Start Your NeuroTrailblazing Journey
Welcome to NeuroTrailblazers!
Whether you're an undergraduate student curious about the brain, a graduate student diving into research, or a mentor looking to guide the next generation, you're in the right place. Our platform is designed to support learners at every stage of their journey into nanoscale connectomics.
🎯 Choose Your Path
I'm New to Neuroscience
Start with our foundational modules to understand the brain, neurons, and basic neuroscience concepts.
I Know Some Neuroscience
Jump into connectomics-specific content and learn about mapping neural circuits.
I'm a Mentor/Educator
Explore our mentorship framework and educational resources for supporting students.
🗺️ Understanding Our Structure
Learning Modules (16 Total)
Our curriculum is organized into progressive modules, each building on the previous:
- Module 0: Inspiration & Motivation
- Modules 1-3: Foundations of Neuroscience & Connectomics
- Modules 4-8: Data Acquisition & Processing
- Modules 9-12: Analysis & Visualization
- Modules 13-15: Advanced Topics & Research Applications
Key Datasets
Learn with real scientific data from landmark studies:
Mouse visual cortex
Large-scale mouse brain
Complete fly brain
Meet the Trailblazers: Inspiring paths into connectomics
Stories of students, researchers, and mentors finding their way
Each avatar includes a backstory, visible successes, and a noble failure—offering a relatable entry point for diverse learners.
Inspired by stories like those described in When Life Gets in the Way of Science
🎯 Our Educational Framework
NeuroTrailblazers is built on evidence-based educational models:
MERIT Framework
Six stages aligned with the scientific method:
- Motivation & Inspiration
- Exploration & Discovery
- Research & Investigation
- Implementation & Practice
- Testing & Validation
- Sharing & Impact
COMPASS Workshops
10 structured workshops covering:
- Research fundamentals
- Data analysis skills
- Communication & presentation
- Career development
CCR Dimensions
Four key areas of development:
- Knowledge: Content mastery
- Skills: Technical abilities
- Character: Research ethics
- Meta-Learning: Learning how to learn
🚀 Quick Start Checklist
Get Started in 5 Steps:
📞 Get Support
Questions? Need help choosing your path? Here are your options:
Student Community
Connect with other learners in our discussion forums and study groups.
Mentor Matching
Get paired with an experienced researcher who can guide your journey.
Direct Support
Contact our team directly for technical help or curriculum questions.
Ready to Begin?
Choose your starting point and embark on your neuroscience adventure!