Brianna Silva

Academic Interests

Psychology & Neuroscience

Fun Fact

In Peru, I live in a coastal city with a view of the sea right from my window!

What opportunities exist for a student in southern Peru aspiring to a career in neuropsychology? For me, the answer was almost none. My local university didn’t offer psychology classes, and neuroscience wasn’t available as an undergraduate program in Peru. To pursue my passions, I had to create my own opportunities. 

Eager to explore neuroscience and share it with others, I joined the International Youth Neuroscience Association as a content creator, condensing scholarly articles into entertaining Instagram posts about Neuroscience and reaching more than 20,000 people from 125 countries. Having a burgeoning interest in brain disorders, especially autism, I secured an internship at an autism support center. There, I aided in implementing psychoeducational curricula for children. That experience led me to an international autism congress, engaging with parents, therapists, and researchers—an experience that deepened my sense of purpose in STEM.

I am fascinated by the connection of biological mechanisms and psychological phenomena, especially in autism. In the coming months, I hope to volunteer with neurodivergent populations to gain insights into their experiences and needs, and to intern at the Duke Center for Autism & Brain Development to broaden my research experience. Having acquired meaningful experience in the field, I would love to collaborate with Duke’s Autism Biomarkers Study (ABC-CT), a collaborative initiative among 5 universities aimed at validating measures of children’s social and communication development.

What do you like about being a SPIRE Fellow?

I look forward to opportunities to grow as a scientist and aspiring neuropsychologist, from internships to mentorship that challenges me to grow. Above all, I hope SPIRE will feel like a home away from home—a place where I can contribute to a supportive, inspiring community while growing as a friend, leader, and scholar.