Research Renaissance: Exploring the Future of Brain Science

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 biolog...

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 busines...

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...

In this episode of Research Renaissance, hosted by Deborah Westphal, we explore the future of technology and its impact on healthcare with guest Ian Kahn, a theoretical futurist. Ian discusses his role as a theoretical futurist, the importance of future readiness for organizations, and the evolution of technology in healthcare. He also shares insights into his work, including his series "The...

Welcome to Research Renaissance presented by the Karen Toffler Charitable Trust. In this episode, host Deborah Westphal engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Dr. Bradley Hyman, Director of the Alzheimer's Disease Research Unit at Massachusetts General Hospital and John P. Pinney Jr. Professor of Neurology at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Hyman shares his insights on the evolving unde...

Welcome to Research Renaissance presented by the Karen Toffler Charitable Trust. In this episode, host Deborah Westphal dives into the fascinating world of neurovirology with Dr. Maria Nagel, a renowned professor, clinician, and scientist from the Department of Neurology at the University of Colorado. Dr. Nagel shares her insights on how viruses affect the nervous system, focusing on the varicella...

Welcome to Research Renaissance, presented by the Karen Toffler Charitable Trust. Embark on a journey into the forefront of cutting-edge brain science as we feature insightful discussions with a diverse array of guests, from early career researchers pioneering groundbreaking science to influential voices in investment communities, policymaking, and research institutions. Together, we delve into ne...

In this episode of Research Renaissance, Dr. Vijaya Kolachalama, associate professor at Boston University and a Toffler Scholar, discusses his pioneering work in developing software frameworks that assist neurologists in dementia screening. This engaging discussion delves into how Dr. Kolachalama's team is integrating artificial intelligence and machine learning to improve the diagnostic proc...

Welcome to Research Renaissance, presented by the Karen Toffler Charitable Trust. Embark on a journey into the forefront of cutting-edge brain science as we feature insightful discussions with a diverse array of guests from early career researchers pioneering groundbreaking science to influential voices in investment communities, policymaking, and research institutions. Together, we delve into neu...

In this episode of Research Renaissance, host Deborah Westphal delves into the crucial topic of Alzheimer's disease and the transformative efforts of the Alzheimer's Association.  In recognition of June being Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month, Deborah’s guests are Sheila Griffith, Vice President of Programs and Services for the Alzheimer's Association National Capital Are...

In this episode of Research Renaissance, host Deborah Westphal sits down with Dr. Andrew Holbrook, an Assistant Professor of Biostatistics at UCLA and a 2023 Toffler Scholar.  Dr. Holbrook shares his fascinating journey from studying ancient languages and teaching in China to pioneering research in biostatistics and Alzheimer's disease.  Together, they delve into the intersection of artificia...

In this insightful episode of Research Renaissance, Dr. Alexandra Touroutoglou shares her extensive work on brain imaging and non-invasive brain stimulation techniques to treat Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. Discover the cutting-edge technologies and methods being employed to understand and combat neurodegenerative diseases. Key Points Discussed: Academic Journey: Dr. Touroutoglou...

In this intriguing episode, Dr. Joseph Mazzulli, a 2022 Toffler Scholar, dives deep into the mechanisms of protein misfolding and amyloid formation, and their links to cell death in neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. Utilizing cutting-edge induced pluripotent stem cell models, Dr. Mazzulli explores how these proteins transition from a soluble to an insoluble...

In this episode of Research Renaissance, presented by the Karen Toffler Charitable Trust, host Deborah Westphal explores the intricate world of genetic research with Dr. Valerie Arboleda. Dr. Arboleda, an associate professor at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and a 2023 Toffler Scholar, shares her insights into the genetic architecture of rare, monogenic diseases, and common complex di...

Welcome to Research Renaissance, presented by the Karen Toffler Charitable Trust. In this episode, host Deborah Westphal is joined by Dr. Silvia Fossati, Associate Professor of Neurosciences and Associate Director at the Alzheimer's Center at Temple University.  Dr. Fossati, a 2021 Toffler Scholar, shares her insights on vascular dysfunction in the brain and its critical role in Alzheimer&apo...

In this episode, Dr. Matt Lavoie discusses his pioneering work on Parkinson's disease, exploring the intricate genetic factors and potential pathologies related to Lewy body dementia. As a 2022 Toffler Scholar, Dr. Lavoie shares his journey from early inspiration to major scientific contributions in neurology, offering unique insights into the complexities of neurodegenerative diseases and th...

In this episode, Dr. Jean-Pierre Roussarie, Assistant Professor at Boston University School of Medicine and a 2023 Toffler Scholar, joins host Deborah Westphal to discuss his innovative research on Alzheimer's disease. Dr. Roussarie shares his journey from engineering to neurovirology and finally to his current focus on the molecular events that lead to neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's....

In this episode, Dr. Lydia McClure, the newly appointed CEO of Research Bridge Partners, joins host Deborah Westphal to discuss the journey from laboratory discoveries to impactful startups. The conversation spans Lydia's personal career path, the focus of her organization on the middle of America, and the strategies used to identify and support groundbreaking researchers. Highlights: Lydia&a...

In this insightful episode of the Research Renaissance podcast, hosted by Deborah Westphal, Dr. Elena Barbereri, Research Assistant Professor at Northwestern University and a 2023 Toffler Scholar, sheds light on primary progressive aphasia (PPA). This rare neurological disorder progressively impairs the ability to speak and understand language while other cognitive functions remain relatively inta...

In this episode, Dr. Adithya Gopinath shares his inspiring journey from a medical mystery patient to a pioneering researcher at the crossroads of neuroscience and immunology. The discussion centers on his current research exploring the interconnected roles of the central nervous system and the immune system in Parkinson's disease. Highlights: Personal Journey into Research: Dr. Gopinath'...

In this episode of Research Renaissance, presented by the Karen Toffler Charitable Trust, host Deborah Westphal is joined by Tom Hubbard, Senior Vice President at the Network for Excellence in Health Innovation (NEHI).  Together, they embark on an in-depth discussion about the intricate relationship between brain science and health policy, exploring the future of brain health, groundbreaking resea...

In this compelling episode of Research Renaissance, host Deborah Westphal is joined by Dr. Ignaty Leshchiner, Associate Professor of Medicine at Boston University School of Medicine and a 2024 Toffler Scholar.  Dr. Leshchiner, a pioneer in computational biology and cancer bioinformatics, explores the intricate relationship between cancer research and brain disease studies. His insights delve into...

Welcome to the inaugural episode of "Research Renaissance," a podcast where the frontiers of brain science unfold through engaging and insightful dialogues.  Hosted by Deborah Westphal and brought to you by the Karen Toffler Charitable Trust, this series is a beacon for anyone intrigued by the complexities of the brain, the pioneering science probing its mysteries, and the innovative min...

Welcome to episode 2 "Research Renaissance," the podcast that delves into the enigmatic world of brain science, showcasing the brilliant minds and groundbreaking research that shape our understanding of the brain's potential.  Hosted by Deborah Westphal and supported by the visionary insights of the Karen Toffler Charitable Trust, this series is a tribute to curiosity, innovation, a...

Welcome to the Research Renaissance podcast, brought to you by the Karen Toffler Charitable Trust. In this episode, host Deborah Westphal is joined by Dr. Julia TCW, a leading figure in the field of brain science, focusing on the use of stem cells and genetics to combat Alzheimer's disease. Together, they delve into the current state and future of neurological disease research, discussing gro...