About this Event
A Conversation on Brain Health, Aging, and the Science of Protection
Join a scientist for The Guardians of the Brain: The Science of Aging, a fascinating exploration of how the brain protects itself as we grow older and what happens when these natural defense systems begin to change. As we age, our brains face new challenges that can affect memory, thinking, and cognitive function. Yet the brain has remarkable protective mechanisms that help maintain its health and support its ability to function throughout life.
What We'll Cover:
• The Brain's Natural Defense Systems - Discover the biological mechanisms that protect the brain, including the blood-brain barrier and specialized support cells that help maintain a healthy environment for brain function.
• Aging, Memory, and Cognitive Health - Explore how aging affects the brain, why changes in memory and cognition occur, and what scientists are learning about the processes behind age-related cognitive decline.
• Protecting the Brain for the Future - Examine what research reveals about healthy brain aging, the factors that influence cognitive health, and emerging scientific approaches to protecting the brain over time.
Whether you're fascinated by neuroscience, interested in healthy aging, or simply curious about how your brain changes throughout life, you'll leave with a deeper appreciation of the remarkable systems that protect your brain and the science working to preserve cognitive health as we age.
Don't miss this chance to connect with your After5Society.
About The Speaker:
Kiwi (Mary H.C. Florido) is a Harvard-trained scientist specializing in stem cell biology, vascular biology, and brain aging. She earned her PhD in Biological Sciences in Public Health from Harvard University, where she conducted research in the Sarosiek and Rubin laboratories. She also holds a master's degree in Pathology from Case Western Reserve University.
Her research explores a fundamental question: What happens to the brain's protective blood vessels as we age? These blood vessels serve as vital guardians of the brain, forming a critical component of the blood-brain barrier that protects the brain and maintains its delicate environment. Using human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) models, and advanced experimental approaches, Kiwi investigates the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying vascular aging, particularly how changes in endothelial cell survival and programmed cell death affect the integrity of this protective barrier over time.
Her work aims to advance our understanding of brain aging and uncover biological mechanisms that may help preserve vascular health throughout life. Her research has received support from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), through the National Institute on Aging (NIA) and the National Cancer Institute (NCI), including the prestigious NIH NRSA F31 predoctoral fellowship.
Good to know before you come:
• Exact bar location will be disclosed in your confirmation email
• Arrive early to grab a drink and get settled
• The speaker portion lasts 1 hour, with optional time to stay and socialize afterward
• This is a participatory event
• Seating is limited to keep the experience intimate
Agenda
🕑: 06:30 PM - 07:00 PM
Doors Open & Drinks Flow
Info: Arrive early to grab a drink, settle in, and enjoy the atmosphere. Early birds get the best seats and a head start on mingling!
🕑: 07:00 PM - 08:00 PM
Guided Experience / Talk
Info: Dive into an engaging, interactive session with our speaker. Participate, observe, or simply soak it all in - it's your experience to enjoy.
🕑: 08:00 PM - 08:30 PM
Social Time & Connection
Info: Stick around to chat with fellow attendees, swap ideas, or just relax with a drink. Great conversations often happen after the main event!
Event venue & nearby stays
Scores, 166 Canal Street, Boston, United States
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