Research Renaissance: Exploring the Future of Brain Science
Episodes
Can We Halt Parkinson’s Progression? Targeted Brain Therapies Explained
15 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Parkinson’s disease begins decades before symptoms appear — and by the time tremors start, brain changes have already been unfolding for years.In ...
Is Parkinson’s a Whole-Body Disease? Rethinking the Immune System’s Role
08 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
For decades, Parkinson’s disease has been viewed primarily as a disorder of dopamine-producing brain cells.But what if that’s only part of the sto...
How MicroRNAs Could Change Early Detection of Alzheimer’s Disease
01 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Research Renaissance, host Deborah Westphal sits down with neuroscientist Micaelly Alves, PhD candidate at Temple University and a ...
From Neuroscience to State Policy: How Science Shapes Decisions in California
25 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
How does neuroscience shape state policy? And what happens when scientists step inside government?In this episode of Research Renaissance, Deborah Wes...
The Vagus Nerve Revolution: How Bioelectronic Medicine Is Changing the Future of Healthcare
18 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Research Renaissance, host Deborah Westphal sits down with Dr. Şiyar Bahadır, neurosurgeon and Elmezzi Scholar at the Feinstein I...
Inside Health Informatics: Data, Decisions, and the Future of Patient Care
11 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Healthcare today runs on data, but few people understand how deeply information systems shape patient outcomes, clinician workflows, and long-term pub...
Why Alzheimer’s Is No Longer a Black Box: Science, Resilience, and the Path Forward
04 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
For decades, Alzheimer’s disease was treated as an unavoidable consequence of aging. In this episode of Research Renaissance, Dr. Jessica Rexach exp...
From Lived Experience to Life-Changing Innovation: How Praxis Reimagines Spinal Cord Injury Solutions
25 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this powerful episode of Research Renaissance, Arushi Raina and John Tkaczyk from the Praxis Spinal Cord Institute pull back the curtain on what it...
Transforming Communities Through Resilience Science with Dr. Wendy Ellis
19 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Research Renaissance, host Deborah Westphal sits down with Dr. Wendy Ellis, Assistant Professor of Global Health at George Washingt...
Ataxia, Advocacy, and Accelerating Research: Inside the National Ataxia Foundation
05 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome back to Research Renaissance, presented by the Karen Toffler Charitable Trust. In this episode, host Deborah Westphal explores the cutting edg...
Unlocking Parkinson’s Potential: The Brain-Immune Link with Dr. Adithya Gopinath
29 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this groundbreaking episode of Research Renaissance, host Deborah Westphal reconnects with Dr. Adithya Gopinath, University of Florida, to explore ...
The AI Cure: How Drug Repurposing is Saving Lives
22 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Research Renaissance, Deborah Westphal sits down with Dr. Grant Mitchell, co-founder and CEO of Every Cure — a nonprofit revoluti...
Unlocking Sex-Based Differences in Alzheimer’s Risk with Dr. Rachel Buckley
15 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this powerful episode of Research Renaissance, host Deborah Westphal sits down with Dr. Rachel Buckley, Associate Professor of Neurology at Massach...
How Regenerative Biology Could Help Treat Alzheimer’s with Dr. Prabesh Bhattarai
08 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Research Renaissance, host Deborah Westphal sits down with Dr. Prabesh Bhattarai, Associate Research Scientist - The Taub Institute...
Decoding Alzheimer’s: Breakthroughs in Neural Recording using and Biostatistics & Machine Learning
01 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this exciting episode of Research Renaissance, host Deborah Westphal speaks with Dr. Ted Zwang, Assistant Professor of neurology at Massachusetts G...
How Childhood Stress Shapes the Brain with Dr. Heather Brenhouse
24 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this fascinating episode of Research Renaissance, host Deborah Westphal sits down with Dr. Heather Brenhouse, professor of psychology and director ...
Engineering the Brain—In the Lab and in Space
17 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this fascinating episode of Research Renaissance, host Deborah Westphall welcomes Dr. Alysson Muotri, a professor in the Departments of Pediatric...
Microscopic Conversations: How Organelles Communicate and What It Means for Curing Neurological Disease
10 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Research Renaissance, host Deborah Westphal welcomes Dr. Yvette Wong, Assistant Professor of Neurology at Northwestern University a...
Aging with Dignity: Advancing Equity, Access, and Brain Health
03 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this compelling episode of Research Renaissance, host Deborah Westphal sits down with Sue Peschin, President and CEO of the Alliance for Aging Rese...
Rewiring Brain Research—Why Networks Matter as Much as Genes
27 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this eye-opening episode of Research Renaissance, Dr. Rod Scott takes us on a journey through the emerging science of brain networks, complex adapt...
Inside the Mind of Brain Cancer: Modeling Glioblastoma with Dr. Frank Furnari
20 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Research Renaissance, host Deborah Westphal sits down with Dr. Frank Furnari, professor of medicine at UC San Diego and co-director...
Inside the Neurodegeneration Puzzle: A Conversation with Jackson Mace
13 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this compelling episode of Research Renaissance, host Deborah Westphal sits down with Jackson Mace, a neuroscience PhD candidate at Johns Hopkins U...
Exploring the Role of Astrocytes and APOE in Alzheimer's Disease with Dr. Alberto Serrano-Pozo
06 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Research Renaissance, host Deborah Westphal sits down with Dr. Alberto Serrano-Pozo, Assistant Professor of Neurology at Harvard Me...
Rewiring the Brain: Non-Invasive Neurotech & the Future of Treatment with Ana Maiques
29 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this illuminating episode of Research Renaissance, host Deborah Westphal sits down with Ana Maiques, CEO and co-founder of Neuroelectrics, a ground...
How Philanthropy is Accelerating Alzheimer’s Breakthroughs with Meg Smith
22 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Research Renaissance, host Deborah Westphal is joined by Meg Smith, the Chief Executive Officer of Cure Alzheimer’s Fund. They di...
Oxygen and Alzheimer’s: Dr. Nancy Ruiz on the Vascular Connection
15 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Can oxygen levels in the brain help explain Alzheimer’s disease? In this episode of Research Renaissance, host Deborah Westphal sits down with Dr. N...
Innovation in Biotech & Leadership with Catharine Smith
08 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Research Renaissance, host Deborah Westphal sits down with Catharine Smith, Executive Director of the Termeer Foundation, to explor...
Exploring the Future of Science Policy with Dr. Carrie Wolinetz
02 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Research Renaissance, host Deborah Westphal welcomes Dr. Carrie Wolinetz, a leading science and health policy expert. With an exten...
Revolutionizing ALS Drug Development with Dr. Kasper Roet
25 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to Research Renaissance, presented by the Karen Toffler Charitable Trust. In this episode, host Deborah Westphal sits down with Dr. Kasper Roe...
The Future of Research & Development with Dr. Melissa Flagg
18 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this thought-provoking episode of Research Renaissance, host Deborah Westphal welcomes Dr. Melissa Flagg, an advisor for the Andrew W. Marshall Fou...
Reversing Cognitive Decline: The Power of Lifestyle Medicine with Dr. Dean Ornish
11 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this enlightening episode of Research Renaissance, host Deborah Westphal sits down with Dr. Dean Ornish, founder of the Preventative Medicine Resea...
The Future of Alzheimer's Treatment: Philanthropy, Innovation, and Hope with Katie Pizzone
04 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Research Renaissance, host Deborah Westphal speaks with Katie Pizzone, Senior Director of Philanthropy at the Alzheimer’s Drug Di...
Exploring Cognitive Super Aging and Brain Science with Dr. Tamar Gefen
05 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Research Renaissance, host Deborah Westphal sits down with Dr. Tamar Gefen, an Associate Professor at the Mesulam Center for Cognit...
Empowering Future Scientists: The SARE Program at Johns Hopkins University
31 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Guests:Dr. Doug Robinson – Director of the Initiative for Careers in Science and Medicine, Johns Hopkins UniversityPamela Hamm – Director of the S...
Exploring the Future of Alzheimer's Research with Dr. Robert Vassar
15 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this enlightening episode of Research Renaissance, Deborah Westphal speaks with Dr. Robert Vassar, a renowned neuroscientist and Director of the Me...
Pioneering Drug Delivery for Neurological Diseases with Afreen Allam
08 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
 In this compelling episode of Research Renaissance, host Deborah Westphal sits down with Afreen Allam, the CEO and founder of SiNON Nano Sciences an...
Unraveling the Senses: Dr. Douglas Storace on the Olfactory Bulb and Brain Function
01 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to the latest episode of Research Renaissance, presented by the Karen Toffler Charitable Trust. I’m your host, Deborah Westphal, and today, ...
The Power of Strategic Communication in Healthcare with Anne Woodbury
24 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Research Renaissance, host Deborah Westphal sits down with Anne Woodbury, the founder and CEO of Cura Strategies, a healthcare comm...
Unraveling ALS and Genetic Modifiers with Dr. Zhe Zhang
17 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this insightful episode of Research Renaissance, host Deborah Westphal engages in an enlightening conversation with Dr. Zhe Zhang, a research assoc...
Neurovascular Breakthroughs: Exploring Alzheimer's Treatments with Dr. Elisa Canepa
10 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this enlightening episode of Research Renaissance, host Deborah Westphal engages in a compelling conversation with Dr. Elisa Canepa, a neurobiologi...
Neurovascular Dysfunction and Neuroinflammation in Alzheimer's with Ashley Carey
27 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Research Renaissance, host Deborah Westphal engages in an enlightening conversation with Ashley Carey, a PhD candidate and 2023 Tof...
Innovative Collaborations in Biotech with Marissa Pettit Jones
20 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to Research Renaissance, presented by the Karen Toffler Charitable Trust. In this episode, host Deborah Westphal sits down with Marissa Pettit...
The Technology Advancing Alzheimer's Research with Dr. Sudeshna Das
13 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Research Renaissance, host Deborah Westphal dives into a fascinating conversation with Dr. Sudeshna Das, Associate Professor of Neu...
The Future of Technology and Healthcare with Ian Kahn
06 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Research Renaissance, hosted by Deborah Westphal, we explore the future of technology and its impact on healthcare with guest Ian K...
Navigating the Future of Alzheimer's Research with Dr. Bradley Hyman
30 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to Research Renaissance presented by the Karen Toffler Charitable Trust. In this episode, host Deborah Westphal engages in a thought-provoking...
Exploring Neurovirology with Dr. Maria Nagel
23 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to Research Renaissance presented by the Karen Toffler Charitable Trust. In this episode, host Deborah Westphal dives into the fascinating wor...
Unlocking the Mysteries of Sleep with Dr. Alon Avidan
16 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to Research Renaissance, presented by the Karen Toffler Charitable Trust. Embark on a journey into the forefront of cutting-edge brain science...
Developing AI Tools for Dementia Screening with Dr. Vijaya Kolachalama
09 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Research Renaissance, Dr. Vijaya Kolachalama, associate professor at Boston University and a Toffler Scholar, discusses his pioneer...
Navigating Health Policy and Public Advocacy with Dr. Marci Nielsen
02 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to Research Renaissance, presented by the Karen Toffler Charitable Trust. Embark on a journey into the forefront of cutting-edge brain science...
Shedding Light on Alzheimer's with Sheila Griffith and Aaron Schulman
27 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Research Renaissance, host Deborah Westphal delves into the crucial topic of Alzheimer's disease and the transformative effort...
AI Meets Alzheimer's: A Journey with Dr. Andrew Holbrook
25 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Research Renaissance, host Deborah Westphal sits down with Dr. Andrew Holbrook, an Assistant Professor of Biostatistics at UCLA and...
Non-Invasive Stimulation for Alzheimer's with Dr. Alexandra Touroutoglou
18 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this insightful episode of Research Renaissance, Dr. Alexandra Touroutoglou shares her extensive work on brain imaging and non-invasive brain stimu...
The Complex Web of Protein Misfolding and Neurodegeneration with Dr. Joseph Mazzulli
11 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this intriguing episode, Dr. Joseph Mazzulli, a 2022 Toffler Scholar, dives deep into the mechanisms of protein misfolding and amyloid formation, a...
Unveiling the Genetics of Brain and Body with Dr. Valerie Arboleda
04 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Research Renaissance, presented by the Karen Toffler Charitable Trust, host Deborah Westphal explores the intricate world of geneti...
Exploring Vascular Dysfunction in Alzheimer's with Dr. Silvia Fossati
28 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to Research Renaissance, presented by the Karen Toffler Charitable Trust. In this episode, host Deborah Westphal is joined by Dr. Silvia Fossa...
Parkinson's and Lewy Body Dementia - A Deep Dive into Cellular Mysteries with Dr. Matt Lavoie
21 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Dr. Matt Lavoie discusses his pioneering work on Parkinson's disease, exploring the intricate genetic factors and potential path...
Unraveling Alzheimer's: Molecular Insights with Dr. Jean-Pierre Roussarie
14 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Dr. Jean-Pierre Roussarie, Assistant Professor at Boston University School of Medicine and a 2023 Toffler Scholar, joins host Deborah...
Bridging Innovations: From Research to Reality with Dr. Lydia McClure
07 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Dr. Lydia McClure, the newly appointed CEO of Research Bridge Partners, joins host Deborah Westphal to discuss the journey from labor...
Exploring Primary Progressive Aphasia: A Conversation with Dr. Elena Barbieri
30 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this insightful episode of the Research Renaissance podcast, hosted by Deborah Westphal, Dr. Elena Barbereri, Research Assistant Professor at North...
The Intricate Dance of the Brain and Immune System in Parkinson’s Disease with Dr. Adithya Gopinath
23 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Dr. Adithya Gopinath shares his inspiring journey from a medical mystery patient to a pioneering researcher at the crossroads of neur...
Navigating the Future of Brain Health and Innovation with Tom Hubbard
16 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Research Renaissance, presented by the Karen Toffler Charitable Trust, host Deborah Westphal is joined by Tom Hubbard, Senior Vice ...
Bridging Cancer Research and Neurological Discoveries: A Deep Dive with Dr. Ignaty Leshchiner
09 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this compelling episode of Research Renaissance, host Deborah Westphal is joined by Dr. Ignaty Leshchiner, Associate Professor of Medicine at Bosto...
Navigating the Future of Brain Science with Dr. Amy Bernard
01 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this enlightening episode of Research Renaissance, we journey into the future of brain science with Dr. Amy Bernard, the Director of Life Science a...
Engineering Insights: Revolutionizing Brain Imaging with Dr. Jeremias Sulam
01 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to Episode 3 of "Research Renaissance," the podcast that dives into the evolving landscape of brain science, brought to you by the K...
Advancing Alzheimer's Research with Stem Cells and Genetics with Dr. Julia TCW
01 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to the Research Renaissance podcast, brought to you by the Karen Toffler Charitable Trust.In this episode, host Deborah Westphal is joined by ...
Unveiling the Neurological Frontier: In Conversation with Dr. Theodore Zwang
01 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to episode 2 "Research Renaissance," the podcast that delves into the enigmatic world of brain science, showcasing the brilliant min...
Foundations of Futurism: Unveiling the Legacy of Alvin and Heidi Toffler
01 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to the inaugural episode of "Research Renaissance," a podcast where the frontiers of brain science unfold through engaging and insig...