Wednesday, March 14, 2018

This year at the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) conference in Austin, TX, the University of Iowa was represented by both the Iowa Neuroscience Institute (INI), and by the Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Neuroscience. Dr. Ted Abel, Director of the INI and AAAS Fellow, spoke on Saturday, Feb. 17th on his research regarding sleep and memory consolidation. Dr. Abel’s research specifically examines the cellular mechanisms by which REM sleep may improve memory consolidation by strengthening of dendritic spines

Graduate students Stacey Peek and Katrina Okerstrom also attend the AAAS meeting, participating as facilitators at the INI booth for the Family Science Days program. This AAAS program is intended to increase overall public engagement in science, and to increase scientific interest in young children. The Family Science Days program features interactive exhibits and booths hosted by universities and programs from all over the country.