The Grey Matter Project

The Grey Matter Project is a network of high school neuroscience chapters that is organized and run by the Yale Department of Neurology. The Project’s mission is to promote education and career interest in the neurosciences to teens prior to higher education, and to close the neuroscience/education gap, one neuron at a time. The field of neuroscience is vast, and we aim to foster knowledge, conversations, and a community for students to explore the in-depth and complex world of the nervous system. We aspire to bring a one-of-a-kind program to high school students to kindle a passion for this fascinating field.

The Grey Matter Project was founded by Sreya Devarakonda and Sara Schaefer, MD, MHS. Sreya started the first Neurology Club at Chantilly High School in Chantilly, Virginia. After inviting Dr. Schaefer as a guest lecturer, the two decided to collaborate and create a club structure for anyone, anywhere, and The Grey Matter Project was born.

By creating the Grey Matter Project, we hope to tackle the intimidation that can accompany a career path in medicine and to tackle the “neurophobia” that many students feel when confronted with the complexity of these topics. Our career panels aim to educate students on the myriad careers that exist within the medical field – from doctors and nurses to medical techs, device engineers, research coordinators, and beyond – so students can see and understand the diversity of options that start with an interest in the neurosciences. We select lecturers and panelists with purpose, aiming to provide role models for students of all backgrounds.

The Yale Department of Neurology provides an annual schedule of events that includes virtual lectures, career panels, and activities across a variety of neuroscience topics. Lectures and career panels are given by neuroscience faculty and providers mostly from Yale School of Medicine and Yale New Haven Hospital. Each month focuses on one specific neuroscience topic. Some months include activities for which The Grey Matter Project provides instructions (videos, handouts) and the activities can be completed at each club’s convenience. The “Structure” section below contains more information regarding the schedule of events. Additional materials of interest such as articles and websites will be provided to club membership periodically to enhance your learning and your experience.

Here is a sample annual calendar of events including general topic, lecture, activity, and career panel. This is an illustrative outline and is subject to change:

^*The careers listed in the Career Panel section are tentative and subject to change depending on availability of professionals.

We encourage all interested teachers, advisors, and students to sign up for our mailing list so they can receive all club communications, event information, resources, and extras. All clubs should fill out the Club Registration form each year with updated club leadership information. Each member and advisor must additionally fill out the Member Registration form, including all necessary attachments to be added to the mailing list. Please note that the Member Registration form must be filled out for every member in order to be added to the mailing list, even if their information is given on the Club Registration form.

Any interested student can start a local chapter, whether associated or not associated with their high school. The only rule is that you must be in high school or at an equivalent level of education.

Additionally, The Grey Matter Project encourages intra-club engagement through our own Discord Server. Once you sign up for the mailing list, the Discord server link will be provided. Say ‘hi’ to other members, network, ask questions about neuroscience or just life in general, geek out about neuroscience, or all of the above!

The Grey Matter Project has a YouTube channel where all our activities and some lectures (lectures available only to current members) will be uploaded. Additionally, follow us on Instagram for meeting reminders and to keep up to date on other cool neuroscience events and opportunities.

Each club – new or returning – should fill out the Club Registration form annually with updated information on club leadership and contact information. Please have the names and email addresses of all club leaders and advisors ready prior to filling out the form. Please note that the Member Registration form must be filled out for every member in order to be added to the mailing list, even if their information is given on the Club Registration form.

Keep in mind that school email addresses may not permit receipt of outside emails, and in that case an alternative email address should be given.

Welcome to the Grey Matter Project! To register as a member, receive emails from the mailing list, and participate in any Grey Matter Project offerings, you must register your information below.
If you are 18-year-old or younger, you must upload the following completed forms with the format Firstname_Lastname_(SRF/OPF/MCF).pdf:

• standard release form (SRF, required)
• online program permission form (OPF, required)
• Permission to use images and recordings (media consent) form (MCF, optional)

If you are 18-years-old or older, the SRF and OPF forms are not required, but you may fill out and upload the “Permission to use images and recordings (media consent) form adult (MCF, optional)” if desired.
Keep in mind that school email addresses may not permit receipt of outside emails, and in that case an alternative email address should be given.