F R O M T H E D I R EC TO R ’ S D E S K
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John J. Foxe, PhD Kilian J. and Caroline F. Schmitt Chair in Neuroscience
Director, Ernest J. Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience
Professor & Chair, Department of Neuroscience
he complexity of the brain dazzles the imagination—and coupled with the drive to find answers and interventions for some of the most complex neuro-related disorders and diseases—it energizes us to pursue great science. I am still feeling inspired by our annual Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience and Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center Symposium, which exceeded my expectations this year. It was a truly special gathering. I am so grateful for the organizers and scientists who came together for the two-day event titled “Uncovering the Mysteries of Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities: A Scientific Exploration.” Our faculty and students never cease to amaze me, tackling difficult questions in the lab and challenges in our society. The Neuroscience Diversity Commission continues to provide access to research and science to students at all levels from historically marginalized communities. The program NEUROCITY has proven our partnership with City College of New York (CCNY) and support from the Summer Scholars program at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry can be life-changing for students and, ultimately, the field of neuroscience. In the pages ahead, read about the alumni who are pursuing graduate degrees they once thought were out of reach.
Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience Executive Committee John Foxe, PhD, Chair, Department of Neuroscience Bradford Berk MD, PhD, Professor of Medicine, Cardiology Robert Dirksen, PhD, Chair, Department of Pharmacology & Physiology Diane Dalecki, PhD, Chair, Department of Biomedical Engineering Jennifer Harvey, MD, Chair, Department of Imaging Sciences Robert Holloway, MD, MPH, Chair, Department of Neurology
We have long been a leader in neuromuscular disease research. Most recently, Medical Center researchers contributed to a monumental advance in a first-of-its-kind treatment for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. In the 1990s, our researchers first defined Myotonic dystrophy type 2 (DM2), a rare form of muscular dystrophy. On page 4, learn from some of the researchers in the room that day when the right questions started coming together and where that research is today. In August, we had the great pleasure of hosting the Kilian J. & Caroline F. Schmitt Foundation board. Three recent recipients of Schmitt pilot grant funds shared their novel research with the foundation that has been a loyal supporter of our research for over two decades. We are grateful for their continued interest and support. I am looking forward to seeing many in our Neuroscience community at the Society for Neuroscience Conference in Washington D.C., in November. I hope you can join us for one night as we host a social event to spark collaborations, reunite old friends, and celebrate the success of our alumni and colleagues (see invitation on the back cover). In Science,
John J. Foxe, PhD
Paige Lawrence, PhD, Chair, Department of Environmental Medicine Hochang (Ben) Lee, MD, Chair, Department of Psychiatry Shawn Newlands, MD, PhD, MBA, Chair, Department of Otolaryngology Webster Pilcher, MD, PhD, Chair, Department of Neurosurgery Steven Silverstein, PhD, Professor, Department of Psychiatry Duje Tadin, PhD, Chair, Department of Brain & Cognitive Sciences
UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER | ERNEST J. DEL MONTE INSTITUTE FOR NEUROSCIENCE
NEUROSCIENCE Editor/Writer Kelsie Smith Hayduk Kelsie_Smith-Hayduk@ urmc.rochester.edu Contributors Mark Michaud Karin Christensen Feature Photography John Schlia Photography Designer Beth Carr
