Have you ever wondered how and when experiences shape the brain system important for vision, motor skills, music? The University of Oregon Brain Development Lab has just released “Changing Brains,” a program for parents, educators and policy-makers on how a child’s brain develops, how experience shapes a child’s brain systems, and the scientific studies behind the “Changing Brains” program. You can order the DVD, or watch “Changing Brains” online at www.changingbrains.org.

UO Physics student Tamela Maciel has been selected as one of forty 2010 Marshall Scholars from the US. The Marshall Scholarship was established in 1953 by the British Parliament, in honor of former US Secretary of State George Marshall and the Marshall Plan, credited as a major influence in the rebuilding of Europe after WWII. Tamela is a mathematics and physics major who will graduate from UO in June, and pursue studies as a graduate student of University of Cambridge in the UK.

In a YouTube interview posted by the University of Oregon, Tamela stated that she is particularly interested in studying high energy astrophysics, a life-long passion, and more specifically the relationship of black holes to the evolution of galaxies. She also pointed out that she loves to learn, and believes astrophysics will provide her with a lifetime of learning opportunities.

Tamela has been sharing her love of astronomy and physics since coming to the UO, and hopes to continue reaching out to students of all ages. Tamela is the Oregon Student Ambassador for the National Space Grant Foundation's International Year of Astronomy outreach program, and as such, has organized astronomy lectures and star gazing parties state-wide. She has also been a Science Factory volunteer since Spring of 2007, presenting Planetarium shows to school field trip groups and the general public.

In a recent UO press release, Tamela was quoted as saying "I hope to continue, as a researcher, with outreach to local schools. It's very important that children have experiences with science at a young age...” We think so too Tamela! Congratulations on your stellar accomplishment!