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…

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,…

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…

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…

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…

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.…

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 intact. Key…

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.…

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…

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…