Team creates “Sun Rays and Long Days, Our Brain’s Clock” video project

It all started with a spark — a mix of curiosity and a love for sharing science. A group of students, eager to make neuroscience fun and accessible, discovered the BrainFacts.org and Society for Neuroscience’s Brain Awareness video contest thanks to Lindsey Czarnecki, the Department of Neurobiology and Behavior’s outreach organizer. The challenge? To create a video that could inform, inspire and maybe even surprise its audience.

The talented team behind this piece of art and science consisted of Program in Neuroscience doctoral students Allison George, Gina Rizzo and Diana Guarino. They jumped at the chance to combine their passion for science with a creative twist. But instead of sticking to something simple, they went bold: claymation. Why claymation? “It was ambitious,” they admitted, “but we thought it had the potential to captivate a wide audience if executed successfully.”

The topic they chose — circadian rhythms — was equally intentional. It’s the brain’s internal clock that helps us wake, sleep and function through the day.

“We wanted to pick something broad and relevant,” they said. “Circadian rhythms are something everyone can relate to, whether it’s struggling with sleep or understanding why light exposure matters.” From the glow of phones at night to the natural cycles of daylight, their story tied neuroscience to everyday life.

With just three weeks before the deadline, the team dove in. Making clay models, scripting and animating every frame was no small feat. It was their first time working with claymation, and while they found it rewarding, they didn’t shy away from the challenges.

“It was time-consuming and occasionally frustrating,” they admitted. “Every second of footage required so much effort, but seeing it all come together was incredibly satisfying.”

Then came the script. Explaining a complex topic like circadian rhythms in under three minutes was no easy task. “We had to be precise,” they explained. “It was a balance between making it informative and keeping it engaging.” The final product was a concise, approachable video that welcomed viewers of all backgrounds — no science degree required.

They had a wide audience in mind when they started. “We just wanted to reach anyone curious enough to watch,” they shared. More than that, they hoped to inspire.

“For anyone considering a career in science, we wanted to show that it’s not just about labs and experiments. Being a scientist also means being creative and finding fun ways to share your work.”

Department of Neurobiology and Behavior Chair Alfredo Fontanini shared, “this is a phenomenal example of how a group of very (multi)talented trainees can reach out to wide audiences and communicate complex concepts in a fun and accessible way. What the team has done is truly inspiring and the department is fortunate to have students like these driving our outreach efforts.”

In the end, their claymation masterpiece placed in the Brain Awareness Contest, but its impact went far beyond the competition. “It’s not just a video,” they reflected. “It’s a celebration of how science connects us and a reminder of what’s possible when imagination and knowledge come together.” Together, Allison, Gina and Diana brought their vision to life. Making neuroscience engaging for everyone.

Curious about how light affects your brain’s clock? Watch their claymation video and see how neuroscience comes to life!