School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences at UT Dallas

Spectrum News 1 Texas highlighted our Experiential Medical Reasoning course, where premed students step into a Minecraft hospital to diagnose and treat fictional patients.

Recent neuroscience grad Sahar Bavandi BS'26 shared what this experience meant to her journey. Read the full story to see how the BBS Department of Neuroscience is meeting students where they are — and preparing them for what's ahead.

The University of Texas at Dallas

UT Dallas uses Minecraft to teach medical reasoning A UT Dallas course is using Minecraft to help pre-med students practice diagnosing virtual patients, build critical thinking skills and gain hands-on medical experience before entering real clinical settings

Sign up for Camp Wicked for Good! This camp is for school-aged children (K-12th) with hearing loss and their siblings (K-12th). Campers will participate in musical-themed activities centered around the core musical scenes featured in the shows Wicked and The Wizard of Oz. Activities will include dance, arts/crafts, lighting, makeup, and costume and prop development, all while learning how to use hearing technology in more environments than just home or school.

Camp Wicked is June 9-12. Campers and their families are also invited to attend a professional production of Wicked at Broadway Dallas! On June 13.

Learn more: https://calliercenter.utdallas.edu/events/camp-wicked-for-good/
Camp registration deadline is June 2, 2026.

🧡💚 Congratulations to the School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences class of 2026! 🎓 You've earned every bit of this, Comets. Now go show the world what a BBS grad can do. We'll be cheering you on every step of the way. 💫

Congratulations, Comet Class of 2026! 🎓 YOU DID IT.

Every spring, University Commencement reminds us why we do what we do — Comets becoming alumni, dreams becoming reality. Every late night, every grind, every moment on campus — it all led here.

It was an honor to have been your home. Now go show the world what a Comet can do.

🏆 Celebrating Bolin Dong—an exceptional DFW high school student whose remarkable journey began with a 1st place victory at our inaugural local Brain Bee and culminated in a stunning 2nd place finish at the 2026 USA Brain Bee national finals!

Hosted by the University of California, Irvine, the 2026 USA Brain Bee drew a record-breaking 54 competitors from 33 states. Brain Bee is the world's leading neuroscience competition for high schoolers, challenging students to demonstrate deep knowledge of the brain and nervous system. In doing so, it inspires the next generation of scientists and clinicians.

On Feb., the student organization hosted the inaugural DFW Brain Bee in our campus. More than 70 students from across the region competed in neuro trivia, toured labs, and connected with BBS students and scientists.

"I want to express my deepest appreciation to the DFW Regional Brain Bee team,” Bolin said. “Without the unwavering support and assistance from the faculty and student members at BBS, I could not have made it this far. This moment is so meaningful for me, serving as a significant milestone in my journey in neuroscience."

We are so incredibly proud of Bolin and thrilled about what this win represents. When passion for science education meets relentless dedication, THIS is what happens.

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On Friday, the Department of Psychology hosted students in its Master of Science program as they presented research posters in the Founders Building Atrium. These students showcased years of work, curiosity, and discovery—a graduation requirement that demonstrates their commitment to psychology.

The entire School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences is proud of every student researcher who shared findings and engaged with our community! The future of is bright.

🎉 Congratulations to four incredible BBS faculty members! Dr. Anny Castilla-Earls, Dr. Kristen Kennedy, Dr. Benedict Kolber, and Dr. Karen Rodrigue were honored during last month’s UT Dallas' 2026 Investiture Ceremony as newly endowed chairs and professors. We are so proud of their dedication, research, and impact.

Four BBS Faculty Honored at UT Dallas 2026 Investiture Ceremony UT Dallas honored four BBS faculty members during its 2026 investiture ceremony in the ATC Building on April 16.