Advancing Brain Health at Rutgers:

Thank You, Chancellor Brian Strom

At BHI’s 11th Annual Symposium, we recognized Rutgers Health Chancellor Brian L. Strom as he concluded his service at the end of 2025, and the leadership that helped shape BHI from the beginning. Chancellor Strom’s remarks underscored what makes BHI distinctive: interdisciplinary at its core, collaborative by design, and relentlessly focused on improving lives. BHI Director Dr. Gary Aston-Jones thanked Chancellor Strom for fostering neuroscience and brain health research at Rutgers. Watch the video and read the full article to learn more.

Post-Holiday Brain Reset: Your Toolkit

for a Strong Start in 2026

As January comes to a close, many people are still feeling the aftereffects of disrupted routines—fatigue, low motivation, irritability, or brain fog. That’s common, often short-lived, and influenced by sleep changes, less sunlight, and shifts in brain chemicals that affect mood and focus. Alongside the 2025 Holiday Toolkit – Celebrate Joyfully, Protect Your Brain, BHI’s new article, Post-Holiday Brain Reset: Your Toolkit for a Strong Start in 2026, translates neuroscience into practical steps you can start now—whether you’re getting back on track or simply refining what’s already working. Learn more

2026 Rutgers Health and Rutgers Brain Health Institute Postdoc Peek: Postdoc Recruitment Event

Rutgers Health and Rutgers Brain Health Institute invite senior graduate students and early postdoc fellows to apply for Postdoc Peek, a two-day, all-expenses-paid, on-campus visit on May 19–20, 2026. Participants will explore postdoctoral training and research opportunities in a wide variety of disciplines at Rutgers, connect with faculty, and learn about life and research across Rutgers campuses. Learn more

Key Dates:

• Application submission deadline: February 23
• Faculty application review period: February 24 – March 23
• Virtual information session: March 23, 12–2 PM
• Faculty Zoom interviews with top candidates: March 24 – April 6
• On-campus visit for selected candidates: May 19–20

Please fill out this application form. If you have any questions, require further information, or have trouble submitting your application, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at bhi@bhi.rutgers.edu.

BHI Plenary Seminar: Dr. Timothy A. Ryan on Metabolic Vulnerabilities and Opportunities in Brain Function

We are delighted to welcome Dr. Timothy A. Ryan, as the distinguished plenary speaker for its seminar series. Dr. Ryan is Professor of Biochemistry and Biophysics at Weill Cornell Medicine, a Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) Janelia Scholar, and Tri-Institutional Professor at Rockefeller University and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.

The hybrid seminar will take place on Thursday, February 19, at 12 PM in the Center for Advanced Biotechnology and Medicine. Dr. Ryan’s presentation promises to ignite innovative discussions at the intersection of synaptic biology, biophysics, and neuronal metabolism – critical areas for advancing our understanding of brain function and disorders such as neurodegeneration and epilepsy. Learn more

BHI Spotlight

Welcome, Dr. Jenny Wilkerson

Dr. Jenny Wilkerson, Assistant Professor of Anesthesiology at NJMS, joined the BHI as a core faculty member in January. Prior to joining Rutgers, Dr. Wilkerson held faculty appointments as a research track faculty member at the University of Florida College of Pharmacy, and as a tenure-track Assistant Professor in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences in the Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. Her research integrates behavioral neuroscience and pharmacology to advance preclinical drug development, with a focus on peripheral and central mechanisms underlying pathological pain, sex differences, substance use disorders, and the neurobiological actions of natural products. Learn more

Welcome, Dr. Aaron Dallman

Dr. Aaron Dallman, Assistant Professor in the Department of Rehabilitation and Movement Sciences at the School of Health Professions, joined BHI in January. Dr. Dallman's research develops and evaluates high-value interventions (particularly neurodiversity-affirming interventions) to enhance quality of life and promote belonging for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Dr. Dallman's research has been shown to meet community-centered priorities and improve transition outcomes for individuals with neurodevelopmental conditions. Their work has informed evidence-based practices that are now being implemented in partnership with a hospital system. Dr. Dallman is the founding director of Nexus, a community-based transition skills intervention that implements neurodiversity-affirming supports for autistic adults. Learn more

Dr. Marc Tambini Awarded NIA R01 Grant to Study the Role of APP Metabolites in Alzheimer’s Disease

Dr. Marc Tambini, Assistant Professor in the Department of Pharmacology, Physiology & Neuroscience at NJMS and BHI core member, has been awarded an R01 grant from the National Institute on Aging for his project titled “The Role of APP-Metabolites on Extracellular Vesicle Cargo and Function.” Alzheimer’s disease is characterized by amyloid beta plaques and tau tangles, yet the cellular function of the Amyloid Precursor Protein (APP) remains unclear. This project investigates how APP metabolites are packaged into extracellular vesicles (EVs), how disease-causing mutations alter EV cargo and function, and how these changes affect tau pathology and neuron-to-neuron communication. By defining the role of APP-containing EVs in waste removal and neural signaling, this work may reveal new therapeutic targets for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Learn more

Why Some People Struggle to Stop Drinking: Insights from

Dr. Danielle Dick

In a recent CNN article exploring why some people continue to drink alcohol even when it causes harm, Dr. Danielle Dick, Director of the Rutgers Addiction Research Center (RARC) at the BHI, explains that biology plays an important, but not exclusive, role. While some individuals may be more physiologically responsive to alcohol, Danielle emphasizes that risk for problematic alcohol use is strongly shaped by how the brain processes reward and risk. Alcohol activates the brain’s reward system, and individuals whose brains are wired to seek high rewards while downplaying risks may be more likely to escalate use over time. Her insights underscore that alcohol misuse is not simply a matter of willpower but the result of complex interactions within the brain. Learn more

Claim your minute (and possibly more) of fame!! If you want to share any news (e.g., awards, grants, publications, patents, donor gifts) in future monthly newsletters, please send them to Lily Zhang (lily.zhangty@rutgers.edu) or use this Microsoft form to submit your news. We will also push these out on social media. So don’t be shy! Share your good news with us! We would love to hear from you!!

Event Calendar Aggregator on the BHI Website

We encourage the Rutgers Neuroscience community to add their neuroscience and brain health research-related events to the Event Calendar on the BHI website. This will minimize scheduling conflicts for neuroscience and brain health events at Rutgers. To put your events on the BHI website Event calendar, BHI has obtained an event calendar aggregator software that can pull events you post on a shared Outlook or Google calendar created by BHI. If you’d like instructions on how to add your event, or if you have any questions, please contact Lily Zhang (lily.zhangty@rutgers.edu) to request access to the shared BHI Event Outlook or Google Calendar. Learn more

Banner Ad and Sponsorship Opportunities at BHI

We’ve launched a new banner ad section on the BHI website to help faculty and trainees promote events, study recruitment, job openings, and news announcements. With monthly traffic averaging over 10,000 visitors, and placements on the most-visited pages, your message will gain high visibility across Rutgers and beyond. Your ad will reach not only the Rutgers community but also external experts, prospective students, and potential collaborators and donors who visit the site. We will assist with designing engaging graphics and placing your announcement on high-traffic pages across the site. If you are interested in featuring your announcement, please contact Lily Zhang (lily.zhangty@rutgers.edu). Advertise with us

NEW!! We are looking for sponsors to support BHI events. Faculty, Staff and Trainees, please let us know about vendors you all work with who might be interested in sponsoring BHI events. Please reach out to kuzhikev@bhi.rutgers.edu with names and contact information of vendors who might be interested in partnering with BHI to sponsor neuroscience and brain health events at Rutgers.

BHI Feedback Hub

BHI Announcements & Opportunities

Rutgers Training in Addiction Research Program (TARP)

The Rutgers Addiction Research Center (RARC) in the BHI launched the TARP to cultivate the next generation of addiction neuroscience researchers. The TARP will open predoctoral and postdoctoral training slots during the 2025–26 academic year. We welcome applicants committed to advancing addiction neuroscience. All trainees (including international applicants) are eligible to apply. For interested applicants, please send your CV to Dr. Chris Pierce at chris.pierce@rutgers.edu. Learn more

BHI Motivational and Affective Neuroscience FAWG Mock Grant Review Program

The BHI and the RARC are pleased to announce the mock grant review program at Rutgers University. The primary objective of this program is to increase the success of grant proposals submitted to NIH by Rutgers investigators from the BHI and/or the RARC. Learn more

South Asian Memory, Aging, and Risk Tracking for Brain Health study (SAMARTH)

South Asian Memory, Aging, and Risk Tracking for Brain Health study (SAMARTH) The study aims to understand the characteristics that may place South Asian populations at heightened risk for Alzheimer's disease. The study seeks to recruit individuals with ethnic or racial backgrounds from the South Asian subcontinents, aged 45-70, who have a risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias (one or more parents with Alzheimer’s Disease, high blood pressure, BMI >30, or Type II diabetes/pre-diabetes). Learn more

Multitasking Strategy Study (MUST Study): Neuroscience and Aging Study

The Rutgers Krieger Klein Alzheimer's Research Center and EngAGING Lab are recruiting older adults (60–75) for the MUST Study, a non-pharmacological research trial focused on cognitive training to support attention control and multitasking. Overall eligibility: ages 60–75, overall good health/cognitively healthy, English-speaking, and able to use a computer and the internet. Participation includes home-based online sessions (brain health education and cognitive training) and 3 in-person assessments over approximately 5–6 months. Participants may receive up to $275. Learn more

IFPR – Rutgers Research Collaboration

The RARC is partnering with the Institute for Prevention and Recovery (IFPR) to establish a streamlined process for collaboration among Rutgers researchers who want to partner with RWJBarnabas to analyze substance use disorder outcome data and/or implement new studies in the health system. Learn more

Rutgers Research Community Partnership (RCP)

The RCP, overseen by the RARC, is a central enrollment hub for community members to participate in Rutgers research projects, and for researchers to recruit for their studies. By signing up for the RCP, individuals agree to be contacted by approved researchers to participate in projects. Learn more

Join the ADRD Research Center Community

The Herbert and Jacqueline Krieger Klein Alzheimer’s Research Center in BHI will serve as a hub for collaboration, innovation, and transformative research, with the mission of making meaningful strides in the prevention, diagnosis, and care of Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders (ADRD). If you are interested in learning more or collaborating with the center, please submit the form to provide your contact information. Learn more

Join us and make a lasting impact in neuroscience research and education. Discover current opportunities to advance your career and collaborate with leading experts at Rutgers. View all open positions Click here

If you want to share any opportunities (e.g., open positions, grants, surveys) in future monthly newsletters, please send them to Lily Zhang (lily.zhangty@rutgers.edu) or use this Microsoft form to submit your opportunities.

Save the Date

Feb 4, 12 PM



Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementia Translational Work-in-Progress (ADRD-TWIP)

The Herbert and Jacqueline Krieger Klein Alzheimer’s Research Center (KKARC) in the BHI is organizing a series of translational work-in-progress talks, alternating between clinical and basic presentations to open new opportunities for translational research and discussions from different perspectives. Dr. Fitzgerald-Bocarsly will discuss “Does Peripheral Immunosenesence Contribute to Alzheimer’s Disease and Provide Potential Targets for Intervention?” Learn more

Feb 19, 12 PM



BHI Plenary Seminar: Timothy A. Ryan, PhD

We are delighted to welcome Dr. Timothy A. Ryan, as the distinguished plenary speaker for its seminar series. Dr. Ryan is Professor of Biochemistry and Biophysics at Weill Cornell Medicine, a Howard Hughes Medical Institute Janelia Scholar, and Tri-Institutional Professor at Rockefeller University and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Dr. Ryan’s presentation promises to ignite innovative discussions at the intersection of synaptic biology, biophysics, and neuronal metabolism – critical areas for advancing our understanding of brain function and disorders such as neurodegeneration and epilepsy. Learn more

March 18

7th Annual Neurosurgery Research Symposium: Nervous System Regeneration and Repair

Registration is now open! The day will feature keynote presentations from Dr. Nicholas Boulis from Emory and Dr. Michael Kaplitt from Cornell, various talks by Rutgers faculty, a clinical research review, and a trainee poster session. The symposium will be held on March 18, from 8 AM to 5 PM, at the Rutgers University Inn and Conference Center (178 Ryders Lane, New Brunswick, NJ). The symposium is hosted by Dr. Detlev Boison and Dr. Hai Sun. Learn more

March 22

2026 Newark, New Jersey Regional Brain Bee

The Brain Bee, sponsored by the BHI, is a local and international Question & Answer competition, similar to a spelling bee, which tests the neuroscience knowledge of high school students on such topics as brain structures, learning, memory, sleep, vision, and movement. Registration is free and open to all New Jersey high school students. Registration closes on March 8. Register now

March 24

Herbert and Jacqueline Krieger Klein Alzheimer’s Research Center Symposium

The KKARC in the BHI will host its 2026 Symposium at the Busch Student Center in Piscataway. The keynote speaker is Sudha Seshadri, MD, Robert R. Barker Distinguished University Professor of Neurology, Psychiatry, and Cellular and Integrative Physiology at the Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long School of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. The symposium will award a $350 prize for both Best Poster and Best Paper. Registration is limited to the first 140 attendees and will close on March 1.

Submit Paper and Poster & Register Now

May 11

Rutgers Symposium on the Intersection of Cognitive, Sensory and Affective Neuroscience

The Cognitive & Sensory Neuroscience FAWG (CSN-FAWG) and Motivational & Affective Neuroscience FAWG (MAN-FAWG) at the Rutgers Brain Health Institute will host the Rutgers Symposium on the Intersection of Cognitive, Sensory and Affective Neuroscience on May 11, 10 AM – 4 PM at Masker’s Barn, Berkeley Heights, NJ. Early registration is now open through April 11. Register now

May 19-20

Rutgers Health and BHI Postdoc Peek: Postdoc Recruitment Event

Rutgers Health and Rutgers Brain Health Institute invite senior graduate students and early postdoc fellows to apply for Postdoc Peek, a two-day, all-expenses-paid, on-campus visit on May 19–20. Participants will explore postdoctoral training and research opportunities in a wide variety of disciplines at Rutgers, connect with faculty, and learn about life and research across Rutgers campuses. The application submission deadline is February 23. Apply now

June 11,1-5 PM

Conducting Industry-Sponsored (CNS) Clinical Trials at Rutgers

Rutgers University offers unique resources to support industry-sponsored clinical trials examining central nervous system (CNS) therapeutics. Key resources include New Jersey’s only Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) Center, state-of-the-art neuroimaging facilities, and specialized research cores for biospecimen processing and behavioral assessment. The event is sponsored by BHI, New Jersey Alliance for Clinical and Translational Science, and Rutgers Office for Research. Learn more

Please visit the BHI Event Calendar page to view other upcoming neuroscience and brain health research events. Learn more



If you want to share any events in future monthly newsletters, please send them to Lily Zhang (lily.zhangty@rutgers.edu) or use this Microsoft form to submit your events.

If you want to feature any news, opportunities, and events in future monthly newsletters, please send them to Lily Zhang (lily.zhangty@rutgers.edu) or use this Microsoft form to submit your news. Thank you for your cooperation and support!

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