Research Renaissance: Exploring the Future of Brain Science
Delve into the frontiers of cutting-edge brain science with ‘Research Renaissance’ a podcast presented by the Karen Toffler Charitable Trust. Join us on a journey of discovery with a diverse lineup of guests, including early career researchers undertaking groundbreaking studies. Hear their insights alongside voices from investment communities, policymakers, and research institutions. Collectively we explore the complexities of neurological diseases, their root causes, potential treatments, and the pursuit of cures. Join us in illuminating the path towards a comprehensive understanding of the brain and advancements in addressing its ailments.
Episodes
In this illuminating episode of Research Renaissance, host Deborah Westphal sits down with Ana Maiques, CEO and co-founder of Neuroelectrics, a groundbreaking company at the forefront of non-invasive brain stimulation technology. Together, they explore the intersection of neuroscience, entrepreneurship, and innovation, diving deep into how electrical brain stimulation is changing the future of treatment for neurological disorders l...
In this episode of Research Renaissance, host Deborah Westphal is joined by Meg Smith, the Chief Executive Officer of Cure Alzheimer’s Fund. They dive deep into the innovative and high-impact research Cure Alzheimer’s Fund is supporting to prevent, slow, and ultimately cure Alzheimer’s disease. Meg shares her fascinating career journey from law and consulting to leading an organization that is revolutionizing brain disease research...
Can oxygen levels in the brain help explain Alzheimer’s disease? In this episode of Research Renaissance, host Deborah Westphal sits down with Dr. Nancy E. Ruiz, a Harvard Medical School research fellow and 2023 Toffler Scholar, to explore a powerful yet underexamined piece of the Alzheimer’s puzzle: vascular dysfunction.
Dr. Ruiz shares how her background in physics and biology led her to cutting-edge brain research using advanced ...
In this episode of Research Renaissance, host Deborah Westphal sits down with Catharine Smith, Executive Director of the Termeer Foundation, to explore innovation in the biotech industry and the evolving role of leadership. They dive into how biotech leaders are shaping the future of healthcare, supporting emerging companies, and addressing rare diseases.
Key Topics Covered
- Catharine Smith’s Career Journey – From health services ...
In this episode of Research Renaissance, host Deborah Westphal welcomes Dr. Carrie Wolinetz, a leading science and health policy expert. With an extensive background, including roles at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, Dr. Wolinetz shares her insights on the evolving landscape of medical research funding, the role of science policy, and the critical intersection be...
Welcome to Research Renaissance, presented by the Karen Toffler Charitable Trust. In this episode, host Deborah Westphal sits down with Dr. Kasper Roet, CEO and co-founder of QurAlis, to explore the evolution of ALS drug development, the power of genetic insights, and the future of personalized medicine for neurodegenerative diseases.
🔬 Episode Highlights:
✔️ From Spinal Cord Injury to ALS – Dr. Roet’s journey from sp...
In this thought-provoking episode of Research Renaissance, host Deborah Westphal welcomes Dr. Melissa Flagg, an advisor for the Andrew W. Marshall Foundation and a research fellow at the Acquisition Innovation Research Center. Dr. Flagg has had an extensive career spanning government, academia, and the private sector, including her role as Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Research.
Together, they explore the evolving landsc...
In this enlightening episode of Research Renaissance, host Deborah Westphal sits down with Dr. Dean Ornish, founder of the Preventative Medicine Research Institute and a pioneer in lifestyle medicine. Dr. Ornish shares groundbreaking research on how lifestyle changes—including diet, exercise, stress management, and social connection—can not only prevent but even reverse chronic diseases, including early-stage Alzheimer’s disease.
Wi...
In this episode of Research Renaissance, host Deborah Westphal speaks with Katie Pizzone, Senior Director of Philanthropy at the Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation (ADDF). They discuss the critical role of philanthropy in advancing Alzheimer's research, the groundbreaking venture philanthropy model that ADDF employs, and the innovative treatments and diagnostics shaping the future of Alzheimer’s care.
Katie shares her person...
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 Disc...
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...
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 neurodegenera...
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 ...
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 processi...
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 sys...
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 modifier...
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 cu...
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, hig...
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 Gen...
In this episode of Research Renaissance, host Deborah Westphal dives into a fascinating conversation with Dr. Sudeshna Das, Associate Professor of Neurology at Mass General Hospital and Harvard Medical School. Dr. Das is a pioneer in the field of biomedical informatics and a 2022 Toffler Scholar. Her work focuses on developing tools for multi-scale data integration from molecular to clinical data and applying data science approache...
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