Get to Know
Alexa Irene Canady
Discover why we turned Alexa into a superhero
THE DRAWING EXPLAINED
SUPERHERO BACKSTORY
ABOUT ALEXA
Name: Alexa Irene Canady
Born: 1950
Occupation: Neurosurgeon
Nationality: American
Alexa was the first African-American neurosurgeon. Her research includes studies on the effects of hydrocephalus, a condition characterised by the excessive accumulation of fluid in the brain.
In the video below Alexa talks about her career, as well as the need to attract more young surgeons to Neurosurgery.
Born: 1950
Occupation: Neurosurgeon
Nationality: American
Alexa was the first African-American neurosurgeon. Her research includes studies on the effects of hydrocephalus, a condition characterised by the excessive accumulation of fluid in the brain.
In the video below Alexa talks about her career, as well as the need to attract more young surgeons to Neurosurgery.
Alexa can manipulate the pressure in her enemies brains.
Raised in Michigan Alexa was a brave and curious child. The tale remains unconfirmed but it is said that one day while playing with the instruments in her fathers dentistry office, a strange power surge flowed through her giving her the power to manipulate pressure in the brain.
Raised in Michigan Alexa was a brave and curious child. The tale remains unconfirmed but it is said that one day while playing with the instruments in her fathers dentistry office, a strange power surge flowed through her giving her the power to manipulate pressure in the brain.
We have packed a lot into our drawings. Each drawing we create has one or more hidden treasure(s) about our superheroes' life experiences, depictions in art, jobs or discoveries. Did you find the ones hidden in this drawing?
Alexa was Chief of Neurosurgery at the Children's Hospital of Michigan from 1987- 2001. You'll find the DMC Children's Hospital in the background.
On Alexa's belt you will find the letters AMWA which represent the American Medical Women's Association. In 1993 Alexa was awarded the AMWA President's Award.
Alexa was born in Michigan, USA on the 7th November 1950. We've added this into the issue number on the top left.
On Alexa's belt you will find the letters AMWA which represent the American Medical Women's Association. In 1993 Alexa was awarded the AMWA President's Award.
Alexa was born in Michigan, USA on the 7th November 1950. We've added this into the issue number on the top left.
EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES
- Free downloadable posters on the parts of a neuron
- Educational videos on the nervous system, hydrocephalus, and brain anatomy
- A music video called The Brain Song for younger learners
- Links to Alexa’s superhero story, trading card, and the Top Quarkz STEM game
- These materials are suitable for ages 7+, and perfect for teachers, homeschoolers, and STEM clubs.
How can educators and parents use this fact file?
Learn more about Alexa
Alexa Irene Canady made history when she became a neurosurgeon. She went on to serve as Chief of Neurosurgery at the Children's Hospital of Michigan from 1987 to 2001.
What is Hydrocephalus?
Hydrocephalus is a condition that involves the build-up of a fluid in the brain. In this video you can learn about the effects of hydrocephalus. This video may be more suitable for ages 8+.
Video Credit: Neuroscientifically Challenged
Video Credit: Neuroscientifically Challenged
Want to learn the Brain Song?
Learn about the brain with this fun educational music video from Kids Learning Tube. Don't forget to sing along!
Video Credit: Kids Learning Tube
Video Credit: Kids Learning Tube
Download this educational poster and learn more about the parts of a Neuron.
Poster credit: The Remarkablz
Who was Alexa Irene Canady?
Why is Alexa a superhero in The Remarkablz universe?
What is hydrocephalus and why is it important?
Alexa Irene Canady was born on November 7, 1950, in Lansing, Michigan, and made history in 1981 when she became a neurosurgeon. Alexa broke barriers with brilliance, resilience, and compassion. She went on to serve as Chief of Neurosurgery at the Children's Hospital of Michigan from 1987 to 2001, where she became renowned not only for her skill in treating complex pediatric neurological conditions, but also for the way she listened to and comforted young patients and their families.
In The Remarkablz, Alexa Canady is reimagined as a powerful superhero. Her origin story involves a mysterious power surge from her father’s dental instruments, giving her the ability to control intracranial pressure and defend the nervous system from harm.
Alexa’s superpower is the ability to manipulate pressure inside the brain — a clever nod to her work treating hydrocephalus and other neurological conditions. In the Top Quarkz card game, this power is used to battle villains who threaten the brain and nervous system.
Alexa’s superpower is the ability to manipulate pressure inside the brain — a clever nod to her work treating hydrocephalus and other neurological conditions. In the Top Quarkz card game, this power is used to battle villains who threaten the brain and nervous system.
Hydrocephalus is a condition where cerebrospinal fluid builds up in the brain, causing increased pressure. It’s one of the conditions Dr. Canady treated extensively in her career.
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