Carmel High School Wins Big at Annual Brain Bee

Students from Carmel High School ran a clean sweep of the top three final positions in the 2013 Brain Bee competition at IUPUI, an annual contest devoted to knowledge of the brain and nervous system.

 

Sharmila Paul earned the first-place finish and a $2,000 scholarship to IUPUI. She also will receive an expense-paid trip for two to compete in the National Brain Bee in March at the University of Maryland.

 

Her classmates Josh Segaran and Saiuth Malpeddi finished in second and third place, respectively, at the Jan. 26 competition.

 

"We had an extremely successful event this year," said Beth Neal-Beliveau, director of undergraduate studies in the Department of Psychology, a co-sponsor of the event. "It's clear many of the brightest students in our state are interested and excited about the possibilities in neuroscience."

 

Nearly 20 students from across the region participated in the annual event, which challenges students in their knowledge of everything to do with the brain and neuroscience. The contest operates much like a traditional spelling bee with students answering questions until only one competitor remains standing.

 

In addition to the competition, participants also were led on a tour of neuroscience laboratories at the School of Science at IUPU. The school launched a new undergraduate neuroscience program last fall, and the interdisciplinary program has become very popular among future and current students.

 

Teachers and students alike enjoyed learning more about neuroscience and the many career opportunities ahead in the field, which is predicted to be one if the highest-growth industries in Indiana and the nation in the next decade.

 

“I think the Brain Bee was a great experience for the students because it prepares them for this type of more difficult competition. It also was informative for them to go on the tour and learn more about the different research areas in the field,” said Peaches Stevens, a teacher at Eminence High School in Indianapolis.