Community

Get Connected Locally: An Introduction to SfN Chapters

September 30, 2026

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM EDT

Discover how SfN Chapters connect neuroscientists across communities worldwide. Led by Chapter leaders, this webinar will introduce SfN Chapters, including how to get started and manage a chapter, as well as the many ways they support networking, community outreach, and engagement.

Whether new to SfN, looking to expand a local network, or interested in becoming more involved in the neuroscience community, participants will learn what Chapters do, the benefits of getting involved, and how to connect with a Chapter nearby.

Speakers

Laura Baquedano Santana, DVM, MSc, PhD(c)

Laura Baquedano, DVM, MSc, PhD(c), is a PhD candidate at Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos and a professor at the School of Medicine at Universidad Continental. Baquedano’s current research focuses on blood-based biomarkers for Alzheimer’s disease to advance the understanding and early detection of neurodegenerative disorders. She is also the founder of the Society for Neuroscience Peru Chapter, Mentor Motiva, and the IEEE Peru Technical Committee on Neuroscience and Engineering. Baquedano is a member of SfN’s Chapter Perú.

Siqiong June Liu, PhD

Siqiong June Liu, PhD, is a professor of cell biology and anatomy at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center. Liu earned a PhD in biophysics from the University of Rochester and completed postdoctoral training in neuroscience. Her research examines the activity-dependent regulation of endocannabinoid degradation, particularly its role in learning and memory. By investigating how neural activity influences endocannabinoid signaling, Liu’s work seeks to deepen our understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying cognitive function. Liu is a member of SfN’s Greater New Orleans Chapter.

Jayalakshmi (Jaya) Viswanathan, PhD

Jayalakshmi (Jaya) Viswanathan, PhD, is an India-born neuroscientist, author, and artist. She holds an engineering degree, a master’s degree in neuroscience, and a doctorate in cognitive neuroscience. Following her postdoctoral fellowship, she expanded her expertise as a contractor at the National Institutes of Health. She is currently a research assistant professor at the Indiana University School of Medicine, where her translational neuroscience research focuses on preventing and treating Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Jaya is also the author and illustrator of Baby Senses: A Sensory Neuroscience Primer for All Ages, a children’s book that uses art and whimsy to explain sensory neuroscience through “superpowers.” Viswanathan is a member of the SfN DCMA Chapter.

Sergiy Yakovenko, PhD

Sergiy Yakovenko, PhD, is a professor of Human Performance at West Virginia University. Yakovenko earned a BS in molecular biophysics from the School of Radiophysics at Kharkiv National University in Ukraine and a PhD in neuroscience from the University of Alberta’s School of Medicine in Canada. He completed his postdoctoral training in the Department of Physiology at Université de Montréal. Yakovenko’s research combines experimental and computational approaches to investigate the complex interplay between neural circuits and the body’s mechanical systems, advancing the understanding of how the nervous system controls movement and human performance. Yakovenko is a member of SfN’s Northern West Virginia Chapter.

Who can attend this webinar? This webinar will be complimentary.

Will this webinar be available on demand? Yes, this webinar will be available on demand one week from the live broadcast.

Will a certificate of attendance be offered for this event? No, SfN does not provide certificates of attendance for webinars.

How do I access the conference on the live day? After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with the event link and the option to download calendar reminders.

What are the technology requirements for attending? This webinar will be hosted on Zoom Webinar. Instructions for joining and participating in a webinar can be found here.

Can I ask the presenters questions? Yes! You can submit any questions before the webinar through the registration form. During the webinar, you can submit questions through the Q&A box.

I have other questions not answered here. Email neuronline@sfn.org with any other questions.

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Review SfN’s Code of Conduct and rules for virtual events in the Digital Learning Community Guidelines for more information. 

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Get Connected Locally: An Introduction to SfN Chapters

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