Discover the brain’s extraordinary ability to change its structure, function, and connections in response to the input it receives in “The Science of Neuroplasticity,” a Math + Science + X Seminar on Friday, Sept. 16, from 10 to 11 a.m. at the University of Hawai‘i–West O‘ahu campus in D-140.

The presentation features Dr. Melanie Cheung (Ngāti Rangitihi, Te Arawa), who is committed to exploring both Indigenous and Western scientific paradigms to help people with neurodegenerative diseases. Consequently, her work integrates experimental neurobiology, bioethics, tikanga (ceremony/customary), and Mātauranga Māori (Maori traditional knowledge).

According to an event description, Cheung’s area of expertise is neuroplasticity, the brain’s extraordinary ability to change its structure, function, and connections in response to the input it receives. Through providing specific inputs that therapeutically alter the structure, function, and connections in dysfunctional neural networks, neuroplasticity-based treatments have been developed for a wide range of brain disorders.

Math + Science + X seminars help Mathematics, Natural, and Health Sciences faculty at the UH West O‘ahu promote fascinating, interesting, and current topics that are happening in STEM. STEM community members around the island, mainland, and within the university are invited to give presentations. Each seminar is geared to introduce UH West O‘ahu undergraduates, faculty, staff, and interested community members to a variety of research and career development or opportunities.

“The Science of Neuroplasticity” is open to UH West O‘ahu students, faculty, and staff, and to the general public. For more information, email ogeorge@hawaii.edu.