Huai-Ying (Ingrid) Huang  with her third place trophy at the International Brain Bee Competition in Berlin, Germany, July 9, 2018.  Photo courtesy of  the International Brain Bee. Huai-Ying (Ingrid) Huang with her third place trophy at the International Brain Bee Competition in Berlin, Germany, July 9, 2018. Photo courtesy of the International Brain Bee.
London

London Teen Places Third At World Neuroscience Competition

Huai-Ying (Ingrid) Huang may only be 17 years old, but she has proven she has the neuroscience know-how of a seasoned university student.

The Sir Frederick Banting Secondary School graduate placed third at the International Brain Bee Competition in Berlin, Germany earlier this month. Modelled after a traditional spelling bee, the five-day competition pit Huang against 24 other students from around the world, ranging in age from 14-18.

A live judging panel of neuroscientists posed questions about their field directly to the students. The group was also tested on neuroanatomy, neurohistology, and patient diagnosis in a series of multiple choice and short answer written exams.

"I became interested in neuroscience a few years ago when I realized how fascinating the human brain is," said Huang. "It is the brain that allows us to learn, to feel, to form memories, and so much more. I've also always wondered about the different neurological disorders; how they affect people and why it happens."

Crafting her own study schedule and making use of a wide array of online resources, Huang was able to balance studying for the Brain Bee competitions with her high school academic workload. In May, she was named the “Best Brain in Canada” after claiming first place at the Canadian National Brain Bee in Hamilton, Ontario. She won $1,500, a trophy, and the right to represent the country at the international level.

The move to the international stage was a nerve-racking one, said Huang.

"Part of it is because I was representing Canada, not just myself, while another part of it was because this was my first experience competing in an international competition," Huang explained. "But on the other hand, I was also extremely excited because I got to travel to Berlin - my first time in Europe - and meet many other competitors who have the same passion in neuroscience as I do."

Following her success at the competition, Huang is taking a bit of a break with no other competitions on the horizon. But she added her dream of pursuing a career as a neurologist or neurosurgeon isn't far from her mind.

"I have a huge passion in this field and I want to learn more about how our brain works. I also want to be able to help those affected by neurological disorders and improve the quality of their lives," said Huang.

The International Brain Bee has been held annually in cities around the world since 1998.

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