What Will My Donation Support?

Conducting cutting-edge neuroscience research and training the next generation of scientists requires substantial resources. Gifts to the Parra-Rivas Lab at the University of Maryland, Baltimore are used exclusively to support costs directly associated with our research and training mission.

Your donation may help us to:

• Acquire essential supplies and reagents needed to test key hypotheses, including consumables (e.g., pipette tips, cultureware), antibodies, viral vectors, and experimental model systems.

• Purchase or maintain critical research equipment, such as centrifuges, imaging tools, behavioral assays, or other specialized instruments required for our experiments.

• Obtain advanced data analysis and imaging software that allows us to rigorously analyze complex datasets.

• Support trainee development, including student and postdoctoral participation in workshops, short courses, and specialized training opportunities that build technical and analytical expertise.

• Enable dissemination of our findings, including travel to scientific conferences, presentation of results, and open-access publication fees so our work is accessible to the broader scientific community.

• Engage with the community, through outreach and educational activities focused on brain health, neuroscience, and pathways into scientific careers.
  
  

All donations are stewarded carefully to maximize scientific impact and training outcomes.

Can I Have Input on How My Donation Is Used?

Yes. We welcome donors as partners in our research mission. If you wish, you may designate your gift to one of the following categories:

• Data Analysis & Dissemination

• Equipment & Instrumentation

• Community Neuroscience Education & Outreach

• Supplies & Reagents

• Training & Trainee Development

• Greatest Current Need

Undesignated gifts allow us to respond quickly to emerging scientific opportunities.

Is There a Minimum Donation Amount? There is no minimum gift amount. Every contribution—regardless of size—helps advance our research and training mission. To provide context for typical research costs:

• One laboratory mouse for an experiment: ~$50

• A single antibody reagent: ~$500

• A high-precision pipette set: ~$2,500

• A fluorescence microscope: ~$18,000+

• Annual salary support for a laboratory staff member: ~$35,000+

Each gift directly contributes to meaningful progress.

How Will I Know My Donation Is Making an Impact? We value transparency and donor engagement. When appropriate and in accordance with university policies, we are happy to share how your support is advancing our work. Depending on your preference, this may include:

• Updates describing how your gift was used and the research it supported

• Photos or brief summaries of experiments or equipment enabled by your donation

• Recognition in scientific publications resulting from supported work

• Acknowledgment on lab communications or social media (if desired)

• Opportunities to visit the lab or receive a presentation on our research progress

We are always open to discussing meaningful and appropriate ways to recognize your support.

How Do I Make a Donation? If you are interested in supporting the Parra-Rivas Lab, please contact us through the Connect page on our website or email the Lab Leader, Dr. Parra-Rivas, directly at lparra-rivas@som.umaryland.edu. You may also reach out directly to Dr. Leonardo Parra-Rivas to discuss giving opportunities and coordination with the University of Maryland, Baltimore development office. We aim to respond promptly to all inquiries.

Is My Donation Tax-Deductible?  Yes. The University of Maryland, Baltimore is a recognized educational institution and nonprofit organization. Gifts are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law, and official documentation will be provided at the time of donation.