Mirana Iliza – Contributor 

From Mar. 9 to 13, the Student Union Building was transformed into an interactive brain science hub, kicking off Bishop’s very first Brain Awareness Week (BAW). All week long, students passing through the SUB were able to participate in interactive activities and have in-depth discussions with members of the WHRC about the importance of taking care of your brain. This event was perfectly timed, since school is ramping up and becoming more stressful, as a reminder to students why it’s so important to take a break from their work.  

Image courtesy of Mirana Iliza

BAW is a global campaign designed to foster public enthusiasm and support for brain science. Every March, participants around the world host creative activities in their communities to share the wonders of the brain and highlight the impact of brain science on our everyday lives. This year, the global campaign made its way onto the Bishop’s campus. 

Each day of the week was given a theme, with the hopes of keeping students engaged with interactive content. We wanted to have something for everybody and engage with different student populations, hoping to connect with the students who may not have much prior science knowledge, and also those taking a STEM degree. Everyone on campus can benefit from this information, which is why we tried to tailor it to all groups.

We started on Monday with a Cognition theme where students stopped by to test their memory, attention, reaction time and more through a variety of neuropsychological tests and could even win small prizes. The event even drew interest from beyond Bishop’s campus, with a Champlain student, considering a future in neuroscience, stopping by to connect with the club.

Tuesday’s theme centred on Women’s Health; it opened with a trivia wheel in the SUB where students competed to answer questions on neuroscience myths, cognition and brain facts. In the evening, Professor Samantha Côté delivered a guest lecture titled “Beyond Sex Differences: The Impact of Sex Hormones on the Brain,” exploring how hormonal fluctuations influence brain structure and function. The event was free and open to all, with light refreshments provided.

The Thursday theme focused on Substance Abuse awareness. In the SUB, students could pick up a mandala to colour and browse brochures on substance use safety, sexual health and campus wellness resources.

The week closed Friday with a free yoga session in Paterson Hall from 12:45 p.m. to 2 p.m, run in collaboration with EnjoyYoga Studio, a deliberate choice to end on a note of rest and care.