![TRANSCENT PhD MRI Training](https://edneuro-programs.media.uconn.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/3507/2022/04/transcend1-scaled-e1649841162336.jpeg)
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.
![Image of a brain model.](https://edneuro-programs.media.uconn.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/3507/2022/07/robina-weermeijer-so1L3jsdD3Y-unsplash-scaled-e1658140188871.jpg)
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.
![A scientist observes a functional MRI test in front of the scanner.](https://edneuro-programs.media.uconn.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/3507/2022/11/fMRI170717a184-scaled.jpg)
![Two research assistants placing EEG electrodes on a child participant's scalp.](https://edneuro-programs.media.uconn.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/3507/2022/09/Nicole_4-e1664825106646.png)
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.
![Four scientists with EEG electrodes placed on their scalp.](https://edneuro-programs.media.uconn.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/3507/2022/10/Form1_Ido_EEG_in_the_classroom.png)
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
-
Art Exhibit: Origins & Forgotten in Time All Day 7/27
Art Exhibit: Origins & Forgotten in Time
Saturday, July 27th, 2024
All Day
Celeste LeWitt Gallery at UConn Health
Exhibits featuring painter Catie Lewis and photographer Mallorie Ostrowitz
-
Open Air 2024 Sculpture Exhibition All Day 7/27
Open Air 2024 Sculpture Exhibition
Saturday, July 27th, 2024
All Day
UConn Avery Point
The exhibiting artists are Jenny Carpenter, the CoyWolf Collective, Dan Devine, Walter Early, Johanna Jackson, Cara Lynch, R. Douglass Rice, Sebastian Shames, Margaret Roleke and Martha Willette Lewis.Plan your visit to explore these exciting sculptures and their relationship to the coastal landscape. -
UConn ECE Alumni Survey - HS class of 2023 All Day 7/27
UConn ECE Alumni Survey - HS class of 2023
Saturday, July 27th, 2024
All Day
1-year out alumni surveys have been emailed to the class of 2023. Surveys were sent to the email address used for registration. Please contact carissa.rutkauskas@uconn.edu if you are a UConn ECE alumni from the high school class of 2023 and did not receive an email with the survey link.
Contact Information:
More