students and established professionals who have already had years of experience. This gave light to the Society for Neuroscience, as the organization is one of the largest collectives of individuals with a strong passion for the study. I was eager to attend months before the launch of the event, however, it was only days before the opening of the conference that I was my first interaction with another attendee that drove home my enthusiasm. During my flight from Columbus to Chicago, I sat next to an Ohio State alumni, who was involved in neuropharmacology, where they were reviewing their presentation notes of their ongoing research. During our brief time together, we were able to conversate briefly over the topics they were studying, how they got into neuroscience, and what how the large seminar typically goes. This was the first of many interactions that I garnered during my project that bolstered my personal growth

            This then leads to the time I spent during the core of the conference, where lectures, research, technology and programs were being proposed. I’ll be the first to admit that taking in all the information was quite daunting; in some cases, it was slightly overbearing. I felt as if this was one of the biggest factors into shaping the experience something truly unique to myself. One of the first moments of this realization was at the fist lecture held, in a section which was called, “Dialogues Between Neuroscience and Society”. This presentation was held by author and doctor Susan Magsamen, who is empowered by the idea of how the arts and sciences is intermingled into neuro-aesthetics. Without having prior exposure to this niche corner of neuroscience, it was amazing to see the incredible dedication and vast amount of knowledge that Susan showcases. Throughout the lecture, which ended in Susan answering questions from the audience, it was my first exposure to what a true expert in their field was like in the context of professional neuroscience. Hearing what motivates those who have been involved in research and development of cutting edges notions for years, like Susan, is not only inspiring for my own personal growth, but astounding knowing that the community of science is bountiful with such skillful body of people.

            Rounding together the activities that I participated in- meeting with ambitious, likeminded students presenting their research alongside discussions of what kind of technology is being advanced upon with companies of the names: Nikon Instruments, Johnson & Johnson, Merck, Abbot and more. I had conversations with advisors, board members, leaders and Ph.D. candidates alike, which gave me a solidified new perspective that I believe I would have not received if it weren’t for the Society of Neuroscience conference.

            It is hard to put into words how transformative my STEP project was for me. Typically, I am not one who is seeks out massive sized events, let alone going into one without much information other than what I had researched on my own accord. The basis of the project encouraged me to move outside of my usual comfortability in conjunction with the conference itself lending to an educational experience that was unlike anything I have gone through previously. The intellectual enrichment from a research proposals, conversations and lectures was a riveting new way of learning for me. I was able to grasp what it means to have a professional voice and identity, which were previous questions that I had even in my third-year student studying neuroscience. As someone who aspires to master the field of my choosing, in this case neurotechnology, it is undeniable that this experience will forever be essential for my future endeavors in science.

            I can confidently conclude that the experiences, conversations, and above all else, insight amongst relationships built from my time at the Society of Neuroscience 2024 conference are non-exchangeable. The basic notion of broadening my mindset by general knowledge by being in the proximity of adroit individuals is undoubtedly something that has transformed my approach to my collegiate goals, however, I also highly valued the advice and wisdom from those who have experienced something adjacent to the situation that I find myself in right now. As a driven student, whom aspires to grow their personal capabilities, ranging from professionalism to self-development in the circumstances of neuroscience, there is nothing that I found more crucial than my time spent forging connections into a sprawling network, all from the basis of my STEP project and the Society of Neuroscience organization.