A pre-medical student focusing on pediatric neurology with laboratory experience in brain chemisty.

Have you ever wondered which part of your brain is responsible for a certain function, or how your brain can talk to all of the other parts of the body? How about what you think of when you hear the words epilepsy or concussion? Or maybe you have been curious about what happens during brain surgery? The students at GWCS were fortunate to learn the answers to all these questions and more during a presentation held by Ms. Gabby Block, an aspiring pediatric neurologist. Ms. Block went over the major areas of the brain and pointed out unique areas such as where we process signals for language or our special senses, as well where our thought processing and personality happen in the brain (This section is not fully developed until the early 20’s!). Ms. Block also detailed the mechanisms of medications on the brain which were discussed and visually presented for students in a schematic. The various types of seizures and concussions were discussed, as well as what could possibly cause them or affect their treatment. The different reasons for brain surgery were brought up as well, with an interesting discussion on what happens when a patient must be awake for their procedure. Ms. Block lastly shared what the journey to becoming a doctor looks like, as well as all the other amazing and necessary jobs in the medical field. Students walked away from the experience knowing more about the brain and brain health, and hopefully feel inspired to study medicine themselves!

About Ms. Block: Currently, Ms. Block is working as a home-health aid before she continues to medical school, otherwise she is also a full-time college student at George Mason University and is majoring in Neuroscience with a concentration in Bio-psychology. In terms of a goal, she is focusing her studies on pediatric neurological disorders. Ms. Block is currently working in a lab surrounding the brain and synaptic responses. Ms. Block and Mr. Corrigan worked together in the Organic Chemistry Lab at GMU.

We value and appreciate our connections ~ personal, professional and neurological.

GW Community School
Guest Speaker: Ms. Gabby Block
Topic: Neuroscience
4.28.2022
Alex Corrigan