Midwestern University Provides Tour, Textbooks, and Tutoring for National Brain Bee Winner

Shireen Arora, a sophomore from BASIS Chandler High School, won first place at the Midwestern University AZ Regional Brain Bee in February, then went on to win the 2026 USA National Brain Bee in April. She will represent the United States at the International Brain Bee World Championship in November of this year.

The Brain Bee is an international neuroscience competition, testing high school students on their understanding of the nervous system and brain. Midwestern’s Glendale Campus has hosted the Arizona Regional Brain Bee since 1999. Similar regional Brain Bee competitions are held annually across the country, with the winners of each regional competition competing at the National Brain Bee, held this year at the University of California, Irvine. 

“I went into both the National Brain Bee and the Arizona Regional Brain Bee competitions just wanting to do my best and showcase my love for neuroscience,” said Shireen. “I really didn't expect to win either; everyone in both competitions was so smart and passionate about neuroscience. I am so grateful to have had this opportunity to connect with new people over a shared passion.”
 
Prior to competing in the Arizona Regional Brain Bee, Shireen had already dived into the world of science by creating her own research on inexpensive treatments for Alzheimer’s disease. Gerald Call, Ph.D., Professor of Pharmacology at Midwestern University, helped Shireen with her topic, gave guidance on research methods, and lent her materials for the experiment. 

Her research, which tested the positive effects of Ashwagandha on fruit flies, helped to kickstart her interest in neuroscience. “My Alzheimer's disease research grew my curiosity about the brain and established this mindset that neuroscience is a constantly evolving field, motivating me to pursue the Brain Bee,” Shireen explained. “When researching, I also had to read multiple papers on different animal models for neuroscience research and concepts in Alzheimer's disease, which gave me the necessary skills to study effectively for the Brain Bee.”

To prepare for the National Brain Bee, Shireen received a tour, textbooks, and tutoring from Midwestern University faculty. One of the highlights of the tour was viewing the anatomy lab on campus. Shireen said, “I had never been in an anatomy lab before, so that was such an interesting and memorable experience unlike what I've learned in school. It was interesting to connect concepts typically only seen in photos or textbooks to an actual, tangible organ!” 

During her visit to the Glendale campus, Jason Kaufman, Ph.D., Professor of Anatomy at Midwestern University, provided a tutoring session for Shireen. 

“Shireen’s enthusiasm for neuroscience was obvious from the moment she entered the anatomy lab,” said Dr. Kaufman. “I wish all young students understood how deeply neuroscience is beginning to influence a variety of fields. Neuroscience doesn’t just happen in a laboratory – it now shapes everything from art to education to business and technology.”

Shireen reflected, “My tutoring session with Dr. Kaufman was invaluable to my success. Being able to see a real patient brain and the landmarks on it was so helpful to provide a link between areas on images to actual brain regions.” 

Hosting the Arizona Regional Brain Bee and helping high school students like Shireen are part of Midwestern’s goal to inspire tomorrow’s healthcare team. “I’ve loved seeing Midwestern actively engage people of all ages and help spark curiosity about science, health, and caring for others,” commented Dr. Kaufman.

For Shireen, the Brain Bee has done exactly that: “The Brain Bee has given me the opportunity to grow my interest in neuroscience, and I appreciate Midwestern University for hosting this wonderful competition,” she shared. “I’ve learned a lot about neuroscience and developed a passion for the intricacies of the brain.”

Looking forward, Shireen is preparing for the International Brain Bee World Championship and is excited to meet students from around the world. “It’s so interesting to see how students pursue neuroscience in different ways, and I’m so excited to learn from their perspectives,” she said.

Learn more about the Arizona Regional Brain Bee hosted by Midwestern University.