Mission

The purpose of this organization is to bring together graduate students conducting STEM research at CUNY to develop science communication skills through informal science communication events. The main goals of the organization are: 1) to create a low-stress space for graduate students conducting STEM-related research to share ideas, 2) to improve the science communication skills of graduate students, and 3) to recognize the outstanding research conducted across CUNY campuses. Students will have opportunities to develop communication and presentation skills in several academic and non-academic settings by presenting their research in different formats. This organization creates a networking opportunity for students to connect and collaborate with other graduate students across CUNY campuses. 

Regular BrainE hour meetings will occur monthly throughout the semester. These events include, but are not limited to, 1-2 student speakers each month to share their research work. Special focus is given to students with upcoming high-stakes presentations, with feedback provided informally through discussion. Students are also encouraged to share exciting new data, an interesting recent paper from another lab, or current issues and events in academia and teaching in general. Each semester we will hold special events related to improving science communication, including a lightning talk competition where graduate students present short talks about their research. Since students are based at campuses throughout the CUNY system and not solely at The Graduate Center, the organization listserv, Twitter, and website will be the primary sites for announcements, discussions, and other event planning. 

All CUNY Graduate Center students, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, nationality, religion, or area of study, are eligible for organization membership. Members can invite faculty, post-doctoral researchers, and guest speakers from CUNY or other institutions to speak at events with a two-thirds vote of co-chair approval. Current members primarily consist of interdisciplinary groups of doctoral students across developmental psychology, molecular, cellular, and developmental (MCD) biology, chemistry, neuroscience, and other fields. Graduate Center students from other disciplines interested in STEM research and science communication are also strongly encouraged to join, as they can provide valuable feedback for presenting students to refine science communication skills.