Megan Slaker

Background

About Megan Slaker

I am a neuroscientist with a passion for making science accessible to all audiences. As a scientist, I am interested in how the brain learns new information and develops maladaptive habits and behaviors, like addition. Currently, I am an Associate Professor of Neuroscience at Wisconsin Lutheran College in Milwaukee, WI. I teach in the neuroscience, psychology, and biology departments. I completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the Medical College of Wisconsin examining how cells respond to the same reward but in different environments. I completed my Ph.D. at Washington State University, Vancouver investigating the role of the extracellular matrix to the formation and maintenance of memories associated with drug use. As an individual excited about making science accessible to all audiences, I have presented my research at a variety of venues, including scientific meetings, seminars, and public science talks. I have led a number of workshops for high school students and teachers on the topics of communication and presenting research. Additionally, I am an active member of Toastmasters International, where I have prepared, practiced, and presented 45+ unique speeches to earn my Distinguished Toastmaster Award. I am still the reigning champion of District 35's Evaluation Contest. I have served in a number of leadership roles, including Sergeant at Arms and President of Salmon Speakers Toastmasters Club and Secretary of Allis Chalmers Toastmasters Club, where I encouraged members to develop their speaking skills and collaborated with club officers to create a success plan that led to an atmosphere fostering growth. During the 2017-2018 year, I served as Area F3 Director, where I managed 5 clubs within the SE Wisconsin area and acted as liaison between the clubs, area, division, and district.