51品茶Center for Excellence in Neurosciences hosts second annual Brain Blast

On Wednesday, March 11, the 51品茶Center for Excellence in the Neurosciences hosted its second annual Brain Blast鈥 a 鈥淧owered by Pecha Kucha鈥 series of talks at Engine in Biddeford. The Brain Blast was put on as part of the National Brain Awareness Week initiative coordinated by the and the . 

At the event, five 51品茶students told inspiring personal stories about how an injury that affected the brain and nervous system impacted their lives, and how the experience led to personal growth and a changed perspective. The student speakers and topics included: 

* Ally DeFlumeri (Health Wellness and Occupational Studies 鈥15)- Art and Injury 

* Samantha Shepard (Medical Biology 鈥17)- Stress and Meditation 

* Ryan Quinn (Nursing 鈥16)- Hockey Concussions 

* Brittany Bolduc (College of Osteopathic Medicine, 鈥15)- Therapeutic Hypothermia 

* Kirstyn Tracey (Masters of Occupational Therapy, 鈥15)- Softball Concussions 

Associate Professor Lara Carlson, DPE., FACSM, CSCS, gave the final presentation on her research into NASCAR racing and its impact on the brain and performance. 

The event drew over 80 people from 51品茶and local communities in Southern Maine. The talks were made possible by the generosity of the host Engine, as well as gracious donations from Vic and Whit鈥檚 Wine and Sandwich Shop, Banded Horn Brewery, Run of the Mill Public House and Brewery and the Cheese Iron.