Mentor Spotlight: Everybody’s Favorite Neuroscientist
For nearly 35 years, DO-IT has connected hundreds of high school and college students with mentors who open doors to new possibilities. Every so often, one mentor stands out—not just for expertise, but for the rare ability to spark curiosity, build confidence, and make students feel they belong in challenging academic programs. In this issue of DO-IT News, we’re proud to celebrate “everybody’s favorite neuroscientist,” Dr. Eric H. Chudler of the Department of Bioengineering at the University of Washington.
For many years, Dr. Chudler has been a beloved community member in the DO-IT Summer Study, introducing more than 100 DO-IT Scholars to the field of neuroscience. Through hands-on learning and engaging conversations, he encourages students to explore how the brain works—and to imagine themselves as future scientists, researchers, and innovators.
Dr. Chudler also serves as the Education Director for Neuroscience for Neurodiverse Learners (NNL), a collaborative project between DO-IT and the UW Center for Neurotechnology, where he serves as Executive Director. The NNL program has supported over 100 neurodivergent students interested in pursuing science-related fields through summer camps and mentoring.
On the topic of mentoring DO-IT students, Dr. Chudler shares “I likely learn as much from DO-IT students as they learn from me. The students’ many questions make me think about my research and teaching in new and different ways.”
Beyond mentoring, Dr. Chudler is known for award-winning science communication. He’s widely recognized for making brain science accessible and memorable. He has received multiple Northwest Emmy Awards for his television programs about brain science and is the author of several educational books, including Neuropedia: A Brief Compendium of Brain Phenomena, Brain Bytes, and The Little Book of Neuroscience Haiku.
His educational leadership has also earned honors such as the 2006 Career Achievement Award from the Faculty for Undergraduate Neuroscience.
The DO-IT community is deeply grateful for Dr. Chudler’s generosity, creativity, and lasting impact. His mentoring has helped students view science—and their own potential—in a whole new light.
