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Founding of Brains et al.

where we came from

The world was in need of something new. In the age of clickbait, fake news, and under-explained sources, little existed for the everyday scientist. As the founders of Brains et al. finished their degrees in neuroscience, they sought to find a place between peer-reviewed articles and clickbait, between expensive conferences and druken bar banter, a place where science was accessible and conversations could thrive. When our founders struggled to find a place like this, they decided to create our brand and invite YOU to enjoy, explore, and learn with them.  

Dom Acri

host, co founder

Dom is a first year graduate student at Indiana University School of Medicine, pursuing his PhD in medical neuroscience at Stark Neurosciences Research Institute.

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While completing his bachelor of science in neuroscience and behavior at the University of Notre Dame, Dom discovered his passion for the behaviors we display and the neurobiology that drives us. He aspires to better understand neuropathology from a biological perspective and to share what he finds with whoever will listen. 

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Niko Porter

host, co founder

Niko is a first year graduate student at Duke University studying bioethics and science policy with a concentration in neuroscience.


While completing his bachelor of arts in neuroscience and behavior at the University of Notre Dame, he explored the intersections between science and theology. He intends on pursuing a career in academia and law and is particularly interested in intellectual property as it relates to resource autonomy in indigenous communities.

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Kaitlyn Cortez

Research, Content Creator

Kaitlyn is a laboratory manager at the University of Notre Dame, pursuing research in Dr. Narvaez's Evolved Developmental Morality Laboratory.


While completing her bachelor of science in neuroscience and behavior at the University of Notre Dame, Kaitlyn discovered the many intersections between neuroscience and the rest of academia. She hopes to better understand these intersections and to make science, and more generally, knowledge, more accessible to all who wish to find it.

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Maya Foster

Research, Content Creator

Maya is a third year undergraduate student at the Johns Hopkins University. She is majoring in neuroscience and also taking some computer science classes. For the past two years, she has been pursuing research in various labs (both computer science and neuroscience).


She is really interested in working at the intersection of neuroscience and computer science. For her, this means creating tools to better diagnosis and study psychiatric diseases. Outside of school, she is committed to promoting diversity, playing/creating music (cello), and dance. She also enjoys writing and hopes to one day write a novel. She decided to join Brains et al because she enjoys sharing the knowledge of neuroscience to the public in fun, creative ways. A neuroscience-themed app and iMessage stickers will hopefully be on the market soon!

Maya's LinkedIn

Kelly Smith

Editor

Kelly is excited to be the editor and resident "everyday scientist" for the BEA team.


She has three years of experience editing scientific writing, and she has fostered a recreational interest in neuroscience for eight years. She is currently working as an educational consultant in Beijing, where she enjoys trying the local cuisine in her spare time. 

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