Each year, our Medical School honors the outstanding research achievements of our faculty through the Dean's Distinguished Research Lectureship (DDRL). This year, we are thrilled to recognize two exceptional faculty members, Drs. Dongming Cai and Alik Widge, for their groundbreaking research in the basic and clinical sciences.
Reflecting on the Power of Perception
The event sparked a reflection on the power of perception – how our perspective shapes our reality. Drs. Cai and Widge's presentations perfectly capture this idea, as they explore the unknown and seek solutions to pressing healthcare issues.
Dr. Alik Widge: Unlocking Cognitive Flexibility - MnDRIVE Neuromodulation Scholar
Dr. Widge's research focuses on understanding how brain networks produce thoughts and actions, with a special emphasis on cognitive flexibility – the ability to adapt our thinking and behavior. This essential skill is often impaired in mental illness, and Dr. Widge's work has the potential to develop new brain stimulation methods to help individuals become more flexible and adaptive in their thinking.
Dr. Dongming Cai: Tackling Alzheimer's Disease
Dr. Cai's research centers on the impact of different ApoE protein versions on lipid composition and metabolism in Alzheimer's disease. Her lab is dedicated to developing preclinical drug candidates for effective treatments, addressing a national public health crisis that affects nearly seven million people.
Honoring Faculty Excellence
In addition to the Distinguished Lectureship Awardees, we also recognize faculty members whose work will be added to the Medical School Wall of Scholarship. These faculty members have made significant contributions to their field, with publications cited at least 1,000 times in major citation indices.
Join Us in Celebrating Research Excellence
We invite you to watch the video recording of the event and learn more about the innovative research of Drs. Cai and Widge. Their work embodies our mission to explore the unknown and find solutions to pressing healthcare issues, and we are proud to recognize their achievements.
