The Founding of HAND

Tiffany Chen - HAND Founder

Inspired by the potential to connect neurological education with patient lived experience, emerging technologies, and real-world community impact, HAND (High-tech and Neurological Disorders) was founded at UCLA in 2020 by Tiffany Chen and faculty advisor Dr. Jeff Bronstein.

Students across neurology, engineering, design, and entrepreneurship were eager for a shared platform to collaborate, innovate, and learn from one another. HAND was created to encourage partnerships between students, clinicians, engineers, and community organizations to advance education, innovation, and equity in neurological care.

Our Mission

HAND at UCLA works to increase awareness, education, and innovation in neurological disorders through:

  • Improving neurological health literacy among students and communities
  • Fostering interdisciplinary collaboration between medicine, engineering, and industry
  • Supporting access to neurological care pathways and innovation
  • Preparing future leaders who approach neurology with a lens of technology, community engagement, and health equity

Three Main Pillars

Education

  • Student-led educational programming including newsletters, infographics, journal clubs, and guest speaker events
  • Career exploration across medicine, research, and health technology
  • Mentorship and shadowing opportunities with neurologists and interdisciplinary professionals

Outreach & Community Engagement

  • Community health education initiatives and partnerships with organizations such as Parkinson's Community Los Angeles (PCLA)
  • Public-facing conferences and events, including the annual Neurodegenerative Disorders Awareness Night (NDAN)
  • Emphasis on accessible education for patients and caregivers, such as through Project Parkinson's Access to Technology and Health (PATH)

Innovation

  • Undergraduate and graduate students apply engineering and design skills to neurological challenges
  • Development of early-stage prototypes and technology-driven solutions
  • Exposure to translational research and startup pathways in neurotechnology

Our Impact

Now in 2026, HAND has grown into a dynamic, multidisciplinary organization spanning education, outreach, innovation, and clinical exposure:

300+
Alumni Nationwide
12+
Community Partners
3
NDAN Conferences
2
UCLA Chapters
300+ Alumni

Pursuing careers in medicine, research, biotechnology, public health, and engineering

Annual NDAN Conferences

Bringing together experts, students, and community members to advance neurological awareness

Student-Led Initiatives

Podcast series, newsletters, and educational programming making neurology accessible

LAUSD Outreach Partnership

Annual community fair providing STEM mentorship and sparking interest in neuroscience

DGSOM Chapter Expansion

Extending HAND's mission to the UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine

Join Our Mission

HAND welcomes students from all backgrounds who are interested in neurology, engineering, innovation, education, or community service. Help us shape a future where neurological care is technologically advanced, socially inclusive, and responsive to the needs of diverse patient populations.

Learn About Recruitment

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