The TRANSdisciplinary Convergence in Educational Neuroscience Doctoral (TRANSCEND) training program seeks to address two major challenges facing our educational system:
(1) designing and delivering education that helps each student reach their full potential and (2) closing the achievement gap that negatively impacts youth from underrepresented groups (URGs).
This NSF funded program is grounded in Educational Neuroscience (EdNeuro), a cross-disciplinary field which promises to revolutionize education by transcending the present one-size-fits-all approach and personalizing learning. Our approach seeks to help realize EdNeuro’s potential by bringing together transdisciplinary research training in Psychology, Cognitive Neuroscience, Education, Engineering, Computer Science and Math. With a strong emphasis on neurodiversity, team science, and co-creation of research and training opportunities with community stakeholders TRANSCEND will prepare diverse cohorts of trainees (50 PhD students, including 25 funded trainees) with the technical and transferable professional skills needed to excel in the 21st century STEM workforce within and outside of academia.
Innovation in EdNeuro
TRANSCEND integrates faculty from 3 colleges/schools and 5 departments, currently siloed within distinct degree programs. Our integrated EdNeuro Bidirectional Approach and Cyclical Model that requires convergence of multiple disciplines, will lead to more ecologically valid research grounded in practice, and rapid translation of research to practice.
Neurodiversity
TRANSCEND centers neurodiverse learners (e.g., with ADHD, dyslexia, and/or autism spectrum disorder) both as a key population of investigation and as trainees. TRANSCEND will prioritize recruitment and retention of neurodiverse trainees, capitalizing on our expansive network including NSF INCLUDES partners.
Team Science
We expand on UConn NRTs that leveraged problem-based learning, and add deliberate and formal implementation of team science approaches while considering diversity (in both demography and expertise) to enhance team creativity and productivity; and to facilitate collaborations, cultural competence, and career readiness. The Graduate School will support efforts to develop new modes of dissertation research based on transdisciplinary teams.
Community
To enhance TRANSCEND’s impact, the program will cultivate a culture of support and sense of belonging through internships; receiving and providing mentorship; and participation of partners, community stakeholders, trainees’ families, and faculty and students from other institutions in program activities. Transformations to graduate training and research will be sustained beyond NSF funding by a planned graduate certificate in EdNeuro. Practices and strategies learned will be disseminated widely for other institutions to follow the TRANSCEND model.
News
- Amid my Ph.D. struggles I learned I am neurodivergenthttps://www.science.org/content/article/amid-phd-struggles-learned-neurodivergent-found-ways-thrive
- Podcast alert! by co-PI Arash Zaghi & Trainee Hayes BrennerPodcast alert! Harmonizing with Autism: An Intimate Conversation with our trainee — Hayes Brenner Podcast alert! Harmonizing with Autism: An Intimate Conversation with our trainee — Hayes Brenner
- New Paper Alert! “Being Neurodivergent in Academia”https://elifesciences.org/articles/93980
- An internship opportunity @NewselaNewsela is hiring an intern for this summer. They are looking for someone with: strong quantitative skills and; an interest in educational technology Please contact Kayleigh Ryherd (she/her), Lead Research Analyst @Newsela, at kayleigh.ryherd@newsela.com for more information.
- Article: Your guide to neurodiversity and other neuro termshttps://www.rte.ie/brainstorm/2022/1011/1328464-neurodiversity-neurotypical-neurodivergence-neurotypical/
- NYTimes Article: Temple Grandin/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/09/opinion/temple-grandin-visual-thinking-autism.html
- Square Pegs — a podcast on neurodiversity hosted by co-PI ArashClick the images below to listen: Follow Square Pegs on Twitter: https://twitter.com/SquarePegsPod
- Poster Presentation at #NRT2022NRT 2022 Annual Meeting at VT Poster
- Program FlyerTRANSCEND NRT Recruitment Flyer 2023
Upcoming Events
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A Special Exhibit for Art Connection Studio All Day
4/30
A Special Exhibit for Art Connection Studio
Tuesday, April 30th, 2024
All Day
UConn Health
Art Connection Studio is a program of Vinfen, an organization dedicated to supporting individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities. ACS teaches art skills to participants and helps them use their talents to generate income. We want to highlight their efforts and dedication to empowerment. We also want to draw attention to the great work that UConn does with the same population through our Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, and Service
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Annual Compliance and Ethics Training All Day
4/30
Annual Compliance and Ethics Training
Tuesday, April 30th, 2024
All Day
The University is required to provide all faculty and staff with annual training on:
- Elements of the University’s compliance program
- University’s expectations that all will act in accordance with applicable laws, policies and standards
- Obligations as a state employee under the Connecticut State Code of Ethics.
Developed by the Office of University Compliance, training provides realistic scenarios and examples of how issues of ethics and compliance may arise in your work as a state employee. You can complete your training in one of two ways:
Attend a live virtual session.
Register for a Live Session on March 13, April 18, or May 15.
Estimated Time: 90 minutes
Location: Online via WebexRegistration is required.
Employees should register for live sessions as early as possible, because sessions will be limited.
If you register for a live Webex session, you do not need to complete the online training course.
Complete online training on your own schedule by May 31, 2024.
*Special payroll employees are not required to complete compliance training unless mandated by their Department Head. -
Closed during Finals Week All Day
4/30
Closed during Finals Week
Tuesday, April 30th, 2024
All Day
Innovation Zone Makerspace
Contact Information:
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