OUTREACH
The community outreach efforts of the Institute for Human Neuroscience are aimed at building relationships with community organizations and encouraging excitement about science. We know that the value of scientific outreach is multi-faceted and long-term. For example, some of our events stimulate kids to think about science and can help spark an interest in STEM-oriented careers. Other unique experiences serve to educate adults of all ages about the brain and the research being conducted in their local community. Such outreach can also help build local pride and confidence in science.
We are happy to be able to participate in community events across Omaha, including classrooms, community centers, and health fairs. We also host events and tours at our facility on the Boys Town campus. We are continuously developing new programs and partnerships, so please reach out if you have outreach opportunities that promote science, mental health, and physical well-being.
Check back in to learn more about our new research and educational opportunities!
Want to partner with us? Is there an event you think we should be involved in?
We’d love to connect! Please email Sophia A. Quintero.
IHN Outreach
Cerebral Palsy Awareness: Every year The Institute for Human Neuroscience along with the Center for Human Performance Optimization and Boys Town, hosts an all-inclusive family-friendly event to celebrate Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day. This annual event is an opportunity to raise awareness about cerebral palsy, connect with, and have fun with friends and families who have been touched by this condition. Activities include several games, a wheelchair obstacle course, therapy dogs, bounce houses, a photo booth, carnival treats, and face painting. Several partners from the community set up booths with games, prizes, and the most up-to-date educational information, support, and various services for the cerebral palsy community. We hope to see you at next year’s celebration!
Nebraska Science Festival: Throughout April, Nebraska Science Festival hosts an annual celebration of science with activities across the state of Nebraska. The Institute for Human Neuroscience (IHN) participates in this celebration by hosting tours of our state-of-the-art scientific research facility and hosting a family-friendly interactive booth with games and activities at the Science Exposition. Additionally, IHN has been a proud guest speaker at the Science Café, sharing on recent brain research being conducted at IHN. We appreciate the opportunity to be involved in our community and are excited to help increase knowledge and interest in how the brain works and the importance of brain research.
Teen Summit: The Institute for Human Neuroscience began partnering with the North Omaha Community Care Council (NOCCC) in 2023 to help host their annual Teen Summit. This day-long health event is aimed at providing local high school teenagers with information and resources to set them up for a healthy and successful future. We support the initiative through sponsorship, hosting break-out sessions, and an informational booth to provide opportunities to share the latest research findings about mental health, brain health, as well as career opportunities in neuroscience. We look forward to continuing to grow this collaborative community partnership and next year’s summit!
Community Events: The Institute for Human Neuroscience participates in local community events around the Omaha Metro area. We support these events in a variety of capacities, including by hosting booths to provide information and resources. We are passionate about sharing the importance of research with the community and providing opportunities for people to be involved in these projects. The Institute for Human Neuroscience has participated in the Lot-to-Know Block Party, Black Family Health & Wellness Health Fair, Community Night events with the Omaha Storm Chasers and Union Omaha teams, back-to-school events for schools in the community, and others.
Classroom Engagement: The Institute for Human Neuroscience partners with local Omaha schools to bring our groundbreaking research findings to the classroom. We visit classrooms in elementary, middle, and high schools to provide interactive educational presentations about neuroscience, our research methods, and our state-of-the-art brain imaging machinery. By bringing our research to local youth, we spark interest in STEM-oriented careers and help build pride and confidence in science across Omaha. We love bringing neuroscience to the educational community and are always looking for new opportunities to do so. If you are an educator who is interested in having us host a presentation in your classroom or school, please contact Sophia A. Quintero. We are excited to connect with you!