Covering several fascinating aspects of neuroscience and her ongoing journey with the University of Cambridge being discussed, Dr Critchlow left the members of the Scholars’ Common Room and the other budding scientists of the College in attendance with a sense of intellectual enrichment.
The lecture, taking place this in the evening on Wednesday 7 March in the Centennial Centre, was a triumphant validation of one of the core aims of the Scholars’ Common Room: “to encourage and inspire the students of King’s College.”
Prior to the presentation, the evening commenced with a discussion of the scientific journey and activities of Dr Critchlow. The audience swiftly learnt that she is not your typical scientist, in that the communication of science to the public is one of her primary job descriptions. Be it her involvement with BBC productions such as Tomorrow’s World Live, or her latest books on the topic of neuroscience, it is apparent that Dr Critchlow has a genuine passion for expressing science to the masses.
A variety of topics were addressed in this light-hearted introduction, ranging from her experience as a PhD student at the University of Cambridge to her passion for the field of neuroscience, which, as we discovered, was only heightened by her work as a Nursing Assistant at St Andrews Psychiatric Hospital.
What would follow was a highly interesting and stimulating lecture, dealing with complex scientific ideas delivered in a way accessible to even the non-scientists among us.
What would follow was a highly interesting and stimulating lecture, dealing with complex scientific ideas delivered in a way accessible to even the non-scientists among us.
The concepts of memory formation, consciousness and the inner workings of the brain were addressed in turn, supplemented with remarkable modern scientific findings and engaging illusions. No topic relating to the brain was off limits, with the nature of dreaming and numerous mental disorders being explored.
It is precisely this breadth of discussion, which naturally lends itself to an academically enriching experience, that resonated with the audience. Every student and member of staff alike ended the evening with a collection of weird and wonderful facts and thoughts.
The evening, however, did not solely consist of a lecture on neuroscience. A highlight to many of the scholars in attendance was the first-hand experience provided by Dr Critchlow as the ins-and-outs of the University of Cambridge were put into focus.
A key objective of the Scholars’ Common Room is “to support and challenge the College’s top Year 13 academics.” With this sentiment in mind, you would be hard-pressed to find more pertinent careers advice than the insight provided by a former Cambridge student.
Ultimately, the first guest presentation for the Scholars’ Common Room was an enjoyable and rewarding experience that lays a promising foundation for further lectures in the coming terms.
By Aidan Perkins (Year 13, Peart)
