Making Neuroscience Accessible to All
The Scaplen Lab is committed making neuroscience accessible to all. We regularly visit K-12 classrooms to teach students about the brain, are active participants in Brain Waves RI, and participate in annual RI Brain Fairs to educate the public on brain science and brain health.
Dr. Scaplen with most recent Rising TIDES high school students from Dr. Upegui’s Medical Interventions Class at Central Falls. Dr. Scaplen worked closely with Dr. Upegui’s class during the 2024-2025 academic year.
At the 2025 Pawtucket Brain Fair, high school students from Cranston East High School recorded EEGs from visitors as part of the Rising TIDES program- an educational initiative founded by Dr. Scaplen to mentor and inspire local students through inquiry-based neuroscience research. Throughout the 2024–2025 academic year, Dr. Scaplen collaborated closely with students in Ms. Victoria Conte’s Anatomy and Physiology classes, guiding them through hands-on neuroscience activities and preparing them to share their knowledge with the community.
Kaia Scaplen models human brain at 2024 Pawtucket Brain Fair with Bryant undergraduate volunteers in the background.
Dr. Scaplen visits local high schools to teach about the brain and her research.
Drs. Scaplen and Heimer McGinn bring brain science to Woonsocket Public Library to engage community members in conversations about the brain! Attendees made brain caps, pipe cleaner neurons, held a human brain, and recorded from their own brains. Thanks for having us!
Neuroscience runs in the family! Kaia volunteers regularly at Brain Waves RI yearly brain fairs
Dr. Scaplen teams up with Bryant and Brown undergraduates to create virtual lesson plan on Optical Illusions for K-12 schools for 2021 BRAINY Adventures.
Dr. Scaplen serves on the Executive Committee as Vice President of Brain Waves RI, formerly known as Brain Week RI.
We aim to promote science communication skills among specialists, destigmatize mental illness, inspire the next generation of neuroscientists, foster public understanding of brain science and brain health, and promote a sense of community in Rhode Island.
Scaplen Lab Returns to the 2025 Pawtucket Brain Fair! In March, the Scaplen Lab was thrilled to host another table at the Pawtucket Brain Fair, sharing how fruit flies can be used to study neuroscience with the community. A special thanks to Skylar for making it extra memorable—attendees took home 3D-printed flies and fly brains as unique souvenirs!
Bryant undergraduates volunteer at 2025 Pawtucket Brain Fair.
Dr. Scaplen teams up with Providence College undergrads for local BRAINY visits
Erika Cortez and Katelyn Caldarone from the Scaplen Lab host a table at Pawtucket Brain Fair 2024 at Hope Artiste Village in Pawtucket RI.
Dr. Scaplen with 2024 Rising TIDES high school students from Dr. Upegui’s Medical Interventions Class at Central Falls. Rising TIDES is an education program established by Dr. Scaplen aimed at mentoring and guiding local high school students through inquiry based neuroscience research.
Scaplen Lab presents at Pawtucket Brain Fair 2023 at Hope Artiste Village in Pawtucket RI. Check out our table in the upcoming Pawtucket Brain Fair on March 9th, 2024.