Society for Neuroscience Announces Recipients of Science Education and Public Outreach Awards
WASHINGTON, DC— The Society for Neuroscience (SfN) will honor the winners of this year’s science education and outreach awards, Paula L. Croxson, Ido Davidesco, and Kristofer K. Rau, at Neuroscience 2017, SfN's annual meeting and the world's largest source of emerging news about brain science and health. The awards comprise the Science Educator Award and the Next Generation Award, both of which acknowledge efforts to grow public knowledge and awareness of neuroscience.
“Dr. Croxson's use of storytelling has imparted the importance of scientific research and the human side of research to many, while both Dr. Davidesco and Dr. Rau have led efforts at SfN’s local chapters that reflect the mission of the Society as a whole to make science accessible to the public,” SfN President Eric Nestler said. “We are honored to present them with these awards in recognition of their creativity in communicating about neuroscience.”
Science Educator Award: Paula L. Croxson
The Science Educator Award, which this year honors one neuroscientist, recognizes outstanding neuroscientists who have made significant contributions in educating the public about neuroscience. The award is supported by The Dana Foundation and includes complimentary registration and transportation to SfN’s annual meeting, the opportunity to write a feature commentary on science education in eNeuro, and a $5,000 honorarium.
Paula L. Croxson, DPhil, assistant professor of neuroscience and psychiatry at the Friedman Brain Institute, in the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, is an accomplished behavioral neuroscientist who has proven herself to be an imaginative science communicator and ambassador. She employs multiple channels to reach audiences ranging from children to students of health and science journalism. Her passion is to make science accessible and understandable for all, and she has devoted considerable time to training other scientists to do the same.
Croxson has brought science to comedy shows, festivals, and events. Additionally, she publishes a blog and uses social media to engage the public in neuroscience. Croxson is the New York producer of “The Story Collider,” a stage show and podcast featuring personal stories about science, and a group leader of NeuWrite, an international collaboration among writers, artists, radio producers, filmmakers, and scientists dedicated to conveying accurate scientific information as compelling narrative.
Next Generation Awards: Ido Davidesco and Kristofer K. Rau
The Next Generation Award is a $2,000 prize that recognizes SfN chapter members, one at the pre/postdoctoral level and one at the junior faculty level, for their efforts to share neuroscience with the public through communication, education, and outreach activities.
Pre/Postdoctorate: Ido Davidesco
Ido Davidesco, PhD, is a postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Psychology at New York University who has developed educational programming that explains neuroscience concepts to a wide audience. He initiated the Neuroscience and Education Collaborative, which develops innovative neuroscience programs for K-12 students and teachers. He is also the New York City co-organizer of Taste of Science, a science festival that brings scientists to bars and other venues to communicate science to the general public. Materials that Davidesco developed are made available to the public through the Neuroscience and Education Collaborative, the New York Academy of Sciences, and SfN’s Greater New York City chapter.
Junior Faculty: Kristofer K. Rau
Kristofer K. Rau, PhD, is a senior research associate in the Department of Anesthesiology at the University of Louisville, who has spearheaded community outreach efforts for SfN’s Louisville chapter designed to increase science education and literacy focused on nervous system function and careers in neuroscience research. Rau partnered with the Kentucky Science Center to set up hands-on workshops in which every visitor could participate. He also helped to establish adult education programs, neuroscience awards at regional science fairs, and a local MS Walk for ending multiple sclerosis by preparing materials and working to mobilize volunteers.
The Society for Neuroscience (SfN) is an organization of nearly 37,000 basic scientists and clinicians who study the brain and nervous system.