The Grey Matter Project

The Grey Matter Project is a network of high school neuroscience chapters organized and run by Yale School of Medicine’s Department of Neurology. The project’s mission is to promote education and career interest in the neurosciences to teens before 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 Schaefer as a guest lecturer, the two decided to collaborate and create a club structure for anyone, anywhere around the globe. Thus, 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, as well as the “neurophobia” that many students at all levels can feel when confronted with the complexity of these topics. We aim to provide educational resources and opportunities to students of all backgrounds in order to build confidence in and excitement for the neurosciences. By diversifying the perspectives and experiences of our lecturers and panelists , students will be exposed to the myriad careers within the medical field and learn how to achieve the medical career of their dreams.

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. The table within the Program Structure tab contains more information regarding the schedule of events.

High school students interested in joining the Grey Matter Project should complete our online registration form below. The form adds you to our mailing list, where you will receive updates, links to virtual lecture, information about career panels, resources, etc.

• All students involved in a high school chapter – not only chapter leaders – must complete the registration form.
• Joining virtual events without having registered and sharing links are strictly prohibited.
• All high school-aged students can start a chapter, even if they are not affiliated with a specific school.
• This program is only for high school-aged students (approximately 14-18 years of age).
• Students without a local chapter are still encouraged to register and participate. However, forming a new chapter is a great way to collaborate with peers and foster community.