Greetings Neuroscience & Behavior alumni!!!
It has been my honor to serve the students of the Neuroscience and Behavior community since its first year on campus – all the way back in 2014-15 academic year! During the last twelve years, I have been humbled to accompany the major and its students, starting with a graduating class of two students (who somehow managed to transfer into the major during the fall of their senior year) to this year’s graduating class of 132 students. I have had the privilege of knowing so many of you over the years, some in passing and others quite well. But no matter
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the depth of our relationship, I hope I was able to serve you and this community in a way that made you feel proud to be a Neuroscience and Behavior major. I know things were not always perfect, but through those obstacles, we were able to work together to create new ways to enact your academic formation – both in and out of the classroom. What a gift that all turned out to be! Such tremendous programmatic growth, coupled with the success of our students both on and off campus, has resulted in significant investments in the last few years. With this investment comes much needed expansion of leadership – many hands make light work! I am grateful to have such exceptional colleagues who are stepping into programmatic leadership. After twelve years of Neuroscience and Behavior service, I am stepping away from leadership within the major knowing that our current and future students will continue to be well cared for. No, I’m not leaving the University ;) and I am excited for what the future of Neuroscience and Behavior at Notre Dame will hold!
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Kind regards,
Nancy Michael, Ph.D.
Rev. John A. Zahm, C.S.C. Teaching Professor
Department of Biological Sciences
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Hello NSBH alumni, near and far,
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The program is growing, and leadership and organization are changing, but one thing is the same: our amazing students and the joy we have in being part of their learning here at Notre Dame. I'm so grateful to be stepping into leadership for the Neuroscience and Behavior program. I love our students. I love what learning about neuroscience can do for us and our growth. Neuroscience gives us a lens for self-compassion, for empathy, and for action. Wherever you are, we hope that your time studying neuroscience and behavior gives you the tools for success. We are proud to have been part of your journey and are rooting for your continued growth!
Rachel Branco, Ph.D.
Interim Director of Undergraduate Studies for the Neuroscience & Behavior Program, University of Notre Dame Associate Teaching Professor, University of Notre Dame
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Welcome our Newest Alumni |
This year, we had 132 students graduate across the College of Science and Arts and Letters! The Neuroscience and Behavior major currently totals 596 students. We are excited about the continued interest in neuroscience and plan to grow and expand the major. If you would like to view videos of the event, please click on the link below the photos.
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For the latest Alumni news, visit our website.
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Senior Awards for Academic Excellence |
To learn more about each award, visit our website.
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Outstanding Undergraduate Research Awards:
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Outstanding Undergraduate Teaching Awards:
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Outstanding Undergraduate Leadership Awards:
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Annika is currently a medical student at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. During her gap year following graduation, she worked as medical staff for the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction in Columbus, Ohio. Currently, she is engaged in research focused on examining clinical guidelines for the care of individuals impacted by incarceration. She is also involved in a project focused on bringing rehabilitation medicine services to the unhoused population in NYC through a start-up mobile clinic. Annika also serves as a leader for the Mount Sinai Human Rights Program, which provides medico-legal affidavits for individuals seeking asylum and a volunteer case manager for the East Harlem Health Outreach Partnership.
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For the most current list of faculty and staff, visit our website.
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| | | Vanessa Chan-Devaere, Ph.D.
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Nancy Michael, Ph.D. has stepped down as the College of Science NSBH Co-Director to pursue new and exciting projects at Notre Dame.
James Brockmole, Ph.D., has stepped down as Arts & Letters NSBH Co-Director and has been appointed Arts & Sciences Dean at Baylor University.
Rachel Branco, Ph.D., is the new Interim Director of Undergraduate Studies for the Neuroscience & Behavior major in the College of Science.
Vanessa Chan-Devaere, Ph.D., is the Director of Undergraduate Students for NSBH at the College of Arts and Letters.
Diane Lane, Ph.D., won a University-wide Advisor of the Year award for her work with the Neuroscience Club. A self-administration device she designed is being considered for licensing by Stoelting, a scientific equipment company.
In the 2025-2026 school year, we welcomed Ph.D. postdocs Tommy Lee, Coleman Sapp, and Miranda Schwable, to the Neuroscience and Behavior major. Tommy and Miranda are both moving to different universities and we will miss them and all the enthusiasm they brought to our team. We are so thrilled that Coleman will continue with us for the 2026-2027 school year.
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The 2025-2026 school year ushered in many new events and programs. Below are some highlights from this year.
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(neuro)Science in Society Impact Summit |
Learn more about the Impact Summit on our website.
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The Michiana Chapter of the Society for Neuroscience proudly hosted our fourth annual (neuro)Science in Society Impact Summit on Friday, February 13, 2026, at the St. Joseph County Public Library's Main Campus.
This year’s summit brought together researchers, practitioners, and community members for a day of insightful learning and collaboration with the theme of “Building Resilience after Hardship.”
Laura Miller-Graff, PhD, started the day with her keynote: "I See Stars: Building Resilience After Trauma," which explored the impacts of trauma and adversity on individuals and communities.
Attendees could choose from 9 breakout sessions and classes on diverse neuroscience topics. We extend our heartfelt thanks to MHAM for offering Continuing Education Credits (CECs) to attendees for the first time this year!
The poster session and networking opportunities helped spark new ideas and partnerships between students and community partners.
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Learn more about the Brain Ambassadors on our website.
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This course supports broader community engagement efforts for the major, enabling community organizations to request visits from student "Brain Ambassadors" to bring hands-on neuroscience learning to the community! Course time offers student development, neuroscience content, activity design, and logistical support for the Brain Ambassadors community engagement platform.
In addition to our flagship event, the Brain Awareness Fair, our Brain Ambassadors stayed busy making neuroscience engaging and accessible throughout our region at the following events:
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- Near Northwest neighborhood Arts Cafe
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SJCPL's Science Alive
- College of Science Christmas Lecture
- Northpoint STEM Fair
- Football Fridays at the Eck Hands-On Science Experiments
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| Learn more about the Brain Awareness Fair on our website.
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The annual Brain Awareness Fair returned to South Bend's Howard Park on April 18, 2026. Students and faculty welcomed visitors from the Michiana community, demonstrating fun, practical ways to keep the brain healthy and active. By utilizing hands-on activities developed by the Brain Ambassadors, the event successfully promotes STEM disciplines and fosters public enthusiasm for neuroscience.
At this year's Brain Awareness Fair, we worked with an amazing group of Community Partners, including Beacon Community Impact, Self-Healing Communities Collective, Saint Joseph County Public Library, the Children's Museum of South Bend, MHAM, Hearing Loss Association of America - Michiana Chapter, Connect 2B the Change, and our Campus Partners at the CARE Lab.
Through every hands-on demonstration and community connection, our Brain Ambassadors hope to inspire the next generation of scientific minds across Michiana.
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| Distinguished Lecture Series |
Learn more about the Distinguished Lecture Series on our website.
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In March, Richard Daneman, PhD, Assistant Professor in the departments of Pharmacology and Neuroscience at the University of California, San Diego, spoke about understanding the molecular mechanisms that regulate blood-brain barrier (BBB) function during health and disease.
He also took time for a one-on-one lunch with a small group of students who work in various labs on campus. Students were able to ask him questions about his experiences and he, in turn, talked to them about their lab experiences.
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Jordyn Wilcox, Ph.D. welcomed the newest inductees to Nu Rho Psi on April 9th in Jordan Hall's Reading Room. Professors Diane Lane, Rachel Branco, and Vanessa Chan-Devaere gave students words of encouragement.
Students received their certificate and pin at the dinner. They would later receive their Nu Rho Psi cord before graduation.
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| Friday, January 16th, the Neuroscience Club hosted the first "Back-to-School Brain Ball" Dance in Downes Club from 8 pm to 11 pm! All NSBH students, faculty, and affiliated faculty were welcome to attend.
The Neuroscience Club made a simple slideshow of photos of NSBH events and played them on the monitors during the event. Attendance was fantastic and photographer Katy K took some amazing photos.
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You wouldn't believe how excited we get when we hear from alumni. Please update us through the following Google Form. Thanks!
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| | Jordan Hall of Science
Notre Dame, IN 46556 neuroscienceandbehavior.nd.edu
NSBH@ND.edu
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