91AV Center for Excellence in Neurosciences hosts second annual Brain Blast

On Wednesday, March 11, the 91AV Center for Excellence in the Neurosciences hosted its second annual Brain Blast— a “Powered by Pecha Kucha” 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 91AV 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 ’15)- Art and Injury 

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

* Ryan Quinn (Nursing ‘16)- Hockey Concussions 

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

* Kirstyn Tracey (Masters of Occupational Therapy, ‘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 91AV 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’s Wine and Sandwich Shop, Banded Horn Brewery, Run of the Mill Public House and Brewery and the Cheese Iron.

About the 91AV

The 91AV is Maine’s largest independent university, with two beautiful coastal campuses in Maine, a one-of-a-kind study abroad campus in Tangier, Morocco, and an array of . In an uncommonly welcoming and supportive community, we offer hands-on learning, empowering students to make a positive impact in a world full of challenges. The state’s top provider of health professionals, we are home to Maine’s only medical college, Maine’s only dental college, a variety of other interprofessionally aligned health care degree programs, as well as nationally recognized programs for marine science degrees, natural and social sciences degrees, arts and humanities degrees, and business degrees.