Brain Development and learning: How early-life experience lays the foundations for a life-time

Presented by Nancy Michael
With brain development as a backdrop, this workshop will discuss how adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) can influence brain development, behavior, health and resilience across a lifespan. After completing this workshop, participants will be able to: 1) identify major features of early brain development, 2) describe how toxic stress can impact the developing brain and behavior, 3) consider how early-life experience informs student behavior and learning, 4) reflect on personal values and behaviors, and 5) generate at least one idea about how to increase resiliency for someone in their life.

About Nancy Michael
Nancy Michael is the Director of Undergraduate Studies for the Neuroscience and Behavior major and an assistant teaching professor in the Department of Biological Sciences. Nancy earned her Ph.D. in Neuroscience from the University of Minnesota in 2012, and now applies her understanding of how the constant exchange between the environment and neural function. Nancy uses these developmental principles to inform teaching practice, compassion, resilience and capacity building for her students and community.