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March 2022

FAU’s Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute will kick off “Brainy Days 2022: a Celebration of Neuroscience,” on Monday, Feb. 28, at 4 p.m., with events continuing through March 31. The 2022 Brainy Days event series provides a monthlong celebration of neuroscience to engage, empower and educate the public about the importance of brain research, brain wellness and reducing the stigma associated with brain disorders. 

“We are excited to announce, ‘Brainy Days 2022’ events and celebrations, as we continue our commitment bringing comprehensive and engaging neuroscience education to our community” said Nicole Baganz, Ph.D., director of community engagement and programming, FAU Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute and research assistant professor of biomedical science with FAU’s Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine... Learn more 
Monday, Feb. 28, 4 p.m. 
"Never Enough: Personal and Research Experiences of Drug Addiction"
Judith Grisel, Ph.D., Bucknell University 
 
Sunday, March 6, 9 a.m. 
Palm Beach Autism Speaks Walk
 
Tuesday, March 15, 6 p.m.  
"Gifts of the Crow"
John Marzluff, Ph.D., University of Washington 
 
Saturday, March 19, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. 
Brain Blitz! Neuroscience Fun for Kids. 
Wednesday, March 23, 4 to 5:30 p.m.
"COVID – In It for the Long Haul? How Immune Responses Impact the Brain and Mind" 
Ning Quan, Ph.D., Florida Atlantic University 
 
Friday, March 25, noon to 5 p.m. 
Diversity on Science Festival
 
Thursday, March 31, 6 to 7:30 p.m.
"The Past, Present, and Future of Alzheimer's Prevention" 
Richard Isaacson, M.D., Florida Atlantic University 
Wilkes Honors College Exclusive Author Event Shines Bright!
 
FAU Wilkes Honors College hosted the second event in the Starry Nights author series on Feb. 16! This unique event in the series kicked-off with a reading from Gina Gruss, FAU Wilkes Honors College’s brightest writer-in-residence, from her award winning short story, “Wasps and Bees.” Colombian-American writer, Patricia Engel, then joined event guests virtually, presenting an exclusive preview of her new story collection, “The Faraway World,” set to be released in the fall. 
 
FAU Wilkes Honors College continues to celebrate today's brightest literary start with the Starry Nights exclusive author series of presentations and readings. This month, we welcome you to join us for:
 
Ayse Papatya Bucak
March 2, 2022 
6-7 p.m.
 
Ayse Papatya Bucak is the author of, "The Trojan War Museum," her debut story collection influenced by her Turkish-American heritage. She is an associate professor at FAU in Boca Raton, Florida, and a contributing editor for the journal Copper Nickel
 
The series will be held on FAU's John D. MacArthur Campus in Jupiter. Click here to register or to learn more.

A $1 million gift last fall from Palm Health Foundation (PHF) has launched the FAU'Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute’s “Computational Brain Science and Health Graduate Fellowships.” The gift, awarded through PHF’s Brain Health Innovation Fund, supports new technologies, treatments, resources and educational tools to advance brain health in the community.

FAU has selected four Ph.D. students whose work embraces computational neuroscience to receive the inaugural fellowships. They will be collaborating with FAU faculty on advanced research targeted at understanding the underpinnings and treatment of various brain disorders.

“With generous support from Palm Health Foundation, we are training talented young scientists who will contribute important knowledge and discoveries that will help to address some of our most pervasive and debilitating brain disorders,” said Randy D. Blakely, Ph.D., executive director, FAU Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute and a professor in biomedical science of FAU’s Schmidt College of Medicine... Learn more

A first-of-its-kind study using haptic/touch sensation feedback, electromyogram (EMG) control and an innovative wearable soft robotic armband could just be a game changer for users of prosthetic hands who have long awaited advances in dexterity. Findings from the study could catalyze a paradigm shift in the way current and future artificial hands are controlled by limb-absent people.
 
Researchers from FAU’s College of Engineering and Computer Science in collaboration with FAU’s Charles E. Schmidt College of Science investigated whether people could precisely control the grip forces applied to two different objects grasped simultaneously with a dexterous artificial hand.
 
“Our study is the first to demonstrate the feasibility of this complex simultaneous control task while integrating multiple channels of haptic feedback noninvasively,” said Erik Engeberg, Ph.D., corresponding author and a professor, FAU Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering and Computer Science, a member of FAU’s Center for Complex Systems and Brain Sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, and a member of I-SENSE and the FAU Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute... Learn more 
Alumni Spotlights
 
FAU Wilkes Honors College (WHC) alumna, Natalia Centifanti-Martinez, is the credited artist in a recently published children's book titled, "Kailee's Flower Power: A Superheroes Guide to Kindness." In the publication, Centifanti-Maretinez brings to life Kailee, an eight year old with a superhero imagination that brings to light the power of kindness!

Centifanti-Martinez graduated from the Transdisciplinary Visual Arts program at WHC in Spring 2019, and was recipient of a WHC Faculty Award for Outstanding Thesis Medallion award. She is currently a freelance illustrator. 

Michael P. Brady, Ph.D., served as the chair of the Department of Special Education, formerly known as the Department of Exceptional Student Education, at FAU for 21 years. He worked extensively to promote graduate education in special education, with a special emphasis on doctoral education. During his career, Brady chaired and/or served on 49 dissertation committees, published over 120 articles and made more than 160 professional presentations. He exhibited rewarding grantsmanship, garnering over $4 million to support teacher preparation and educational opportunities for adults with intellectual disabilities... Read more
FAU Jupiter Campus Updates
 
FAU recently formalized an agreement with Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience (MPFI) to partner in launching its first U.S.-based International Max Planck Research School for Synapses and Circuits (IMPRS-SC). The first class of students will begin in the fall.

The unparalleled IMPRS-SC program is the first and only independent IMPRS program in the United States – headquartered at FAU’s John D. MacArthur Campus in Jupiter – and will attract exceptional students from around the world who are seeking top-tier research and educational opportunities in the field of neuroscience... Learn more 
 
FAU’s Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute seeks to bridge the gap between advanced scientific research and academic opportunities for our youth. You can help fuel the vision of the Stiles-Nicholson STEM Teacher Academy, aimed at establishing premier training programs for educators in our community.

Construction continues to progress on the new, cutting- edge, FAU Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute on the Jupiter campus. Once completed, the 58,000 square foot building will provide current and future generations of scientists with a state-of-the-art, research and education facility. Learn more about FAU’s Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute and the new research and education facility, opening Fall 2022, at fau.edu/ibrain.
Faculty Spotlight
FAU Instructor and Local Educator Partner Win National World Team Tennis Championship

Susan Dennett, Ph.D., instructor, Educational Leadership and Research Methodology, College of Education, FAU Jupiter, and Mary Jo Murray, Ph.D., retired Suncoast High School teacher and National Teacher’s Hall of Fame recipient, recently won the World Team Tennis National Championship at the United States Tennis Association National Campus in Lake Nona, Florida. Congratulations! 
Student Spotlights
 
Amy Knowlton began her journey at FAU’s Academy for Community Inclusion (ACI) in 2016 and will be graduating alongside her peers in the College of Education this coming May. Amy works in the dining hall on our beautiful Jupiter Campus.
“She has a smile on her face every day at work. She is so happy to be a part of the dining hall team,” said Stefanie Kenney, FAU employment specialist.

ACI is a comprehensive transition program for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Students in the ACI program take classes, participate in internships, and engage in social activities throughout their college experience... Learn more

FAU’s Wilkes Honors College (WHC) is pleased to announce the 2022 Kenan Social Engagement Program scholarship recipients. This year’s Kenan Scholars – Andrea Carey, Matthew Pacheco and Morgan Balsey – were chosen through a competitive selection process to launch social ventures that they conceptualized and planned in the fall 2021 semester in a social entrepreneurship course taught by program co-directors Timothy Steigenga, Ph.D., professor of political science at WHC, and Christopher Strain, Ph.D., professor of American studies at WHC... Read more

"I am currently working under Dr. Jon Moore at Florida Atlantic University Wilkes Honors College. In Dr. Moore's lab, I am measuring specimens from a rare deep-sea genus of fish called Leptochilichtys. There are currently 3 known species in this genus, and Dr. Moore and I are working to classify some new specimens as a possible new species." 

Read more of Juno's senior research reflection. 
Community Spotlights
FAU Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute Delivers Brainy Education at the Jupiter Jubilee 
 
FAU Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute's MobileMinds neuroscientists attended the Jupiter Jubilee, delivering on-the-go brain activities and information about upcoming community programs, including including "Brainy Days: a month-long celebration of neuroscience," and "NeuroExplorers," the semester-long neuroscience program for middle schoolers.

The Jupiter Jubilee is an annual community event put on by the Town of Jupiter for area residents that highlights Jupiter's unique character, history, community and natural treasures. More than 5,000 guests attended the event!  
OLLI Updates
 
Join the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at FAU Jupiter for their annual “Meet & Mingle” on March 30 at 2:30 p.m. Enjoy light refreshments, a preview of lectures and courses, volunteer opportunities and music! This is a free event, please RSVP online... Learn more

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at FAU will host the LUNAFEST® Film Festival on Thursday, March 10 at 6 p.m. LUNAFEST® is a traveling film festival of award-winning short films by, for and about women. Tickets are $25. For more information, call 561-799-8547 or visit us online.

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at FAU Jupiter has announced its course offerings for the spring semester, which begins Thursday, March 10. Registration is now open.

Taught by FAU professors and distinguished guest lecturers, course offerings include such varied subjects as foreign policy, political science, film, music, art history and literature. The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute provides seasoned adults the opportunity to enrich their lives through non-credit, university-level courses with no homework or tests.

Spring one-time lectures, performances and courses will take place online and in-person in the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute complex at FAU’s John D. MacArthur Campus ... Learn more 
Events

Join us on Thursday, March 3 for Thrive Talks, mental health and wellness workshops by faculty and staff for faculty and staff, with Dr. Laura Vernon
This interactive remote session featuring Robin Rubin and Dr. Vernon, titled “Simple Strategies for Self-Care,” will focus on integrating self-care into our daily lives and include break-out sessions to discuss and apply what we learn.

Thrive Talks are sponsored by the Provost’s Office... Register here

FAU's Charles E. Schmidt College of Science is hosting the inaugural Diversity in Science Festival, Friday, March 25. High school and undergraduate students will enjoy science-related exhibitions, interactive games, and activities. Panelists and speakers will facilitate candid dialogue on transparency, accountability, inclusion, and equity. The festival encourages partnerships between the university, clubs, and local communities to promote the ideals of mutual respect and inclusion. Learn more or RSVP online

Join us at the 2022 virtual FAU Frontiers in Science lecture series. This season will be fully virtual, yet just as interactive as past years, with live talks and question and answer sessions. We have experts this season from a range of scientific disciplines who are speaking about: conservation photojournalism, artificial intelligence, white holes: how a black hole dies, survival of the "friendliest," the social science of disasters and community resilience, and more! We’ve brought them to you from across the globe and from right here in our own community.
 
We invite you to explore the sciences with us... Learn more

The FAU Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute’s Neuroscience Seminar Series is underway! Take look at the schedule.
Resources
Educational Leadership: Intern to Excellence (ELITE)
Educational Leadership: Intern to Excellence (ELITE) is a 22-month state approved Master’s Degree Program in Educational Leadership. ELITE is an accelerated program that includes district specific professional development for aspiring school leaders and completion of the masters... Learn more
FAU Jupiter's library hours have been extended! Please see the new hours of operations below: 
 
Monday - Wednesday: 8:30 a.m. - 11 p.m. 
Thursdays: 8:30 a.m. - 9 p.m. 
Fridays: 8:30 a.m.- 5 p.m. 
Saturdays: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. 
Sundays: 12:30 p.m. - 9 p.m.

The Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute launched its latest edition of Masterminds magazine. Read about any array of stories from the latest research in neuroscience to the updates on the new state-of-the-art neuroscience research building on the Jupiter Campus... Read more

Learn about the innovative research and initiatives taking place at FAU Jupiter in the Fall 2021 issue of Owl Research and Innovation... Read more

The Parking and Transportation Services provides a free intercampus shuttle service. Students, faculty, and staff can enjoy hassle-free, convenient transportation between the Boca Raton and Jupiter campuses. View Schedule

Explore key Jupiter campus locations and learn about life as a Wilkes Honors College student without leaving your home! Our new virtual tour takes visitors throughout the John D. MacArthur Campus, our world-class research facilities and the beautiful Jupiter community with nearby beaches. Tour