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December 2024

Message from the Director, Dr. Jen Bizon

As we close out the year, I couldn't be prouder of our research teams and the important work being done here at the MBI. Together, we are achieving our mission to enhance lives through neuroscience research and education.

Our dedication to this mission is reflected throughout this edition of The Brainstorm. You will see stories about exciting research endeavors, innovative training opportunities, and efforts to engage our UF and North Central Florida communities.

From the entire MBI team, I wish you all a safe and happy holiday season, and thank you for all the ways you support our collective goals.

MBI Researcher Highlight: Dr. Brandon Zielinski

Dr. Brandon Zielinski’s research illuminates structure-function relationships in developing brain networks.

MBI Gator NeuroScholars program inspires first-gen student to pursue stroke research

New MBI program empowers postdoctoral fellows to advance groundbreaking neuroscience research through mentorship, community, and competitive funding.

Gainesville area teens test neuroscience knowledge at Alachua County Brain Bee

UF neuroscience students run the Alachua County Brain Bee, encouraging teens to pursue training in neuroscience research.

UF researchers connect with filmmaker’s story of resilience after spinal cord injury

Kelsey Peterson shared her journey as a dancer living with chronic spinal cord injury at a screening of her award-winning documentary, “Move Me.”

UF researchers: RSVP for MBI Insights

Join us for the next MBI Insights seminar “One Image, 100 Words” at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 14 at the Harrell Medical Education Building, Room 125.

Selected presenters will share a single compelling image that captures a key aspect of their work, paired with a concise, 100-word explanation highlighting its significance, goals, and impact.

RSVP before the Jan. 7 deadline

UF awarded $3.5 million grant to train new clinical pain researchers

UF awarded $3.5M grant to train new pain researchers

MBI researchers Drs. Yenisel Cruz-Almeida and Kyle Allen will train postdoctoral fellows seeking to develop new nonopioid treatments for pain management.

New expert team leads UF’s Center for Cognitive Aging and Memory

New team leads UF’s Center for Cognitive Aging and Memory

MBI researchers Drs. Eric Porges, Natalie Ebner, and Aprinda I. Queen join CAM leadership team.

The science of breathing

MBI researchers at UF’s BREATHE Center are studying respiratory neuromuscular function from bench to bedside.

MBI researcher elected to National Academy of Medicine

Dr. Christine Schmidt has been elected to the National Academy of Medicine, recognizing outstanding professional achievement and her service to the fields of health and medicine. Read more.

MBI researcher named 2024 Innovator of the Year

Dr. Elias Sayour earns honor from UF Innovate | Tech Licensing for his work in brain cancer immunotherapy. Read more.

MBI investigators named UF Research Foundation Professors

Drs. Stephen Anton, Eduardo Candelario-Jalil, Daniel Ferris, David Fuller, Sara Jo Nixon, and Lisa Scott earn UF honor. Read more.

MBI Researchers in the Spotlight

Journalists regularly reach out to MBI members for their expertise. If a reporter contacts you, please alert associate director of communications Todd Taylor or science writer Michelle Jaffee so we can assist with, archive, and promote your media endeavors. Here are recent examples of MBI researchers in the news:

Brain & Life Magazine (Dr. Michael Jaffee) — How long does it take to recover from a concussion?
The Hill (Dr. Roger Fillingim) — Pain is ‘dramatically’ different in men and women
Fox News (Dr. Joseph McNamara) — Airport ‘gatexiety’ is latest phenomenon among travelers: What to know

Check out these recent Conversation pieces written by MBI members:

Dr. Diego Rincon-Limas — Brain inflammation may be the reason behind muscle fatigue after infection and injury
Drs. Natalie Ebner and Didem Pehlivanoglu — Are older adults more vulnerable to scams?
Drs. John Ligon and Christina von Roemeling — Brain cancer in children is notoriously hard to treat — a new mRNA cancer vaccine triggers an attack from within

The Conversation is a nonprofit, independent news organization publishing trustworthy and informative articles written by academic experts for the general public and edited by a team of journalists. The Conversation reaches 5 million-plus unique readers monthly and then the articles go farther, often picked up by major outlets such as The Washington Post, Scientific American, Smithsonian Magazine, and the Chicago Tribune.

Contact science writer Michelle Jaffee or associate director of communications Todd Taylor with your ideas for The Conversation.

MBI Research Snapshots

Graphic image of a brain with data points placed on top

Drs. Cheng Tang and Rajesh Khanna report that a new nonopioid compound shows potential to mitigate pain in preclinical animal models and human cells. Read the Snapshot»
Meghan Cum and Dr. Nancy Padilla-Coreano provide insight into the variability of dominance tests and offer guidance to researchers studying how social rank affects the brain and behavior. Read the Snapshot»
Drs. Marangelie Criado-Marrero, Sakthivel Ravi, and Jose Abisambra report aging influences on brain changes caused by a history of mild traumatic brain injuries. Read the Snapshot»

Interested in supporting our researchers and clinician-scientists as they work to solve the most pressing challenges in neuroscience and neuromedicine today?

Visit our Giving Page