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MNS SCIENCE SYMPOSIUM

The MNS Science Symposium is a yearly event to celebrate students and leaders in the field and a conclusion to the MNS webinar series. The symposium consists of a student poster fair, capstone webinar, networking event and yearly award ceremony. MNS hopes to continue to uplift and foster student research and leaders in the field of neuropsychology.



IN PERSON registration is now OPEN!

Members and non members who wish to join virtually may continue to register until May 6th.

CALL FOR ABSTRACTS - Submissions now OPEN

Submit your research to present at the 2025 MNS Science Symposium Student Poster Session

 

The poster session will run from 5:30 to 7:00pm, followed by dinner, awards, and the keynote address from 7:30 to 9:00pm.

 

All students (undergraduate and graduate students) will be eligible for one of two student poster awards that will be selected by a panel of judges. Please see attached flier for additional details.

 

ABSTRACTS ARE DUE BY 11:59pm ON APRIL 21st, 2025.

 

ABSTRACT SUBMISSION FORM 


Informational Flyer

Feel free to contact Genna Santorelli (santorelligd@gmail.com) with any questions.
Happy researching!

MNS 2050 SCHOLARSHIPS - Submissions now OPEN

Submit your application for the 2nd Annual MNS Relevance 2050 Scholarships.

 

The Massachusetts Neuropsychological Society is thrilled to announce our second annual Relevance 2050 Initiative. The Relevance 2050 Initiative, which was proposed by AACN (https://theaacn.org/relevance-2050/relevance-2050-initiative/), aims to increase the ability of neuropsychologists to competently serve individuals from diverse cultural, linguistic, gender, sexual orientation, religious, socioeconomic, and other backgrounds. 

In this spirit, MNS will be awarding two awards of $15,000 each to two graduate students or postdoctoral trainees who demonstrate a documented commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. This year, students and trainees will be divided into two distinct categories, pre-doctoral and post-doctoral, based on whether or not an applicant has completed his or her doctoral degree.  One award will be given to an applicant from each category.

Who is eligible? 

Graduate students, pre-doctoral students, postdoctoral trainees, interns, and fellows - anyone at any stage of pre-licensure - who is a member of MNS.  MNS Student and Postdoc memberships are free and open to all who qualify. 

Who should apply for this award?

Applicants should show a commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, as documented in a personal statement, two reference letters and broadly evident in their vita.  This can include ANY or ALL of the following:

  • An individual from a traditionally underserved population or underrepresented communities. 
  • Clinical work with traditionally underserved populations and underrepresented communities. 
  • Research expanding the ability of neuropsychologists to assess and treat underserved populations and underrepresented communities through improving assessment tools, norms, training models, etc.
Application Process:

The application portal opens on Thursday, March 20th. Interested applicants should fill out the Google Form linked in the button below. Be prepared to upload: (1) Current CV, (2) A personal statement (500 to 1000 words) describing your qualifications for this award and how it will enhance your current work, and (3) Applicants should also identify two individuals (i.e., professors, supervisors, or training directors) who can speak to their commitment to DEI initiatives and ask them to write a letter of recommendation. Letter writers should upload their letters via the link below. 

Applications will be reviewed by a selection committee composed of members of the MNS Board of Directors and the MNS Diversity committee. Finalists should be available for a zoom interview. Awards will be announced and distributed at the annual Science Symposium on May 20th, 2025 at Bentley College. Recipients of this award should plan to attend the Science Symposium as an honored guest.


DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS IS FRIDAY, APRIL 4, 2025. 

APPLICATION FORM

RECOMMENDATION LETTER UPLOAD

 

 

For questions regarding eligibility or other issues, please email massneuropsychologicalsociety@gmail.com.

MNS Science Symposium 2024

This year we invited over 200 members of the community to an in person and virtual symposium.


We had 18 student research posters and hosted Dr. John Randolph as our keynote speaker.


This year's events were hosted at Bentley University in Waltham, MA.


We also celebrated and welcomed our new board and our exiting board members.


MNS would like to thank our sponsors for supporting this annual event.

Science Symposium Award Winners and Posters

2024 Award Winners:


MNS 2024 Cermak Award*: Michael Alosco, PhD

 

MNS 2024 Relevance 2050 Award Winners: Tahlia Bragg, PhD & Ingrid Hastedt, PhD

 

MNS 2023 Edith Kaplan Award Winner*: Irene Piryatinsky, PhD

 

The Nelson Butters Award for best student research poster: Katelin Curtis for the poster entitled: "Exploring the Relationship Between Blood-Based Biomarkers and Cognitive Test Performance using Ecological Momentary Assessment"

  

The Karen Postal Award for best student research poster which best embodies the Relevance 2050 initiative:

Katelin Juliana Mendonca, MA for the poster entitled: "Assessing Anosognosia in the Aging Spanish-Speaking Population: A Cross-Cultural Approach" 


Special thank you to our 2024 poster judges: Dr. Jane Bernstein and Dr. Maxine Krengel




*The Edith Kaplan and Cermak Awards are given in alternating years. This year's symposium will present the Edith Kaplan Award. 


 

MNS Science Symposium Sponsors

SILVER SPONSORS

Beacon ABA Services


Neuropsychology and Education Services for Children & Adolescents (NESCA)


Neuropsychological Assessment Clinic


BRONZE SPONSORS

Engaging Minds


Integrated Assessment Services


Psychological Assessment Resources (PAR)


Neurodevelopmental and Educational Services


Dr. Jeffrey Drayer


Learning Prep School

Supporters

Lori Azzara, PsyD

Jane Holmes Bernstein, PhD

Clare O'Callaghan, RN, CS, EdD

Hope Schreiber, PsyD

David Stein, PhD


Student Sponsors

Irene Piryatinsky, PhD

Lori Azzara, PsyD

Catherine Bell, PhD

Jane Holmes Bernstein, PhD

Mary Coakley-Welch, PhD

Eva Jansiewicz, PhD

Susan Marakovitz, PhD

Nancy Roosa, PsyD

Gennarina Santorelli, PhD

MNS Science Symposium Keystone Speaker

John Randolph, PhD

MNS 2024 Science Symposium Keynote Address


Positive Neuropsychology: Orienting Towards Brain and Cognitive Health

This presentation reviewed an emerging orientation to neuropsychological practice focused on the study and promotion of brain and cognitive health –positive neuropsychology– that incorporates perspectives from positive psychology. Dr. Randolph reviewed the 7 components of positive neuropsychology, including an evidence-based model that delineates the 4 primary domains of brain and cognitive health promotion: 1) cognitive strategies, 2) activity engagement, 3) prevention of cognitive problems, and 4) education about the brain. Dr. Randolph reviewed the value of studying individuals with neuropsychiatric conditions who have positive cognitive outcomes, understanding characteristics of individuals with above normal cognition, and promoting cognitive health in non-traditional settings.


Members can access a recording of the talk on the Past Lectures Page.