Neuro Scholars Program at the University of Florida’s McKnight Brain Institute
The Alzheimer’s Research Foundation proudly supports the Gator NeuroScholars program, a competitive postdoctoral fellowship based at the University of Florida’s McKnight Brain Institute. This program attracts emerging scientists from around the world to work alongside renowned neuroscientists and pioneers in fields like cognitive aging, brain tumors, respiratory physiology, and—most critically—Alzheimer’s disease. Through this support, we’re helping to foster the next generation of leaders in brain health research.
Meet Dr. Skylar Stolte: Advancing Alzheimer’s Research as a NeuroScholar
Through the Gator NeuroScholars program, the Alzheimer’s Research Foundation is honored to support Dr. Skylar Stolte at the University of Florida’s McKnight Brain Institute. Dr. Stolte is investigating how gentle, noninvasive brain stimulation can enhance memory and protect against the cognitive changes caused by aging and Alzheimer’s disease. Her innovative approach offers fresh hope for interventions that not only slow decline, but also help preserve the clarity, independence, and quality of life that matter most.
Meet Dr. Brittany DeFeis: Advancing Alzheimer’s Research
Through our support of the Gator NeuroScholars program, the Alzheimer’s Research Foundation is proud to help fund the groundbreaking work of Dr. Brittany DeFeis at the University of Florida’s McKnight Brain Institute. Dr. DeFeis is investigating how immune cells in the brain contribute to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s. Her research brings us one step closer to understanding—and ultimately preventing—the processes that lead to memory loss and cognitive decline.
Meet Dr. Marangelie Criado-Merrero: Mapping Vulnerabilities to Prevent Alzheimer’s
Through our support of the Gator NeuroScholars program, the Alzheimer’s Research Foundation is proud to help fund the innovative work of Dr. Marangelie Criado-Marrero at the University of Florida’s McKnight Brain Institute. Dr. Criado-Marrero is investigating how aging and repeated mild brain injuries alter brain connectivity and immune responses—early changes that may predict long-term damage. By mapping these vulnerabilities, her research is uncovering why some individuals are more susceptible to neurodegeneration and how earlier interventions could help prevent memory loss and cognitive decline.
Meet Dr. Lien Nguyen: Illuminating Neurodegenerative Mysteries in the Genome’s “Dark Matter”
Through our support of the Gator NeuroScholars program, the Alzheimer’s Research Foundation is proud to help advance the pioneering work of Dr. Lien Nguyen at the University of Florida’s Center for NeuroGenetics and Department of Molecular Genetics & Microbiology. Dr. Nguyen investigates the roles of repetitive DNA—or “genomic dark matter”—in neurodegenerative diseases. Her lab applies cutting-edge molecular, sequencing, computational, and model-based approaches to discover novel tandem repeat expansions linked to Alzheimer’s disease, ALS, frontotemporal dementia, and other conditions . By bringing these hidden genetic elements into the light, Dr. Nguyen is unlocking new insights into disease mechanisms and laying the groundwork for early diagnosis and therapeutic innovation.
The Impact of Funding: Research in Action
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![MBI adds three Gator NeuroScholars studying Alzheimer’s and related dementias]()
MBI adds three Gator NeuroScholars studying Alzheimer’s and related dementias
The McKnight Brain Institute has named three new researchers to its Gator NeuroScholars program, all with a focus on Alzheimer’s disease…
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![Popular diabetes medications may protect against Alzheimer’s disease, UF researchers find]()
Popular diabetes medications may protect against Alzheimer’s disease, UF researchers find
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — A study led by researchers in the University of Florida College of Pharmacy has found that a pair of popular…
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![Research shows AI technology improves Parkinson’s diagnoses]()
Research shows AI technology improves Parkinson’s diagnoses
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Existing research indicates that the accuracy of a Parkinson’s disease diagnosis hovers between 55% and 78% in the first five years of assessment…
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![GLP-1 Receptor Agonists Linked to Lower Dementia Risk, Observational Studies Find]()
GLP-1 Receptor Agonists Linked to Lower Dementia Risk, Observational Studies Find
Two observational analyses found that those who took glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists had a reduced risk for Alzheimer's disease…
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![UF researchers identify new genetic mutation linked to Alzheimer’s risk]()
UF researchers identify new genetic mutation linked to Alzheimer’s risk
The root causes of most forms of Alzheimer’s disease largely remain a mystery. Now, researchers have revealed a new piece of the puzzle that could lead to better diagnosis and new treatments.
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![Brain-mapping tool offers new view into molecules influencing Alzheimer’s]()
Brain-mapping tool offers new view into molecules influencing Alzheimer’s
In a new paper, McKnight Brain Institute researchers show capability of a next-generation method to peer into tiny molecules in the brain made by metabolism, the chemical processes that break down food…
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Parkinson’s Research Snapshot: Leah Phan and Dr. Habibeh Khoshbouei
New research by MBI neuroscientists suggests that well before classic symptoms of Parkinson’s disease appear…
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Dementia and Alzheimer's might not be why you're loosing your memory
While a little forgetfulness is common as we get older, more significant memory loss can be a sign of a serious memory problem…
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The University of Florida’s ‘AI Queen’ is using AI technology to help prevent dementia
To help the 50 million people globally who live with dementia, the National Institute on Aging is finding researchers…
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MBI Researcher Highlight: Dr. Paramita Chakrabarty
Paramita Chakrabarty, Ph.D., is an associate professor of neuroscience at the University of Florida’s College of Medicine and member…
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Parkinson’s Research Snapshot: Drs. Rebecca L. Wallings and Malú Gámez Tansey
In aged mice and blood samples from Parkinson’s disease patients carrying an associated genetic mutation, researchers have shown…
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Studies assess quality-of-life factors for Lewy body dementia patients, caregivers
Two new papers led by University of Florida researchers examine factors that influence quality of life…
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UF-led study could lead to new way to detect brain changes associated with Alzheimer’s risk
New research published today suggests there is a link between abnormal blood levels of amyloid…
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Changing The Way Doctors Talk To Patients About Dementia
Too often, physicians are reluctant to give patients a diagnosis of dementia, even when cognitive testing shows memory loss or other symptoms…
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Researchers devise new method to measure immune cells linked with addiction, ADHD, Parkinson’s
Researchers have developed a novel method to rapidly identify specific immune cells in human and mouse blood samples, a discovery that could provide a new tool to aid…
