Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease » College of Medicine » University of Florida

CTRND Celebrates 15 Years!

Susan Walker — Tue, 16 Dec 2025 16:10:30 +0000

CTRND marked its 15th anniversary with a retreat at the Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club this November. The day offered attendees a valuable opportunity to reflect on CTRND’s impact, explore the future of science, and discuss strategies for securing upcoming grants. Participants also shared insights into the challenges they are currently facing. Between thought-provoking conversations, the group enjoyed engaging games, delicious meals, and plenty of downtime to connect with one another.

Drs. Prokop & LaVoie featured on Cup o’ Joe

Susan Walker — Tue, 24 Jun 2025 18:09:00 +0000

Watch Drs. Prokop and LaVoie tour UF Provost Joe Glover through the UF Human Brain and Tissue Bank and

@UFCTRND as part of Dr. Glover’s Cup o’ Joe series!

Congratulations to Mark Moehle for receiving Rising Star Award!

Susan Walker — Wed, 12 Mar 2025 20:10:46 +0000

the 2025 UF College of Medicine Rising Star Researcher Award in Basic or Translational Sciences.

Dr. Gemma Casadesus in new role as Assistant Dean for Graduate Student Affairs

Susan Walker — Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:13:39 +0000

CTRND's Gemma Casadesus, Ph.D., recently assumed a leadership role in the office of graduate education as Assistant Dean.

Congratulations to Dr. McFarland!

Susan Walker — Wed, 05 Feb 2025 21:57:24 +0000

Dr. Nikolaus McFarland, an Associate Professor in the Department of Neurology and a board-certified neurologist and movement disorders specialist at the Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases, was just named President Elect of the Florida Society of Neurology. Dr. McFarland joined the UF faculty in the department of neurology as a member of the movement disorders division and the Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease (CTRND), which aims to bring bench science closer to bedside care. He sees patients with a variety of movement disorders from Parkinson’s disease to tremor to dystonia, but specializes in atypical Parkinson’s disorders such as progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), multiple system atrophy (MSA), dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) and corticobasal syndrome. In addition, Dr. McFarland directs a comprehensive, multidisciplinary clinical research program for atypical Parkinson’s disorders and a clinic that is recognized as a CurePSP Center of Care. His exceptional leadership and dedication to the field of neurology continue to make a significant impact. Congratulations to Dr. McFarland on this great accomplishment!

CTRND Faculty Named Associate Directors of MBI

Susan Walker — Fri, 26 Jul 2024 22:34:54 +0000

Jose Abisambra, M.S., Ph.D., and Ramon Sun, Ph.D., have been named to new associate director positions at the McKnight Brain Institute. Abisambra, deputy director of the Brain Injury, Rehabilitation, and Neuroresilience Center, will serve as associate director for research programs, and Sun, director of the Center for Advanced Spatial Biomolecule Research, will serve as associate director for innovation.

Congratulations to Jose Torrellas & Stephan Quintin for Poster Awards at IRCND

Susan Walker — Fri, 19 Jul 2024 11:09:48 +0000

CTRND student’s, Jose Torrellas and Stephan Quintin, won poster awards at the International Research Conference on Neurodegenerative Diseases held in Atlanta this past week. Jose is part of Dr. Paramita Chakrabarty’s lab and Stephan is part of Dr. Ben Giasson’s lab. Congratulations to you both!

Dr. Borchelt receives Lifetime Achievement Award from UF COM

Susan Walker — Wed, 05 Jun 2024 20:19:57 +0000

Congratulations to Dr. David Borchelt on receiving the College of Medicine Faculty Council Lifetime Achievement Award.

Congratulations to Dr. Jada Lewis – New Chair for UF College of Veterinary Medicine

Susan Walker — Thu, 23 May 2024 14:23:04 +0000

A University of Florida Health neuroscience researcher has been named chair of the UF College of Veterinary Medicine’s department of physiological sciences following a national search.

CTRND Students Accepted into University Scholars Program

Susan Walker — Wed, 20 Mar 2024 18:56:20 +0000

The University Scholars Programs introduces undergraduate students at the University of Florida to the exciting world of academic research. This program serves as an exceptional capstone to the academic careers of UF students with students from all disciplines selected through a competitive process to participate. The students who are chosen spend 8-10 hours per week on a research project under the guidance of UF faculty. Congratulations to the following CTRND students who were most recently accepted into the University Scholars Program:

Kristi Biswas -Dr. Paramita Chakrabarty’s lab

Austin Shute – Dr. Matthew LaVoie’s lab

Jose David Valles Desten – Dr. Luis Martinez’s lab

Allison Comite – Dr. Mark Moehle’s lab

Kayla McKay – Dr. Malu Tansey’s lab