Brain Bee Event
When: February 28, 2026
Who: Open to all high school students in Shelby County
Where: University of Tennessee Health Science Center campus in Memphis, TN
Please register by January 30, 2026
Registration Site (Students may only register and compete in one local chapter of the USA Brain Bee each
year)
About
The Memphis Brain Bee is an exciting, full-day event designed to give high school students in Shelby County a closer look into the field of neuroscience. This is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to learn more about the brain and neuroscience careers. Throughout the day, participants will get the chance to connect with faculty and residents from the UT Health Science Center’s Department of Neurology, while also exploring the university’s lab facilities and learning more about the wonders of the brain!
On the day of the Memphis Brain Bee, students will be able to show off their neuroscience expertise in a number of ways, all while making friends and exploring the facilities available at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. The day will include a written exam, consisting of questions focused on neuroanatomy, cognition, physiology, and neurological disorders. These questions will be based on information contained in the Brain Facts textbook.
Why participate?
The Memphis Brain Bee will allow participants to spend the day interacting closely with faculty and residents in the UT Health Science Center Department of Neurology. The day’s events will include a visit to the University’s brain lab and simulation center, attending a neurology resident panel event, and learning more about the Department of Neurology’s research projects. This is a unique chance to gain an inside look at the UTHSC College of Medicine, while also meeting medical students, residents, and faculty members. Participating in the Memphis Brain Bee is also a great way to showcase your commitment to learning and passion for neurology while applying to universities or employment opportunities!
In addition to these hands-on learning experiences, the participants with the top ten scores will be able to participate in a summer clinical experience. This is an invaluable opportunity to closely work with University of Tennessee Health Science Center researchers and faculty and explore career paths in medicine and neuroscience.
The winning student can also represent the Memphis Brain Bee by competing at the national-level USA Brain Bee, taking place on April 25, 2026 at the University of California, Irvine.
How to Prepare
- Competition questions will be derived from the Brain Facts book, which provides an introductory overview of the nervous system.
- Sample Brain Bee questions, as provided by the University of Maryland
- Interactive ways to explore neuroanatomy and imaging can be found on the University of California, Irvine.
- The University of Tennessee Health Science Center neurology residents will also offer tutoring opportunities to interested students, with dates to be announced.
Contact Information
The Memphis Brain Bee is a local chapter of the USA Brain Bee. The 2026 USA Brain Bee competition will be held on Saturday, April 25 at the University of California, Irvine.
To learn more, visit the official USA Brain Bee website.
Please feel free to direct questions about the Memphis Brain Bee event to brainbee@uthsc.edu.