Renowned neuroscientist and brain health commentator Sarah McKay will speak in Armidale this week.
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She is an ABC Catalyst and TEDx presenter; director of the Neuroscience Academy, an online professional development program; and author of The Women's Brain Book: The neuroscience of health, hormones, and happiness.
The PLC Armidale Foundation and the New England & Northwest Regional Science Hub are co-hosting Dr McKay's visit.
Dr McKay will talk at the Wicklow Hotel on Thursday night, and at PLC on Friday evening.
She will have copies of her book available to sell and sign after both events.
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Thursday: Science in the Club
Dr McKay will join UNE's Dr Adam Hamlin for the first of this year's popular Science in the Club evenings, at the Wicklow Hotel, Thursday, at 6.30 for 7pm.
In keeping with Valentine's Day, they will talk about sex, love, and neurobiology. Is love more than a chemical imbalance of the brain?
"Sarah contributes her research to a very broad audience, which often academics don't do," organiser Dr Kirsti Abbott said. "She can reach so many people with really in-depth scientific knowledge."
The Regional Science Hub will hold three more Science in the Club nights this year. Future topics include Drs Mary McMillan and Debbie Bower talking about their trip to Antarctica; and legacies in science, recognising older people who have contributed to decades of science in Australia.
Friday: PLC Armidale Open Day
Dr McKay will give a presentation on Friday at 5.30pm as part of PLC Armidale's first Community Open Day.
She will talk about the development of the female brain over time, and how to maintain brain health as we age.
Dr McKay believes brain development is a multi-dimensional process; the brain is the result of nature (genes, hormones, and neural activity) and nurture (childhood, schooling, parenting, socialisation).
Knowing these factors can help women aim towards the healthiest brain possible as they age.
Tickets are $5, and available on TryBooking. Complimentary champagne.
PLC Armidale Foundation chair Deborah Martin thought the event would really appeal to women and girls. Mrs Martin took Dr McKay's online neuroscience course last year.
The Community Open Day is, organiser Shona Eichorn said, more than a fete; "it's a showcase of regional Australia through the lens of PLC Armidale".
The 132-year-old college will open its gates from 4 to 8pm on Friday to showcase its teaching, co-curricular programs (from cattle and horse-riding to music and drama), sport, and community groups.
There will be night markets, with food and local produce for sale; a gourmet BBQ, gelato, and bar; live music; sport challenges; and community art and craft activities.
The day is open to everyone, not just prospective PLC families.
"We wanted to provide something different, unique, and embracing the wider community," Ms Eichorn said.
NECOM, NIAS, Fleece2Fashion, Relay for Life, and NSW Cricket will also be involved.
On Saturday, the school will hold a complementary workshop for the community. Music teacher Pedro Souza will talk about surviving the adolescent years, and psychologist Penny Kempton will speak about girls in a social world.