As an accomplished neuroscientist, medical researcher, and psychiatrist, Alexander Neumeister carved a successful and fulfilling career for himself and has worked all over the world. His innovations, collaborative work efforts, and research have led to breakthroughs and given the medical field, especially neuroscience, and even stronger foundation to create treatments and improve upon existing methods. With all of these professional endeavors, it may come as a surprise to hear that Alexander frequently donates his time and expertise to his community several times a week.

Community service was something Alexander Neumeister heard positive things about but never actively participated until college. During his residency and clinical years spent in Austria, Alexander began volunteering for the first time. While some students simply donate their time to an existing organization, Alexander took his commitment a step further. He organized a summer camp for children with cancer and remained extremely involved with training and services offered for the next four years. Later on, Alexander connected to an organization that benefited homeless children in Romania and remains involved to this day.

After moving to the United States, Alexander’s commitment to helping others never wavered. In 2018, Mr. Neumeister started volunteering in a soup kitchen in Hamden, Connecticut where he resides and assists with serving food to those in need at least twice a week. He also provides recreational activities there including playing the piano. In addition to his already busy volunteering schedule, Alexander finds the time to volunteer in retirement homes where he performs a wide variety of essential duties such as visiting residents and organizing recreational activities. Often, Mr. Neumeister’s volunteering heavily relates to his professional interests. His work with colleagues on the ground in the DR Congo directly corresponds to his career through their research on how the impact of traumas, such as rape and civil war, impact residents mentally, socially, and economically. Their work could significantly improve the lives of residents during and after the war.

To Mr. Neumeister, it does not matter where he volunteers, only that he does. Whether it’s a soup kitchen, retirement community, or remotely lending his expertise researchers in DR Congo, Alexander truly wants to help others. He does not view volunteering as an obligation but a way he can learn about others and make a positive impact on the world. Alexander understands on a deep level how tragedy can change lives quickly and finds the utmost feeling of fulfillment in helping others when they need it the most. For Alexander, giving back is an innate quality that he intends to continue for the rest of his life.