Simón Serka

Experience

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  Ryoo Laboratory, NYU Langone Medical Center

  Jul 2013 - Sept 2013

  Research Intern

  Assisted in developing a plasmid DNA construct to visualise cells undergoing stress responses caused by misfolded protein overload.

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  Group of Neuroplasticity and Regeneration, UAB Institute of Neuroscience

  Oct 2013 - Jan 2014

  Research Intern

  Assisted in projects investigating the repair, regeneration, and functional recovery of peripheral nerve and spinal cord injuries.

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  Takamiya Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience, University of Miyazaki

  Aug 2014 - Aug 2014

  Research Intern

  Assisted in developing a screening method to identify novel candidate proteins interacting with glutamate receptors involved in synaptic plasticity, as part of a summer research exchange programme.

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  LeDoux Laboratory, New York University Center for Neural Science

  Mar 2015 - Jul 2015

  Research Assistant

  Conducted experiments for a project investigating how auditory pathways converging in the lateral amygdala contribute to the expression of Pavlovian defense reactions.

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  Johansen Laboratory for Neural Circuitry of Memory, RIKEN Brain Science Institute

  Mar 2016 - Sept 2016

  Research Assistant

  Conducted experiments for a project investigating the emergence of episodic memory encoding in hippocampal circuits.

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  Cortical Circuit Dynamics Group, IDIBAPS

  Oct 2016 - Jul 2019

  Research Assistant

  Developed the initial stages of a project investigating neural circuit dynamics underlying expectation and their impact on perceptual choice variability.

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  AESA Prep Academy of Barcelona

  Sept 2019 - Jul 2022

  High School Science Teacher

  Taught biology, chemistry, and physics to high school students. Led the COVID-19 Response Team. Developed a school-based mental health promotion programme.

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  Freelance Medical Writer

  Jan 2021 - now

  Freelance Medical Writer

  Medical communications: specialising in promotional medical writing and medical education, including reports (e.g. congresses, meetings, focus groups), materials for health care providers or patients, and strategic consultation.

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  ActivaMent Catalunya Associació

  Dec 2022 - May 2023

  Project Coordinator

  Worked as Project Coordinator for Activament, an associative mental health movement led by individuals with lived experience of psychosocial suffering and/or mental diversity, during a maternity leave coverage period. Responsibilities included managing public and private grant applications, supporting the implementation of community mental health promotion programs, leading volunteer training sessions, and contributing to outreach and advocacy efforts through talks and workshops for schools and universities. Show less

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  Self-employed

  Sept 2023 - now

  Science Communicator

  As a science communicator, I design and deliver talks and workshops that make neuroscience accessible and engaging.My work is grounded in two key principles:(1) Engaging Scientific Communication: Presenting complex concepts in an understandable and relatable manner.(2) Practical Application and Reflection: Encouraging audiences to reflect on and apply knowledge to enhance mental health and well-being.My initiatives include:• Educational Workshops: Promoting mental health in schools, tailored for children and adolescents.• Community Talks: Designed for adults, fostering group dialogue and community engagement.• Volunteer-Led Workshops: Currently delivering workshops for incarcerated women, focusing on empowerment through practical tools and mutual support. Show less