Page 21 - Abacoa Community News - April '23

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Max Planck Florida Institute from page 20 Faculty, researchers, administrators and trainees met lot about the NIH and what we can all do better to improve
with Matthews to discuss diversity efforts including diversity in research.”
talk and discussion on topics and best practices related to fellowship and research awards to support diversity in Some asked for follow up “creating more open space
“Enhancing Diversity in the Neuroscience Workforce” on biomedical research. Matthews spoke of best practices in research for people of all backgrounds.”
Friday, Feb. 3. and shared experiences in guiding diversity efforts at About The Network For Women In Science
Matthews is program NINDS, creating inclusive environments, and building The Network for Women in Science (NWiS) is a
director for the Office supportive programming and communities that enable community at MPFI dedicated to raising awareness and
of Programs to Enhance every person, including underrepresented minorities and promoting change related to issues pertinent to female
Workforce Neuroscience women in research, to feel welcome and to thrive. under-representation in STEM (science, technology,
Diversity at the National Thoughts From The Attendees engineering, and mathematics)-related careers. NWiS
Institute of Neurological Participants enjoyed a talk and presentation regarding welcomes all genders and aims to build a community
Disorders and Stroke NIH funding opportunities, mentoring, and research of support to foster the careers of scientists through
(NINDS) of the NIH. training support, as well as an informal coffee hour and community outreach, career workshops, and bias
Matthews visited the discussion. Attendees commented: education.
Jupiter neuroscience hub • “NIH’s initiatives to promote diversity are expanding. About The FAU U-RISE Program
to connect with Florida These investments may take years to be fruitful, but we The FAU U-RISE Program (Undergraduate Research
Atlantic University’s can each contribute in some way to promote DEI.” Training Initiative for Student Enhancement) is funded by
(FAU’s) U-RISE Program, along with NWiS, whose • “Self-assessment is a critical first step…toward the National Institute of Health to promote diversity in
representatives include faculty and trainees from MPFI, Implementing DEIB…self-assessment tools for our units biomedical science by engaging students in a customized
FAU and FAU’s Stiles-Nicolson Brain Institute, UF/ to determine where we rank and identify where we want research-intensive undergraduate experience.
Scripps Biomedical Institute and Nova Southeastern to go collectively… (are necessary).” FAU’s U-RISE students participate in a three-year
University. • “Marguerite was a wealth of knowledge; I learned a curriculum including laboratory research, workshops,
a summer internship, and specialized courses in
critical thinking, research approaches, and scientific
communications.
Students are paired with an Academic Mentor, a
Research Mentor and a Near-Peer Mentor (graduate
student). The U-RISE program covers partial tuition costs
based on the yearly U-RISE budget, support for research
and travel, and a monthly stipend.
For more information, contact nwis-admin@mpfi.org.
Jupiter Community High School Team
CARDIAC SURGERY
Triumphs At 2023 Brain Bee Challenge
An innovative approach to minimally invasive heart surgery Championship At MPFI
Some of the brightest brains in South Florida schools
Joe Santoro had been dealing with gathered on Saturday, Feb. 11 as Max Planck Florida Institute
mitral valve disease for almost for Neuroscience (MPFI) held its 10th annual Brain Bee
a decade when his cardiologist Challenge. MPFI’s Jupiter campus was abuzz with nervous
told him his new symptoms were excitement as 60 Palm Beach County students prepared their
caused by an additional heart three-person teams for intense competition.
condition – atrial fibrillation. Covering topics
like learning and
memory, emotion,
After his doctor advised him to sensation, movement,
undergo a procedure to treat the aging, neurobiology,
valve disease, Joe, a first-grade brain anatomy, and
teacher and musician, decided to neural disorders, three
get a second opinion. He chose rounds of bracing
Cleveland Clinic Florida, where trivia capped off a
he met with Jose L. Navia, MD, busy day at one of the world’s premiere scientific centers.
Director of the Cleveland Clinic Three weeks after Joe’s robotically assisted valve repair surgery, “The Brain Bee is a fantastic opportunity for students who
Florida Heart, Vascular and he was back to normal activities. His band played a gig – and he are passionate about science to visit the institute, learn about
Thoracic Institute and Minimally played right along with them. our work and show off their knowledge of the brain,” said Ilaria
Invasive Valve Program. Drago, Head of Education Outreach. “It is one of our signature
He chose a robotically assisted approach events, and every year the competition is better and better.”
“I left my appointment with Dr. Navia to his mitral valve repair surgery because
knowing I had more options,” Joe says. it was less invasive than traditional open-
heart surgery and he would heal faster.
“I was jumping around, playing
guitar and singing three weeks “A robotically assisted approach for valve
repair surgery is the ultimate new use for
post heart surgery. It was technology,” Dr. Navia says. “This approach
amazing how fast I recovered.” provides the patient with a better option to
have a durable repair or replacement of the
— JOE SANTORO valve.”

TALK WITH AN EXPERT.
Patients from across the United States, Latin America and the Caribbean
turn to Cleveland Clinic Florida’s Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute for life-
saving treatment options. To schedule an appointment with one of our heart
specialists, call 877.463.2010 or visit ClevelandClinicFlorida.org/Heart to
learn more. Jose Navia, MD

The top choice for heart care.

From routine cardiac care to complex transplants,

trust South Florida’s #1 hospital. And The Winner Is …
When the dust had settled, Jupiter Community High
School’s “Brainy Bunch” were crowned Brain Bee royalty.
Second place went to the Benjamin School’s “Cerebellum
877.463.2010 Belles” and the Saint Andrew’s School “Neuroscots 1” finished
ClevelandClinicFlorida.org/Heart third. The teams were rewarded with Brain Bee trophies and
Amazon gift cards courtesy of the event’s generous sponsor,
the Mary and Robert Pew Public Education Fund.

Max Planck Florida Institute on page 22