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 dnr@jhi.edu.

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.