Stories by Nicki Swann and Ian Greenhouse

Nicki Swann | University of California | San Francisco, USA
I love being a scientists because I am always learning new things, and can come up with creative ways to ask questions and solve problems. I study how parts of the brain work together to allow us to move our bodies, and how we are able to flexibly stop and change movements, when necessary. I also study what happens when these processes don't happen normally, which can lead to movement disorders, such as Parkinson's Disease. When I am not doing science I like to hike, swim, do yoga, run, ride my bike, and hang out with our pets: Sebastian the dog, Edinger the cat, and Odys the tortoise.

Ian Greenhouse | University of California | Berkley, USA
I think the human brain is incredible! I'm especially interested in how people control their movements because moving is how we interact with our world. I study the systems in the brain that prepare movements and stop them. As part of my research, I ask people to play video games while I measure activity in the pathways between their brain and muscles in their body. I also measure the amount of chemicals in different brain areas that I think are important for controlling movement. When I'm not doing experiments, you can find me in the ocean on my surf board, riding my bike, skiing, playing music, gardening, cooking, and having fun with my friends!