Brain Bee Bootcamp
2025 Brain Bee Bootcamp
The Brain Bee Bootcamp is organized by IYNA in partnership with the International Brain Bee (IBB) to provide Brain Bee participants at any level (local, regional, national) from around the world with intensive preparation. The Brain Bee Bootcamp follows the IBB World Championship structure (written exam, patient diagnosis, neuroanatomy, neurohistology) and culminates with a mock IBB World Championship test. This year, the program will also include extensive lectures covering neuroscience topics and guest speakers, such as previous IBB Finalists, who will provide tips, tricks, and guidance to maximize participants' experiences.The 2025 Brain Bee Bootcamp will run over 4 weekends from January 11th to February 2nd . Please access the informational Brain Bee Bootcamp document and review it thoroughly before registering for this year's bootcamp below.
NOTICE: now free -- enter code: IBB 2025
Lecturers
Dr. Marta Casquero-Veiga
Focus: Cell Biology
Marta obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Biology in 2014 from Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM) and her Master’s Degree in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biomedicine in 2015. In 2021, she received her PhD in Biomedical Research. Her research focuses on neuroimaging biomarkers for neuropsychiatric disorders and Alzheimer's Disease.
Dr. Sotiria Moza
Focus: Neuropsychology
Sotiria holds a Bachelor’s in Psychology and is a PhD candidate at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. She is the scientific coordinator of Noesis Cognitive Center & Tech Solutions, with expertise in neuropsychological assessment and assistive technology. She has published extensively and serves in numerous research and professional roles.
Dr. Ian Stevens
Focus: Neurological and Neuropsychiatric Disorders
Ian is a Project Manager & Research Assistant at The Hastings Center, with a background in philosophy and bioethics. He has published extensively on ethical dilemmas in neurotechnology and plans to begin medical school in 2025.
Dr. Manas Ranjan Sahu
Focus: Neuronal Communication
Dr. Sahu’s research on the Hippo signaling pathway in Alzheimer's disease has contributed significantly to understanding neurodegeneration. He has published extensively in top-tier journals and received numerous academic honors.
Dr. Hotzman
Focus: Gross Anatomy and Neuroanatomy Education
Dr. Hotzman holds a bachelor’s degree in Anthropology from the University of Southern Mississippi and completed her Masters and Doctorate in Anthropology at the University of Florida. With a background that spans anthropometric research and postdoctoral teaching at Duke University, she has spent over a decade teaching gross anatomy, embryology, and neuroanatomy in medical schools in Mississippi and Idaho. Currently, she directs the Neurosensory course and delivers cadaveric human anatomy content at her institution.
Reese Chadwick
Focus: Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience
Reese Chadwick is a senior undergraduate student at the University of Florida majoring in Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience with a minor in Statistics. She is currently completing her senior thesis in Dr. Natalie Ebner’s Social-Cognitive and Affective Development Lab, investigating how gaze and emotional facial cues influence trustworthiness perceptions in younger versus older adults. Post-graduation, Reese plans to pursue a gap year for additional research experience before applying to PhD programs in lifespan development.
Dr. Mutyala
Focus: Multiple Sclerosis
A graduate from Gandhi Medical College, Hyderabad, India, currently on her USMLE journey, Dr. Mutyala is keen to pursue a Residency in Neurology. She has completed desired Neurology electives, and her passion for Neurology and research was amplified after three of her abstracts were accepted at Mayo Clinic conferences. In addition to academic pursuits, Dr. Mutyala enjoys writing, music, public speaking, dance, and more.
Chun Hei Tai
Focus: Neuroscience
Chun Hei Tai is a freshman at Stanford University, studying bioengineering and physics. With a broad range of interests across the sciences, Chun Hei developed a particular passion for neuroscience during high school. In 2023, he was honored to be named the World Champion of the International Brain Bee. He is excited to explore how his interdisciplinary studies can contribute to advancements in neuroscience, molecular biology, and translational research.
Jeanelle Ariza Torres
Focus: Neuro-Histology and Molecular Biology
Jeanelle Ariza Torres is a Biologist with over 20 years of experience in neuro-histology and molecular biology. Currently serving as a Lab Manager at the Allen Institute for Brain Science, she oversees teams working on tissue sectioning, staining, and reagent preparation for critical research initiatives. Jeanelle has developed protocols for brain sample analysis across species and has extensive expertise in histological techniques, microscopy, and imaging software. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Post-Baccalaureate in Forensic Anthropology, and she is fluent in English and Spanish.
Julia Nakoneczna
Focus: Neuroscience and Medical Education
Julia Nakoneczna is a Polish medical student and a three-time Brain Bee laureate at the national and international levels. She has completed internships at the Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology PAS and actively participates in conferences. Julia's extracurricular pursuits include martial arts, tracking dog guidance, and windsurfing. She is also a passionate organizer, having spearheaded a cardiology symposium during her first year of medical studies.
Dev Desai
Focus: Neurology Case Study
Dev Desai is a third-year medical student at GCS Medical College, Ahmedabad. He was selected for the prestigious ICMR Short-Term Studentship (STS), for his research on public health. He has also been actively involved in various awareness campaigns aimed at improving healthcare knowledge in the community. His dedication to medical research and education is reflected in his commitment to fostering awareness and contributing to the betterment of healthcare practices.
Dr. Elizabeth Engler-Chiurazzi
Focus: Neuronal Communication
Dr. Engler-Chiurazzi is a behavioral neuroscientist at Tulane University. Her NIH-funded research explores the intersection of the nervous and immune systems in brain aging, injury, and disease. She has a strong track record in public outreach and neuroscience education.
Dr. Lauren Bojarski
Focus: Patient Diagnosis
Dr. Bojarski is a neurodegenerative fellow and board-certified neurologist at the University of Kentucky. Her research focuses on advocacy, education, and dispelling neurophobia through innovative methods.
Professor Charles Watson
Focus: Brain and Spinal Cord Mapping
Professor Charles Watson is an eminent neurobiologist and public health physician with over 25 years' experience teaching anatomy to medical and science students. During his tenure at the Health Department of Western Australia from 1982 to 1994, he established campaigns for Quit, HIV/AIDS, and breast cancer screening and was appointed Chief Health Officer in 1993. Charles holds an emeritus professorial position at Curtin University and has authored or co-authored 25 books on neuroscience, including his renowned atlas of the rat brain, cited over 100,000 times. He has published over 100 journal articles and was made a Member of the Order of Australia in 2004 for his contributions to brain research and public health.
Ms. Lucy Core
Focus: Neural Mechanisms in Alzheimer's and Dementia
Ms. Lucy Core is a PhD student in Prof. Jason Warren's Brain Behaviour Group at the UCL Dementia Research Centre, investigating the neural mechanisms underlying musical object processing in Alzheimer's disease and frontotemporal dementia. She uses methodologies such as functional MRI, pupillometry, and neuropsychology. Lucy completed an MRes in Cognitive Neuroscience at UCL, researching working memory in hearing and deaf individuals in Dr. Velia Cardin's lab. She graduated with First Class Honours in Cognitive Science from McGill University, where she worked on projects in auditory cognitive neuroscience and machine learning. She has also contributed to Inuit Sign Language revitalisation and access to healthcare for Deaf individuals. Lucy's research assistant roles at Georgetown University focused on the neural bases of reading and math in children with learning disabilities.
Mr. Mark Piasecki
Focus: Motor Systems
Mark is a second-year student at the University of Manitoba with a passion for neuroscience, having placed 5th in the International Brain Bee in 2023. His current research focuses on a rare monogenetic neurodevelopmental disorder.
Prof. Bindu Menon
Focus: Neurology and Public Health
Prof. Menon has over 100 publications and numerous awards, including the Mridha Spirit of Neurology award. She pioneered "Neurology on Wheels" and developed several health apps to aid patients with neurological disorders.
Dr. Vasudha Anil
Focus: Anatomy Dissection Training
Dr. Anil specializes in anatomical education and is recognized for her contributions to medical training and dissections. She leads workshops to enhance hands-on skills in anatomical studies.