Discoveries in the field of neuroscience shine new light on some of humanity's oldest questions about the mind — making it one of the most exciting areas of study in contemporary science.
The Center for Mind & Brain Studies at Bard College at Simon's Rock seeks to promote greater awareness of the groundbreaking research, study, and interdisciplinary approach in the study of neuroscience. The Center brings together Simon's Rock faculty, alumni, and affiliates in the Berkshire community to offer a newly designed interdisciplinary BA concentration in Mind & Brain Studies; provide internship and research opportunities; and present educational events, conferences, workshops, and the annual LaBerge Mind & Brain Speaker Series.
The Center for Mind & Brain Studies presents events throughout the year that provide opportunities to learn about and discuss contemporary theory, research, and practice in the field of neuroscience. The LaBerge Mind & Brain Speaker Series is a centerpiece of the event calendar, which brings together scholars, scientists, students, and community members on the campus of Simon's Rock to explore and discuss the fascinating world of neuroscience and neuropsychology. Additional events are hosted by our Berkshire partners around the region.
Desiree Byrd, PhD, ABPP Associate Professor of Neurology and Psychology
Bard College at Simon’s Rock
Thursday, April 25, 2019
What are the neurological bases of consciousness? How can we understand, represent, and study the patterns of neural activity? What are the effects of trauma on neural network activity in the brain? Neuroscience — the study of the workings of the brain — seeks to answer these and other fundamental questions by drawing from many different disciplines including, but not limited to, psychology, biology, philosophy, medicine, computer science, linguistics, and chemistry. At Simon's Rock, the academic concentration in Mind & Brain Studies is designed around this interdisciplinary perspective.
All students in the Mind & Brain Studies concentration have high caliber internship and research opportunities available to them at a variety of local institutions including the Austen Riggs Center and the College Internship Program, as well as on-campus research opportunities in neurophysics and artificial intelligence.
The Center for Mind & Brain Studies is affiliated with Berkshire County organizations and individuals whose work centers around the disciplines of neuroscience. These include:
These affiliates collaborate to create the framework for the academic and community programs that are provided by the Center.