Diné College Hosts Neuroscience Workshop in Tuba City
11 April 2025
Tuba City, Ariz. – Diné College proudly hosted Day 2 of the Pueblo Brain Science: 4th Neuroscience Workshop on April 11, 2025, at the Tuba City Center. The event welcomed 45 participants, including 12 Diné College students pursuing their bachelor’s and master’s degrees, as well as junior high and high school students from Tuba City High School, Tuba City Junior High School, and Grayhills Academy High School. The workshop was part of a multi-day series designed to spark interest in Medical Sciences focusing neuroscience and STEM fields across young minds and Native communities.
Participants had the opportunity to learn from a team of distinguished instructors, including Dr. Jelly Soffers, Dr. Rahail Ashraf, Dr. Tulabi Azam, Dr. Ethan Wilson, Dr. Adil Wani, Dr. Selena Redhouse, Dr. Jessica Belmares-Ortega, Dr. Frank Loesche, Dr. Budha Chowdhury, and Dr. Matthew Q. Clark. These experts led sessions on brain science research, hands-on activities, and discussions centered on how science and Indigenous knowledge can work together. Students explored neuroscience concepts through interactive demonstrations and gained exposure to college and career pathways in STEM.
By hosting this event, Diné College continues to strengthen its mission of supporting academic growth and culturally grounded learning. “Our goal is to motivate students on learning about the brain and neuroscience through this workshop and continue their pursuit in the STEM field on the Navajo Nation, some of these participants will also continue in our NIH supported CONVOY internship for Biomedical Sciences” said Dr. Shazia Tabassum, Diné College faculty and workshop organizer. The College is proud to provide opportunities that connect students of all ages to higher education, research, and the possibilities of a future in science. Special thanks go to the Pueblo Brain Science team, visiting instructors, and participating schools for making the event a success.
