Center for Neurosciences Fdn.

Mission: Empower everyone to optimize the development and functioning of their brain and nervous system to the peak of their potential throughout their lifetime. Vision: Promote care of brain health through public engagement and targeted philanthropic support.

At The Center for Neurosciences Foundation (CNSF), we consider knowledge the best means for creating change in belief and behavior. The earlier that people have information which helps them choose brain-healthy lifestyles and habits, the more powerful the potential long term impact. Established in 2010, CNSF is the brainchild of neurologists, neurosurgeons and basic neuroscientists who seek to share neuroscience information with the residents of Southern Arizona. Involvement of the University of Arizona faculty and student volunteers enhances our ability to address our goals.

We emphasize the brain's ability to learn, adapt, and change throughout life, and we absolutely believe our tagline: each brain matters. As scientists and educators in Southern Arizona, we see an immense need for neuroscience, brain health and mental health education. Neuroscience educators have prepared variety of presentations to deliver to all age groups. We also travel around Southern Arizona with our neuroscience teaching lab - the Brain Bus, and offer interactive exercises to teach about the amazing brain and how to care for it.

Strong brain development leads to lifelong effects in individuals, such as; greater educational achievement, higher job levels, richer adult cognitive capacity, and greater resilience to stress. We strive to support a community of cognitively capable, emotionally aware and socially engaged individuals, who are able to manage challenges, problem solve, and thoughtfully care for themselves, others and the world.

Testimonials

"The kids have loved the activities, learned a lot, and have been very engaged and curious to learn more. I met with the social work team and we talked about different ideas and ways to bring this to our students including the possibility of incorporating lessons into our small counseling groups, afterschool classes, and during summer school. Learning about the brain fits in perfectly with our district's emphasis on social emotional learning"
Yemen Bernal, LCSW
Certified School Social Worker

"It's important to me that science should be accessible to all and, as a college student studying Neuroscience, volunteering with the brain bus gives me the opportunity to share the knowledge I learn in class with my community. The activities challenge me to understand ways to explain the complexities of our brain to people in every stage of life, from toddler to older adults. It's always fun being able to share this experience with fellow volunteers, peers, and mentors who are as fascinated in the brain as I am"
Vivianna Pederson
Neuroscience Graduate Student

"Thank you for welcoming me to the Brain Bus. I am so grateful for this opportunity to meet students, neurologists, and neuroscientists. Getting to meet so many different kinds of people and teach them all about their brains has been so interesting. I loved working with all the little kids and seeing how excited they got. I've enjoyed the experience so much and am excited to continue working with the group when I attend the University of Arizona in the fall, where I plan to major in psychology and minor in neuroscience."
Sienna Hays
High School Senior