RUSTIN MOTAKEF

• Help tutor students in calculus classes at CDM

• Observed a clinical practice in the field of neurosurgery and gained exposure to patient care and the healthcare environment.
• Summer 2026

• Create news content focused on youth and civic topics.
• Scriptwrite, brainstorm, and engage in outreach

• Created an educational brain-science project designed to introduce younger students to the brain through engaging activities and everyday habits.
• Developed a Brain Boosters website and interactive app featuring brain-focused educational activities.
• Created and authored “Brain Boosters: How Small Habits Shape Big Brains,” an original activity book used during workshops with younger students.
• Designed hands-on activities and educational materials to make neuroscience accessible and engaging for children.
• Organized workshops through the Boys & Girls Club and distributed the activity book to participating students.
• Expanded the program to reach additional students through continued community outreach.

• Volunteers in a hospital setting, supporting staff and gaining exposure to the healthcare environment.
• Restocked, cleaned, tended to patients needs, and picked up scans or supplies from around the hospital

• Participates in youth leadership, service, and community initiatives.
• Work as a student ambassador in order to increase outreach and keep members engaged.

• Completed a neuroscience-focused summer program exploring brain science and related research.
• Lectures given by professors on many diverse topics ranging from criminal psychology to sports and mental health.
• Clinical Neuroscience Immersion Experience

• Completed a three-week neuroscience program and independently managed the experience away from home.
• Dissected research papers, participated in labs, learned about neuroethics, and participated in many lectures
• The Neuroscience Research Academy

• Participated in a youth-focused policy and leadership fellowship.
• Created and published a capstone project through the program.

• Led chapter activities focused on environmental awareness and student engagement.

• Participated in a STEM-focused academic program emphasizing scientific exploration and problem-solving
• Research focused on the neurological effects of cardiac arrest in rats
• Entrepreneurship aspect in which we created product pitches to present to investors
• GATI x BEAM

• Selected as one of two high school students to participate in a one-week research experience alongside college students.
• Gained exposure to neuroscience research and laboratory research methods.
• UCI Digman Lab

• Participated in UCI Brain Camp in 2023.
• Invited to return in 2024 as a Junior Mentor, assisting younger students with neuroscience activities and helping make brain science engaging and accessible.
• UCI Brain Camp

Expected Graduation: June 2027