In this episode of Research Renaissance, host Deborah Westphal sits down with Dr. Tamar Gefen, an Associate Professor at the Mesulam Center for Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer’s Disease at Northwestern University. Dr. Gefen, a 2023 Toffler Scholar, shares insights into her groundbreaking work on dementia syndromes and age-related cognitive disorders, including her fascinating research on cognitive "super agers."

Key Discussion Points:

• Dr. Gefen’s personal journey to becoming a clinical neuropsychologist and her passion for studying the human brain.
• What it means to be a neuropsychologist and how it combines the study of brain structure with behavior and function.
• An exploration of cognitive super agers: individuals over 80 whose memory functions as if they were decades younger.
• The significance of brain donation in Dr. Gefen’s research, as well as the emotional and spiritual connection she feels to the work.
• Insights into her research lab’s ongoing studies and how it’s contributing to the field of neurology and cognitive health.
• The importance of identifying modifiable risk factors for dementia, and how individuals can reduce their risk by focusing on heart and brain health.

Key Quotes:

"I feel like I’m among tiny gods lined up in a fridge... These organs were the source of life for every human that made that precious donation." – Dr. Tamar Gefen

"Aging suffers from poor marketing, and we need to show that aging can be graceful and fun." – Dr. Tamar Geffen

Thank you for joining us on this insightful journey into brain science. Be sure to subscribe to Research Renaissance for more conversations at the cutting edge of neurological research. Until next time, onward and upward!

To learn more about the breakthroughs discussed in this episode and to support ongoing research, visit our website at tofflertrust.org.

Technical Podcast Support by Jon Keur at Wayfare Recording Co.

Guests:

• Dr. Doug Robinson – Director of the Initiative for Careers in Science and Medicine, Johns Hopkins University
• Pamela Hamm – Director of the Summer Academic Research Experience (SARE)
• Eleana Parajon – Graduate Student and former SARE Scholar
• Temitope Adenaike – Current SARE Scholar
• Aiden Houser – Current SARE Scholar

Summary:
In this episode, we dive into the transformative Summer Academic Research Experience (SARE) at Johns Hopkins University, a program designed to provide high school students from underrepresented communities the opportunity to gain hands-on research experience. Dr. Doug Robinson and Pamela Hamm share the program’s vision, while current students and alumni, including Eleana, Temi and Aiden, recount their personal journeys in research and mentorship. We explore the program’s long-term impact, its unique structure, and the challenges in scaling it to reach even more young scientists.

Key Topics:

• The SARE program's unique combination of academic instruction and real-world research experience
• Stories from SARE scholars on how the program has shaped their educational and career aspirations
• The critical role of mentorship in empowering the next generation of scientists
• Insights on the long-term success of SARE, with 74% of participants graduating college within four years
• Challenges in sustaining and expanding the program, including funding and lab space limitations
• The future vision for SARE to grow beyond Johns Hopkins and expand across the country

Memorable Quotes:

• "We want to see scholars who are inspired, motivated, and fired up. This program is about giving them the opportunity to realize their full potential." – Dr. Doug Robinson
• "When students spend eight weeks feeling valued, listened to, and seen, it motivates them to go back into their schools and ask for what they need. It’s incredible to watch their growth." – Pamela Hamm
• "The SARE program made me love science even more. It gave me the confidence to know that I can pursue this as a career." – Temitope Adenaike, SARE Scholar
• “I was just really proud of the fact that now large organizations like QuestBridge are recognizing my potential, talent and ability.” - Aiden Houser, SARE Scholar
• "I hope for a more equitable health landscape. Investing in young people is the key to making that a reality." – Eleana Parajon, SARE Graduate and Mentor

To learn more about the SARE program and how to support its mission, visit the Initiative for Careers in Science and Medicine (CSM) at Johns Hopkins here. For partnership opportunities or to contribute to the program, contact Dr. Doug Robinson at [email protected].

Applications for the 2025 SARE program open on November 1st and close on February 1st. Visit the SARE program page for details on how to apply.

Thank you for joining us on this episode of Research Renaissance. Stay tuned for more discussions with leading voices in brain science and the people shaping the future of research. Until next time—onward and upward!

To learn more about the breakthroughs discussed in this episode and to support ongoing research, visit our website at tofflertrust.org.

Technical Podcast Support by Jon Keur at Wayfare Recording Co.

In this enlightening episode of Research Renaissance, Deborah Westphal speaks with Dr. Robert Vassar, a renowned neuroscientist and Director of the Mesulam Center for Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer's Disease at Northwestern University. Dr. Vassar shares his personal journey into the field of Alzheimer’s research, the evolution of diagnostic tools, and the latest technological breakthroughs in the fight against neurodegenerative diseases.

Key Topics Covered:

• Dr. Vassar’s Early Inspirations: Dr. Vassar shares his childhood fascination with science, the path that led him away from his dream of becoming an astronaut, and his ultimate decision to pursue biology and neuroscience.
• The Influence of Family: A deeply personal connection to Alzheimer’s, driven by his mother’s diagnosis in 1983, crystallized Dr. Vassar’s purpose and career focus on researching this devastating disease.
• Advances in Alzheimer’s Diagnosis: Dr. Vassar details how the process of diagnosing Alzheimer’s has transformed from rudimentary memory tests in the 1980s to advanced tools like positron emission tomography (PET) scans and emerging blood biomarker technologies.
• The Role of Transgenic Mice in Alzheimer’s Research: Dr. Vassar explains the development of Alzheimer’s disease transgenic mice and their critical role in understanding the disease’s pathology and developing new treatments.
• Mentorship and Scientific Thinking: Insights from his postdoctoral experience with Nobel Laureate Richard Axel taught Dr. Vassar methodical scientific thinking, a key lesson he now passes on to his mentees.
• Exciting New Therapies on the Horizon: The potential of anti-tau therapies, antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), and microglial cell research as promising avenues in Alzheimer’s treatment are explored.
• Super-Aging Research: Dr. Vassar discusses Northwestern’s unique research on “superagers,” elderly individuals with superior cognitive function, and the factors that may contribute to their resilience against dementia.
• The Importance of Multidisciplinary Approaches: From molecular studies to societal impacts, Dr. Vassar emphasizes the value of combining pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods in understanding and treating Alzheimer’s disease.

Memorable Quotes:

"My purpose in life crystallized when my mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer's. I knew I had to study this disease to try to stop it."

"The future of Alzheimer’s treatment will rely on prevention. We need to catch the disease before symptoms even begin."

"Our study participants are the real heroes. Without their altruistic contributions, we couldn’t make any progress."

Listeners interested in supporting Alzheimer’s research or participating in studies at Northwestern can visit the Mesulam Center for Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer's Disease website for more information. The center welcomes volunteers for clinical trials and other research initiatives.

For more updates on cutting-edge research in brain science, subscribe to Research Renaissance and visit the Karen Toffler Charitable Trust website at tofflertrust.org. Share your thoughts, suggestions, or inquiries by contacting us through the website.

To learn more about the breakthroughs discussed in this episode and to support ongoing research, visit our website at tofflertrust.org.

Technical Podcast Support by Jon Keur at Wayfare Recording Co.

 In this compelling episode of Research Renaissance, host Deborah Westphal sits down with Afreen Allam, the CEO and founder of SiNON Nano Sciences and a 2023 Termeer Fellow. Afreen shares her journey from aspiring medical student to biotech entrepreneur, discussing her groundbreaking work in drug delivery for neurological diseases. The conversation delves into the challenges and triumphs of developing a platform that can cross the blood-brain barrier, offering hope for the treatment of diseases like Cancer, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and brain tumors.

Key Discussion Points:

1. SiNON Nano Sciences' Mission: Afreen explains the innovative approach her company takes to target drug delivery across the blood-brain barrier, using a carbon-based nanoparticle that can safely and effectively transport medications to the brain.
2. Personal Journey: Afreen reflects on her transition from a pre-medical student to a biotech entrepreneur, sharing how her experiences volunteering at the Duke Cancer Center inspired her to pursue research that could improve the quality of life for patients.
3. Challenges in Drug Delivery: The discussion covers the unique difficulties of delivering drugs to the brain, the limitations of current technologies, and how SiNON Nano Sciences aims to overcome these obstacles with their platform.
4. The Importance of Support and Mentorship: Afreen highlights the significance of mentorship and support systems, particularly her experience as a 2023 Termeer Fellow, which provided her with valuable resources, connections, and guidance.
5. The Future of Drug Delivery: Afreen discusses the potential partnerships with pharmaceutical companies and the importance of collaboration in advancing treatments for neurological diseases.

Guest Bio: Afreen Allam is the CEO and founder of SiNON Nano Sciences, a biotech startup focused on developing a platform for targeted drug delivery to the brain. A 2023 Termeer Fellow, Afreen is passionate about improving patient outcomes and has a background in biochemistry, microbiology, and business.

Call to Action: Subscribe to Research Renaissance for more episodes featuring trailblazers in brain science and healthcare innovation. Visit tofflertrust.org for additional resources and updates. Until then, onward and upward!

To learn more about the breakthroughs discussed in this episode and to support ongoing research, visit our website at tofflertrust.org.

Technical Podcast Support by Jon Keur at Wayfare Recording Co.

Welcome to the latest episode of Research Renaissance, presented by the Karen Toffler Charitable Trust. I’m your host, Deborah Westphal, and today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Douglas Storace, a neuroscientist and assistant professor at Florida State University. Dr. Storace is also a 2022 Toffler Scholar. Our discussion will delve into his research on the olfactory bulb, a crucial brain region responsible for processing smells, and its broader implications for understanding brain function and our bodies.

Episode Highlights

• Dr. Storace's Journey to Neuroscience: Discover how a course on Sensation and Perception, combined with an interest in computers and music, led Dr. Storace to pursue a career in neuroscience.
• Understanding the Olfactory Bulb: Learn about the olfactory bulb's role as the brain's initial point of contact for sensory information from the nose and how it interacts with other brain regions.
• The Hypothalamus Connection: Dr. Storace shares fascinating insights into how the hypothalamus, a brain area involved in key behavioral functions, influences the olfactory bulb.
• Neuropeptides and Brain Function: Explore the role of the neuropeptide orexin in regulating sleep, feeding, and other behaviors, and its connection to the olfactory bulb.
• Current Lab Projects: An overview of Dr. Storace’s lab projects, including research on sensory information processing, perceptual stability, and a unique study involving blind cavefish to understand sensory adaptation.
• Technological Advances in Neuroscience: Discover the cutting-edge imaging techniques and fluorescent proteins that enable scientists to study the brain in unprecedented detail.
• Future Directions: Dr. Storace shares his hopes for future breakthroughs in neuroscience, particularly in understanding brain function and developing targeted treatments for neurological disorders.

Thank you for joining us on this episode of Research Renaissance. For more information and to stay updated on our latest episodes, subscribe to the podcast and visit our website at tofflertrust.org. Feel free to contact us with your thoughts, suggestions, or to learn more about the Karen Toffler Charitable Trust. 

Until we meet again, onward and upward!

To learn more about the breakthroughs discussed in this episode and to support ongoing research, visit our website at tofflertrust.org.

Technical Podcast Support by Jon Keur at Wayfare Recording Co.

In this episode of Research Renaissance, host Deborah Westphal sits down with Anne Woodbury, the founder and CEO of Cura Strategies, a healthcare communication and public affairs agency. Together, they explore the crucial role of strategic communication in shaping healthcare policies and improving patient outcomes. Anne shares her journey from Capitol Hill to entrepreneurship, driven by a passion for transforming the healthcare system.

Listeners will gain insights into how effective advocacy and communication strategies can drive change in healthcare, the importance of educating policymakers, and the growing awareness around mental health in the corporate world. Anne also discusses Cura Cares, her company's charitable arm, and its impact on both employees and the communities they serve.

Key Discussion Points:

• Anne’s Journey to Founding Cura Strategies: From her early days working with a member of Congress to leading a successful public affairs agency focused on healthcare.
• The Nexus of Policy and Strategic Communication: How Cura Strategies bridges the gap between healthcare communication and policy-making to advance quality and access in healthcare.
• The Role of Advocacy in Healthcare: Understanding the importance of educating policymakers and the general public about healthcare issues.
• Mental Health Advocacy: How Cura Strategies prioritizes mental health within the workplace and the broader impact of their advocacy work on public health policies.
• Cura Cares Program: A look at Cura Strategies’ charitable initiatives aimed at staying connected to community needs and improving public health.
• The Challenge of Trust in Healthcare: Discussing the trust deficit between the public, government, and healthcare institutions and what can be done to rebuild it.

For more information about Cura Strategies and their work in healthcare communication and advocacy, visit CuraStrategies.com or AdvocacyAccelerator.us. You can also connect with Anne Woodbury on LinkedIn.

Don't forget to subscribe to Research Renaissance for more insightful episodes exploring the forefront of brain science and healthcare innovation. Visit TofflerTrust.org for additional resources and updates.

Until then, onward and upward!

To learn more about the breakthroughs discussed in this episode and to support ongoing research, visit our website at tofflertrust.org.

Technical Podcast Support by Jon Keur at Wayfare Recording Co.

In this insightful episode of Research Renaissance, host Deborah Westphal engages in an enlightening conversation with Dr. Zhe Zhang, a research associate at Johns Hopkins and a 2021 Toffler Scholar. Dr. Zhang discusses her journey from aspiring to be a doctor to becoming a dedicated researcher focused on neurodegenerative diseases, particularly ALS. She shares her innovative work on establishing a platform to find genetic modifiers that can improve cell survival and slow the progression of ALS.

Key Discussion Points:

1. Introduction to Dr. Zhe Zhang:
   • Background and inspiration for pursuing research in neurodegenerative diseases.
   • Transition from clinical practice to basic research.
2. Journey to ALS Research:
   • Initial interest sparked by experiences with neurodegenerative patients during medical training.
   • Shift in focus during her time in Australia, influenced by collaborations and the Ice Bucket Challenge.
3. Focus on Genetic Modifiers and ALS:
   • Explanation of familial and sporadic ALS, with a focus on the C9ORF72 gene mutation.
   • Development of toxic proteins from gene mutations and their impact on cell survival.
4. Research Techniques and Platforms:
   • Use of CRISPR technology for genetic screening and identifying potential therapeutic targets.
   • Application of human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to develop models for screening.
5. Collaborative Efforts:
   • Importance of interdisciplinary collaborations with other researchers and biobanks.
   • Contributions from patient-donated post-mortem tissues to validate research findings.
6. Challenges and Future Directions:
   • The complexity of translating basic research to clinical applications and commercial products.
   • The role of CRISPR in gene editing and its potential for therapeutic interventions.
7. Emerging Technologies and Tools:
   • The impact of iPSCs, CRISPR, and advanced imaging techniques on ALS research.
   • Potential of functional MRI and other non-invasive methods for tracking disease progression.
8. Global Collaboration and Impact:
   • The necessity of global studies and collaborations to understand neurodegenerative diseases.
   • Hopes for future research, including the development of effective therapies for ALS.
9. Personal Reflections and Advice:
   • Dr. Zhang’s commitment to staying curious, passionate, and cautious in her research.
   • Encouragement for young researchers to persevere despite challenges and to collaborate widely.

Join us in advancing our understanding of the brain and addressing its ailments. Until then, onward and upward!

To learn more about the breakthroughs discussed in this episode and to support ongoing research, visit our website at tofflertrust.org.

Technical Podcast Support by Jon Keur at Wayfare Recording Co.

In this enlightening episode of Research Renaissance, host Deborah Westphal engages in a compelling conversation with Dr. Elisa Canepa, a neurobiologist and associate scientist from Temple University and a 2022 Toffler Scholar. Dr. Canepa shares her journey into neuroscience, driven by a fascination with the brain's complexity and its pivotal role in shaping our identity and cognitive functions. They delve into Dr. Canepa’s cutting-edge research on cerebral vascular dysfunction, particularly focusing on the potential of carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (CAIs) in treating Alzheimer's disease.

Key Discussion Points:

1. Introduction to Dr. Elisa Canepa:
   • Background and inspiration for pursuing neuroscience.
   • Current role at Temple University and involvement with the Karen Toffler Charitable Trust.
2. Research Focus:
   • Investigation into the role of carbonic anhydrase inhibitors in Alzheimer's treatment.
   • Mechanisms behind CAIs’ ability to rescue cognitive functions and ameliorate neurovascular dysfunction.
   • Recent findings published in the Alzheimer's and Dementia Journal.
3. Experimental Techniques:
   • Behavioral tasks to measure cognitive impairment and the effectiveness of treatments in animal models.
   • Advanced techniques like RNA sequencing and RNA scope to study the molecular changes in the brain.
4. Impact of High Altitude Physiology:
   • Exploration of the physiological differences in people living at high altitudes and potential insights for Alzheimer's research.
5. Future Directions and Challenges:
   • Potential clinical applications and the pathway to clinical trials for CAIs.
   • The importance of interdisciplinary collaborations and combining different expertise to advance research.
   • The role of biomarkers and advanced imaging techniques in predicting and diagnosing neurological diseases.
6. Personal and Professional Insights:
   • Dr. Canepa’s reflections on the importance of raising awareness about Alzheimer's disease.
   • The significance of combining basic science research with outreach and advocacy efforts.
   • The global nature of neurodegenerative research and collaborations across countries.
7. Emerging Research Areas:
   • Investigations into tauopathies and their impact on vascular health.
   • The intersection of cardiovascular health and Alzheimer's disease, particularly in the context of Western diets and lifestyle factors.

Join us in advancing our understanding of the brain and addressing its ailments. Until then, onward and upward!

To learn more about the breakthroughs discussed in this episode and to support ongoing research, visit our website at tofflertrust.org.

Technical Podcast Support by Jon Keur at Wayfare Recording Co.

In this episode of Research Renaissance, host Deborah Westphal engages in an enlightening conversation with Ashley Carey, a PhD candidate and 2023 Toffler Scholar at Temple University's Lewis Katz School of Medicine. Ashley's research focuses on the neurovascular dysfunction and neuroinflammation associated with Alzheimer's disease. She shares her journey from aspiring marine biologist to neuroscience researcher, highlighting the importance of cardiovascular health in preventing Alzheimer's.

Guest Introduction: Ashley Carey

Ashley Carey is a PhD candidate and graduate research assistant in Dr. Silvia Fossati’s lab at Temple University. She is also a 2023 Toffler Scholar. Her research examines the impact of cardiovascular risk factors on Alzheimer's disease, specifically focusing on neurovascular dysfunction and neuroinflammation. Ashley's work aims to understand how conditions like hyperhomocystinemia and hypertension contribute to Alzheimer's pathology.

Key Discussion Points

Career Motivation and Journey:

• Ashley's transition from an interest in marine biology to neuroscience during undergraduate school
• The influence of Dr. Reynolds at Lafayette College in sparking her interest in research.
• Her decision to focus on Alzheimer's disease during her PhD program at Temple University.

Research Focus:

• Examining cardiovascular risk factors like hyperhomocystinemia and hypertension in Alzheimer's disease.
• Recent publication on endothelial cell dysfunction due to amyloid beta and homocysteine exposure.
• The role of cerebral endothelial cells in maintaining vascular integrity and their impact on Alzheimer's pathology.

Significant Findings:

• Additive effects of homocysteine and amyloid beta on endothelial cell dysfunction and increased permeability.
• The importance of vascular health in preventing early neuronal damage and cognitive decline.

Challenges in Alzheimer's Research:

• Difficulty in obtaining sufficient model samples due to the aging process and cardiovascular risk factors.
• Complexity of brain vasculature and overlapping pathways complicating research.
• Funding challenges and the impact of decreased NIA pay lines on dementia research.

Interdisciplinary Collaborations:

• Collaborative work with behavioral testing and biomarker studies.
• Contributions from the lymphatics department, investigating amyloid deposition in peripheral vessels.

Future Directions and Aspirations:

• Ashley’s goal to contribute to neurodegenerative disease research, possibly transitioning into a company or academia.
• The potential impact of early detection techniques and biomarker screening on Alzheimer's diagnosis and treatment.

Mentoring and Funding:

• Ashley's experience with mentorship from Dr. Fossati and its importance in her research journey.
• The role of the Toffler Scholar Grant  in supporting her research and supporting career goals.

Stay tuned for more episodes of Research Renaissance by subscribing to our podcast. For further information and updates, visit our website at TofflerTrust.org. We welcome your thoughts and suggestions, so feel free to reach out!

Until then, onward and upward!

To learn more about the breakthroughs discussed in this episode and to support ongoing research, visit our website at tofflertrust.org.

Technical Podcast Support by Jon Keur at Wayfare Recording Co.

Welcome to Research Renaissance, presented by the Karen Toffler Charitable Trust. In this episode, host Deborah Westphal sits down with Marissa Pettit Jones, the Director of Business Development at Genentech and co-founder of Nucleate. They discuss Marissa's fascinating journey from biomedical engineering at Yale to her strategic role at Genentech, bridging the gap between science and business. Marissa shares insights into Genentech's innovative approaches, the dynamic pace of biotech advancements, and the critical role of Nucleate in fostering the next generation of biotech leaders.

Marissa Pettit Jones is the Director of Business Development at Genentech, where she guides strategic business initiatives and partnerships. She is also the co-founder of Nucleate, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering biotech entrepreneurs. Marissa's unique background in biomedical engineering and strategy consulting provides her with a valuable perspective on the intersection of science and business.

Key Discussion Points:

Introduction to Genentech:

Genentech's role in developing treatments for various diseases.

The company's structure as part of the Roche Group.

Marissa's Career Path:

From studying biomedical engineering at Yale to strategic consulting at Bain.

Transition to business development in biotech and the founding of Nucleate.

Nucleate's Mission and Impact:

Overview of Nucleate as a student-run non-profit supporting biotech entrepreneurship.

Success stories and significant achievements, including the creation of 78 companies and over $310 million raised.

Challenges and Opportunities in Biotech:

Bridging the gap between research and market-ready innovations.

The importance of strategic partnerships and collaboration in advancing biotech solutions.

Innovative Therapeutic Advancements:

The evolution of CAR T therapies and their potential to transform cancer treatment.

The role of machine learning and data in accelerating drug discovery and development.

Ethical Considerations in Biotech:

The importance of maintaining ethical standards, especially in data usage and patient privacy.

Balancing rapid innovation with ethical responsibility.

Future of Biotech:

Exciting trends and potential breakthroughs in the next 5-10 years.

The continuous evolution of biotech entrepreneurship and the importance of lifelong learning.

Thank you for joining us on Research Renaissance. We appreciate Marissa's time and insights into the biotech industry's dynamic landscape. Keep exploring and advancing our understanding of the brain and its ailments. Until next time, onward and upward.

To learn more about the breakthroughs discussed in this episode and to support ongoing research, visit our website at tofflertrust.org.

Technical Podcast Support by Jon Keur at Wayfare Recording Co.