Rebuilding connections

The Neuroscience Club is making a strong return to Christopher Newport University after a brief period of inactivity. Originally active throughout the 2010s, the club focused primarily on academic enrichment and community outreach. However, membership declined following the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to the club becoming inactive in Spring 2023. Determined to bring back the opportunity for students to connect through shared academic interests, students William Meyer and Kaitlyn Kinslow worked together to re-establish the organization during the Fall 2024 semester.

While the club still emphasizes academic and professional development, its mission has expanded to focus heavily on community building. The Neuro Club aims to create a welcoming space for students interested in neuroscience, regardless of their major or career goals. Meyer explained that rebuilding the club was important because there was a noticeable need for stronger connections among students interested in neuroscience and related fields. The organization now strives to help students feel more connected not only to neuroscience studies at CNU but also to the campus community as a whole.

Since its revival, the Neuro Club has already hosted several events that support both academic growth and social engagement. One of the club’s recent highlights was a Neuroscience Research Mixer held on February 5. The event brought together faculty members, their undergraduate research assistants, and students interested in pursuing research opportunities. Professors and assistants gave brief overviews of their work before allowing attendees to connect and ask questions in a more relaxed setting. Meyer emphasized the importance of this type of event, noting that research experience benefits undergraduate students even if they do not plan to pursue a scientific career. By connecting students with faculty and research assistants, the club hopes to make these opportunities more accessible.

Looking ahead, the club has several events planned that focus on both outreach and social engagement. One upcoming opportunity includes volunteering at the Tidewater Brain Bee, a neuroscience competition for high school students. The competition allows the winning student to advance to the national level in Irvine, California. Through this event, the club hopes to support local students while promoting interest in neuroscience throughout the Newport News community. In addition to outreach events, the Neuro Club also hosts social meetings, such as their popular Game Night gatherings, which allow members to relax and build friendships outside of academic settings.

For Kinslow, one of the most meaningful aspects of helping rebuild the club has been the connections formed among members. She explained that the organization has helped her develop relationships with both neuroscience majors and students from completely different academic backgrounds. Kinslow shared that the club reflects CNU’s goal of building strong community connections, saying she enjoys seeing familiar faces around campus after meeting them through club events. She described the supportive environment as one of the most fulfilling parts of her college experience.

The Neuro Club also places strong emphasis on inclusivity. The organization encourages students from all majors to participate, emphasizing that interest in neuroscience is the only requirement for joining. According to Kinslow, neuroscience connects to a wide range of disciplines, including both STEM and non-STEM fields. By hosting professional workshops and social gatherings, the club allows students to explore neuroscience topics while forming connections that extend beyond the classroom.

Members often point to the club’s Game Night events as a favorite activity. Kinslow explained that while these meetings may appear more casual, they play an important role in building friendships and support systems. Through games and conversation, members learn about each other’s academic interests and personal motivations for studying neuroscience. These events create a comfortable space for students to ask for help with classes, discuss career goals, or simply connect over shared interests.

As the club continues to grow, its leaders hope more students across campus will become involved. The Neuro Club welcomes all students who are curious about neuroscience and provides opportunities for academic development, outreach, and social connection. Students interested in joining can attend the club’s upcoming Game Night meeting on February 17 at 6:00 p.m. in Forbes 2070A. Additional information about events and involvement opportunities can also be found on the club’s Instagram page, @cnuneuroclub, or through their Raft group.

Through its revival, the Neuro Club is working to strengthen both academic opportunities and campus community connections, offering students a place to explore neuroscience while building meaningful relationships along the way.