Beyond the Brain

The first full day of the internship began with a powerful entry into the world of neuroscience, an exploration of the brain not only as an organ, but as the essence of who we are. Interns were introduced to both the complexity of brain anatomy and the responsibility that comes with understanding and potentially influencing the mind.

Dr. James Giordano opened the morning with a session titled “Minding the Brain and What It Does.” Building on themes from his keynote, he guided students through a thought-provoking examination of neuroethics. Topics included consciousness, moral agency, personal identity, and the societal implications of advancing neurotechnology. These foundational discussions pushed students to think beyond science alone, asking them to consider the moral weight that accompanies progress.

The Anatomy of the Brain

Later in the morning, Dr. Brent Harris, Director of the Georgetown Brain Bank, provided a detailed walkthrough of human brain anatomy. Using preserved human brain tissue, he brought structure and function to life. Students examined major regions such as the hippocampus, cerebellum, and frontal lobes, linking each to the roles they play in cognition, memory, and personality.

The session offered more than anatomical insight. It sparked a deeper sense of reflection, prompting students to consider the brain as more than a biological object, something intricately tied to personhood and lived experience.

Brain Bank

The opportunity to interact with preserved brain tissue was a rare and impactful moment for the interns. For many, it was their first time seeing, let alone holding, the very organ that defines thought, emotion, and identity. The Georgetown Brain Bank provided a unique gateway into neuropathology and neuroscience research, offering students a real-world context to anchor their developing knowledge.

The experience brought science and humanity together. It challenged students to think about how we approach health and disease, how we preserve dignity in death, and how anatomical exploration informs ethical decision-making in research and medicine.

What Is the Research Proposal?

In the afternoon, Dr. Wurzman led a session on crafting strong research proposals. She emphasized that good research begins not just with a question, but with a sense of purpose. Interns were introduced to the building blocks of a proposal, hypothesis development, methodological design, and ethical considerations. The session encouraged students to think critically about how they approach problems, structure their inquiries, and communicate their ideas with clarity and responsibility.

By the end of the afternoon, the interns had transitioned from passive learners to emerging researchers. The combination of ethics, anatomy, hands-on exploration, and mentorship established a tone of thoughtful engagement and intellectual rigor. The beginning of Monday laid the groundwork for the weeks to come, a journey into the brain that will be as personal as it is scientific.