Science Outreach
The future of science innovation depends on the inclusion of diverse perspectives. This belief drives my commitment to mentoring the next generation of scientists, helping them advance in their careers. Beyond my lab work, I strive to create opportunities for students to gain valuable experience working in laboratory settings.
“[Jasmine was] always available to provide in-depth feedback and constructive criticism on our solutions so we could improve ourselves as STEM Students. [Jasmine’s] dedication to help us innovate, [her] ability to inspire, and [her] profound knowledge of neuroscience and STEM have significantly impacted my development as an individual." - Tanisha T. Indonesia, Junior Academy Participant, The New York Academy of Sciences
Senior Community Leader & Mentor: The New York Academy of Sciences
As a Senior Community Leader for the Global STEM Alliance at The New York Academy of Sciences, I support and monitor student communities in the Global STEM Alliance Virtual High School Programs. I’ve prepared and hosted community-building activities for students and mentors in The Academy while implementing new activities and materials for the programs.
Furthermore, since 2020, I've had the privilege of serving as a mentor for two programs within the Global STEM Alliance: the 1000 Girls 1000 Futures program and The Junior Academy program. In these roles, I guide teams of high school students as they collaborate on innovative projects to address real-world sustainability challenges, focusing on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. In the Fall of 2022, my Junior Academy team, Go Green Sea Blue, won the Exploring the Extremes challenge competition. I was featured as the Mentor of the Month in the Global STEM Alliance January 2023 Newsletter as Mentor of the Month.
Co-founder & Organizer: BrainE Hour
My passion for science communication inspired me to co-found BrainE Hour, a science communication training organization designed for all CUNY graduate students engaged in STEM-related research. We established BrainE Hour in the summer of 2020. Since then, it has become a hub for various activities benefiting our graduate student community.
We have hosted over 50 graduate student talks, offered support for Ph.D. students preparing for qualifying exams, provided dissertation practice opportunities, and organized a range of science communication, data blitz, and training events. BrainE Hour has become an invaluable resource for enhancing our fellow graduate students' science communication skills and academic pursuits.
Treasurer, BraiNY: Greater NYC Chapter of the Society for Neuroscience
I maintain active involvement in the New York City science community by assuming leadership roles and participating in outreach events. Serving as the Treasurer for the Greater NYC Chapter of The Society for Neuroscience, I engage in neuroscience advocacy and outreach initiatives, including coordinating events like Brain Awareness Week.
Additionally, I worked with the Chapter's President to establish BraiNY as a nonprofit organization, further solidifying our commitment to promoting neuroscience education and engagement within the community.
2022-2025 Neuroscience Student Representative : CUNY Graduate Center Biology Department Executive Committee
I have served as the Neuroscience Student Program Representative to the Executive Committee since August 2022. As the student representative, I advocate for student well-being, focusing on addressing issues related to gaps in funding and the mental health impact of delayed pay.
During Fall 2022, I worked with the CUNY Graduate Center Office of Institutional Research and Effectiveness and the CUNY Graduate Center Dean of Sciences, Dr. Joshua Brumberg, to develop a STEM program-wide survey to collect data on the mental health implications of delayed paychecks. Additionally, I collaborated with the Chairs of the CUNY Neuroscience Collaborative graduate program to draft a letter addressed to external reviewers, shedding light on STEM students' challenges with pay issues and their subsequent impact on mental well-being.
I also wrote a student handbook for prospective and incoming CUNY neuroscience students. Click the button to check it out!