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NeuroBoricuas: A Culturally Rooted Approach to Neuroscience Outreach and Research Training
1Departments of Psychiatry and Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine, San Juan, Puerto Rico 00936 christian.bravorivera@upr.edu.
Eneuro
|October 20, 2025
Summary
NeuroBoricuas reimagines neuroscience education in Puerto Rico using cultural traditions like parrandas. This grassroots movement empowers students as teachers, fostering scientific identity and creating accessible learning opportunities.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience Education
- Science Outreach
- Cultural Integration in STEM
Background:
- Puerto Rican cultural identity is shaped by Taíno heritage, Spanish colonization, and US governance, emphasizing family, music, food, and collective participation.
- Conventional science outreach models may not resonate with diverse cultural contexts.
- There is a need for culturally relevant and accessible neuroscience education programs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and implement a grassroots neuroscience education movement in Puerto Rico, named NeuroBoricuas.
- To reimagine science outreach by integrating cultural metaphors and community participation.
- To create sustainable pathways for students interested in neuroscience, from K-12 to graduate training.
Main Methods:
- Developed NeuroBoricuas, a movement utilizing cultural metaphors like 'parrandas' (parties) and peer teaching.
- Established student-led demonstrations, the first high school neuroscience lab in Puerto Rico, and a network of university and high school clubs.
- Partnered with Backyard Brains for affordable, hands-on neuroscience tools.
- Integrated science into cultural festivals (e.g., Explora tu Cerebro en la SanSe).
- Launched the Bravo Lab Immersive Summer Program (BLISP) for undergraduates, focusing on advanced techniques and mentoring.
- Initiated international collaborations (e.g., NeuroBridges with UC Irvine).
Main Results:
- Successfully transitioned from conventional outreach to student-led initiatives and community engagement.
- Created tangible learning experiences in neuroscience for K-12 and university students.
- Fostered scientific identity, confidence, and pathways to graduate studies through immersive programs and mentoring.
- Demonstrated a scalable model for culturally rooted science education.
Conclusions:
- NeuroBoricuas and BLISP offer a scalable, culturally relevant model for science education.
- Integrating cultural identity and community participation enhances neuroscience learning and engagement.
- Collective participation and shared celebration are key to the growth and success of science movements.
Keywords:
Puerto Ricocommunity outreachcultural identityneuroscience educationpeer teachingstudent training pipelineMore Related Videos
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