Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

One way to advance neuroscience that benefits society and reflects the aspirations of all people is to change the way neuroscience and neuroengineering are taught. A major barrier to implementing new coursework in these fields is the lack of innovative models that allow students to gain perspective on societal issues relevant to their studies and potential careers. The primary goal is to train students on the lived experience of navigating a brain injury, providing an immersion into the complexity and unpredictability of the nervous system and corresponding challenges in daily life. Understanding the lived experience of those with brain injuries can help engineers create better products by co-creating technologies with end users.