Article by Phoenix writer Sophia Paulich ’24:
On Wednesday, October 18th, 2023, Kellenberg invited students and parents alike to attend the presentation “Addiction and the Brain.”
The evening began by welcoming well-renowned speaker Dr. Stephen Dewey, a research professor in the Psychiatry Department at New York University. Over 200 attendees were present for a “mind-blowing” lecture on the human brain and how technology, as well as various substances, can affect neurological activity.
Dr. Dewey spoke extensively about how brain activity can be manipulated depending on the environment or circumstances that arise. As he explained, dopamine is a central cause of addiction and increased cell activity. Something as simple as someone looking at that chocolate cake that they have been eying all day will heighten their dopamine levels.
Dr. Dewey conveyed his message through images of PET (Positron Emission Tomography) scans, revealing cell activity relating to numerous situations that influence the activity levels of the brain.
Mrs. Marconi, the assistant principal for guidance, reflects, “As a speaker, Dr. Dewey was mesmerizing, and the topics are incredibly important. His words and the photos he incorporated most definitely made a lasting impact on everyone in attendance.”
The presentation was a sweeping success, with the guests being truly captivated by the subjects Dr. Dewey dove into. It was a fascinating way to bring awareness to the area of mental health and get people thinking about the effects of stimuli existing in their day-to-day lives.
The guidance department has been working diligently to build a partnership with the Kellenberg family by spreading awareness in numerous areas encompassing health and wellness. During the school year, the department has put together presentations focusing on motivation, organization, and students’ overall well-being.
Photo by Ben Strack for the Herald Community Newspaper