High schoolers around the Chicago area attended the Brain Bee Competition at DePaul University on Saturday. Yet this is just one of the 70 local competitions that make up the annual International Brain Bee.

However, the important question that should be asked is why this competition is even important.

Dr. Dorothy Kozlowski, the director of Neuroscience at DePaul University, shared her thoughts. “There are so many fields that neuroscience is involved in,” she said. “We want students to be exposed to it as early as high school.” According to her, the event not only introduces students to advanced neurological concepts but also allows them to experience DePaul’s vibrant neuroscience program firsthand.

Participants study comprehensive neuroscience concepts through “Brain Facts,” a foundational book that explains essential principles in biology, chemistry and psychology. The preparation not only helps them succeed in the competition but also prepares them for future college studies, which are not limited to medicine and research.

“Neuroscience is becoming a very popular field. It’s a field that embraces biology, chemistry, psychology, computer science, math and marketing.” She said that “the more that students are exposed to it, the more they become marketable to a lot of different fields.”

One of the effects of the Brain Bee that makes it unique is that it can spark a lasting interest in science among those who take part. The competition gives them a chance to meet experts, learn about different research projects, and discover DePaul’s academic energy, which all translates into the participants pursuing neuroscience as a major.

 Representing Palatine High School, freshman Agam Nanda and sophomore Paul Putiatycki competed in the Brain Bee amoung 75 other participants. The first place winner got an invitation to the Society of Neuroscience Chicago Conference and will be taking part in the National Brain Bee.

In an interview with Nanda before the competition, he said, “I am really grateful for the opportunity to participate and even more for the ability to learn for this competition, which exposed me to the high demand for medical textbooks, which showed me how to analyze intense information that will be useful throughout my college education.”

The Brain Bee affects more than just the people who participate in it. It shows how important neurological education is and why everyone should organize events like this to help young scientists by giving them the support; the tools and the experience they need to do well.