The National Science Foundation (NSF) awarded a $399,978 Project Grant under the STEM Education (formerly Education and Human Resources) program (CFDA 47.076) to the College of Charleston. The grant aims to develop and test a web-based platform that uses neural connectivity data to improve student learning of neuroanatomy. Key products to be delivered include:
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Revising and expanding an interactive graphical software system called "Show Me the Brain!!" to include 3D models of white-matter fiber tracts that visualize neural connections, using diffusion-weighted imaging and neuronal tracing data.
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Creating and testing an extension to "Show Me the Brain!!" called "Build-a-Brain" that allows students to configure connectivity networks by choosing brain areas and being directed to associated white-matter tracts.
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Building an open-source community for continuous feedback and improvement of the software platforms.
The project aims to facilitate a revision in undergraduate neuroanatomy education to parallel the current paradigm shift in neuroscience research, by helping students better visualize and understand functional and structural relationships among brain areas. The award period is from August 15, 2023 to July 31, 2026.
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