Marianne Claire Bacani won first place in the sticker design contest for Brain Awareness Week (BAW) 2018. BAW is a weeklong global campaign that aims to increase public awareness of the progress and benefits of brain research.
“Having organized a couple of annual BAW events in my role as an Events Director for Neuroethics Canada at the University of British Columbia, I saw the design contest as a new way to be involved with the celebration, and as a graphic design hobbyist, it was a chance to challenge my skills by trying to represent the essence of the event as I’ve come to understand over the years of celebrating it,” Bacani said.
The Dana Foundation, a New York City based private philanthropic organization, the central coordinator of the event, launched the international open-call for sticker design submissions to serve as the new ‘face’ of the event.
“Bringing pride to my family, colleagues, and the community is really an honour and I am truly grateful for their support,” Bacani said.
Through an online open-to-the-public poll, Bacani’s winning design garnered a total of almost 2,500 votes worldwide. It will be printed onto thousands of stickers to be distributed during the global campaign.
“Placing first in a worldwide competition as a Filipino-Canadian makes it meaningful. I consider it as a victory to the Canadian Filipino community,” Bacani added.
Bacani received her B.A. in psychology at UBC in 2012. She entered the University of British Columbia as a second year psychology student, after a year from De La Salle University in Manila.
“If I were to give new Canadian Filipino university students pieces of ‘brain’ advice, I would tell them not to be shy to join student clubs and seek leadership positions, or to ask professors during (or even after) class hours to feed their curiosity!
“I’ll tell them to sign up as a volunteer with student clubs or at local events and learn from the diverse community Canada prides itself on! Research on what opportunities are made available to them and make the most out of these offers.
“All of these are learning experiences at their disposal. I believe that making use of these resources coupled with their diligent nature, they are off to exciting university life!” Bacani shared.
In March 12-18, 2018, BAW unites the efforts of partner organizations worldwide in a celebration of the brain for people of all ages.
Bacani is busy preparing for Neuroethics Canada’s Brain Awareness Week activity as well.
“Neuroethics Canada is celebrating its 10th Anniversary this year so our activities are even more special!” Bacani said.
On March 13, the Annual Distinguished Neuroethics Lecture in downtown Vancouver will feature as distinguished speaker Professor Jennifer Chandler (Bertram Loeb Research Chair and Professor, Faculty of Law, University of Ottawa), who will talk about medical aid in dying. This event is free admission and is open-to-the-public. Everyone is welcome.
Emmy Buccat is a donor relations professional at the University of British Columbia’s Development and Alumni Engagement office. She supports the communications, stewardship and events team in keeping donors informed, involved and engaged. She moved to Canada in 2008, bringing 10 years of experience in marketing communications, public relations and event management for brand FujiXerox and Speedo. She has a degree in journalism from the University of Santo Tomas, Asia’s oldest university, and a certificate in integrated marketing strategy from UBC’s Sauder School of Business.
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