About Backyard Brains Foundation
Our Purpose
Every student deserves the chance to explore how the brain works. Backyard Brains Foundation helps schools with limited resources bring neuroscience into the classroom through equipment, hands-on experiments, and support for teachers.
We want students to have opportunities to ask their own questions, test ideas, and experience the excitement of discovering something for themselves.
Our Story
Backyard Brains Foundation grew from a practical problem: even affordable science equipment can be beyond a school’s budget. A student’s opportunity to explore neuroscience should not depend on what their school can afford.
We work with Backyard Brains, Inc., which develops hands-on neuroscience equipment, to help bring these tools to schools with limited resources. The Foundation’s role is to expand educational access by providing equipment and helping teachers put it to use.
Our work goes beyond delivering a kit. We help educators get comfortable with the experiments and bring them into their teaching, creating more opportunities for students to learn through discovery.
Our Team
Aleksandra Gage
Founder and President
Aleksandra founded Backyard Brains Foundation to help more students experience hands-on neuroscience. Her background in psychology and social work, alongside experience in finance and community outreach at Backyard Brains, Inc., guides her work with schools, educators, and families.
Lucia Guerri, PhD
Program Manager
Lucia is a biomedical scientist and educator with experience in neuroscience, teaching, and public outreach. She has worked with students and communities across school and university settings, helping make scientific ideas approachable through teaching and hands-on learning.
Étienne Serbe-Kamp, PhD
Scientist in Residence
Étienne is a neuroscientist with a background in neurobiology and computational neuroscience. His work with Backyard Brains includes developing equipment and experiments, mentoring students, and sharing science through workshops and public outreach.
Our Board of Directors
Susan Schmidt
President of the Board of Directors
Susan is an educator with a background in special education, literacy, and public education leadership. Her work has focused on evidence-based teaching and stronger support for students and teachers. She brings a commitment to educational access and collaboration to the Foundation.
Ivana Nestorovic
Board Member
Ivana is an engineering and technology leader with more than 20 years of experience working with international teams. She brings expertise in problem-solving, organizational leadership, and mentorship, along with a commitment to making science and technology more accessible to young people.
Jennifer Heckendorn
Board Member
Jennifer brings experience in social work education, clinical practice, and support for individuals and families. Her background in teaching and community service helps inform the Foundation’s work with students, educators, and families.
Ann Williams, PhD
Board Member
Ann is a communication scholar and survey methodologist whose research explores public opinion, information inequality, and community connections. She brings insight into how people access information and how communication can support public understanding and participation.
Help Us Bring Neuroscience to More Students
There are many ways to support a student’s curiosity. Learn about our programs or get in touch to explore how you can contribute to more hands-on learning opportunities.