How June Liu is Empowering Future Neuroscientists in the Greater New Orleans Chapter

In this Chapters Spotlight, learn more about June Liu, PhD, a chapter representative from the Greater New Orleans Chapter, and how she hopes her chapter will empower the next generation of neuroscientists. Learn more about SfN’s local chapters here.

What inspired you to get involved with/start your local chapter?

I enjoy doing neuroscience research and I am passionate about providing the best training for the next generation of neuroscientists. The local chapter is a great way to get graduate students and postdoctoral researchers involved in outreach activities and provides a platform for them to present their research and promotes interactions among trainees from different Universities in the city.

What value do you find in participating in local chapters?

I worked with five faculty members from Tulane and LSUHSC to discuss ideas and practical issues for every event that we organized. We often met over zoom and shared thoughts via email. Their support makes participating in the local chapter enjoyable. Students and postdocs volunteered to serve as committee members organizing a seminar series, and outreach activities. They actively participate in these activities and present their research at our monthly student/postdoc research seminar series. They are the driving force for these events and instrumental in shaping our local neuroscience community. The local chapter is a highly supportive and enthusiastic scientific community in NOLA.

How has being involved with your chapter expanded your views on the field of neuroscience?

Neuroscience is a vibrant and exciting field to be in and working with graduate students and postdocs in the local chapter has been a rewarding experience.

What has been the most memorable experience with your chapter?

The student/postdoc research seminar committee organized several fellowship grant writing training workshops inviting F and K grantees and faculty as panel members.  These sessions were very well attended and helped trainees learn about funding mechanisms and develop their grant writing skills. I am very impressed by their passion for science and organizational skills.

How would you like to see your chapter evolve over the next few years?

New leadership will bring in new ideas. I would like to see that the chapter continues to get graduate students and postdocs actively involved and participate in chapter activities.  I hope that trainees will lead the local chapter activity, as they are the future of neuroscience.

What is one piece of advice you could share with other chapter leaders/members to bolster chapter membership/enable long term success of their organization?

Get everyone involved and let students and postdocs take the lead in organizing events.