Florida Atlantic NEUROSCIENCE—
Where Discovery Comes to Mind

The Florida Atlantic Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute supports research, education and community outreach, with efforts spanning all of the Florida Atlantic campuses. The Brain Institute administrative home is on the Florida Atlantic MacArthur campus in Jupiter, Fla., which also houses the Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College, the Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience and The Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation and Technology.

With more than 100 neuroscience faculty-level investigators located at Florida Atlantic and affiliate research centers, the Brain Institute supports state-of-the-art research and innovative educational activities and is the sponsor for the Florida Atlantic Neuroscience Student Organization.

Collectively, we seek to unlock the secrets of brain development, function and plasticity and how the mechanisms uncovered can be compromised to drive brain disorders, such as autism,, schizophrenia, depression and Alzheimer’s disease.

Postdoctoral Highlights

Juan Lopez, Ph.D.
Juan Lopez, Ph.D.
Mentor:

Juan was raised in South Florida and trained under Dr. Rod Murphey for 6 years. His work looks at synaptogenesis and the genetic control of synaptic proteins called gap junctions.

Anuradha Kesharwani, Ph.D.
Anuradha Kesharwani, Ph.D.
Mentor: Srinivasa Subramaniam, Ph.D.

Anuradha Kesharwani is a postdoctoral researcher in Dr. Subramaniam's Lab, studying the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying neurodegeneration, with a focus on Huntington’s disease.

Merike Lang, Ph.D.
Merike Lang, Ph.D.
Mentor: Mónica Rosselli, Ph.D.

Merike Lang, Ph.D., is a post-doctoral research fellow in the Neuropsychology lab of Mónica Rosselli, Ph.D., at Florida Atlantic University. Merike is investigating neuroprotective effects of bilingualism on normal and abnormal aging.

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NEWS
Group photo of about 15 people standing in two rows in an indoor room with wood-look flooring. Behind them is a large screen displaying an owl logo and the text
Students Share Findings and New Skills Gained During Hands-on Summer Research Experience
The six-week 2026 John Nambu Memorial Summer Research Assistant Program culminated June 26 with a luncheon and oral research presentations at FAU's Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute.
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Robotic Hand
FAU Engineers Prosthetic Hand That Learns, Adapts to Each User
FAU researchers have developed an AI-powered prosthetic system that pairs custom 3D-printed wearable sleeves with soft magnetic sensors, enabling more natural, personalized and reliable hand control.
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Cavefish
Out of Darkness, Blind Cavefish Illuminate Brain Evolution
FAU researchers discovered that blind Mexican cavefish have evolved brain circuits that reverse light and dark responses, offering new clues about evolution, sensory processing and neurological disorders.
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COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS
3 people wearing bright light blue shirts that say 'NeuroSquad' in bright yellow font
Support Mental Health! Join Team Neuro Squad

This year's walk in support of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) will take place on Saturday October 10, 2026. Registration is now open, so join our team TODAY and show your support!

Image of a women in proffesional attire. She has brown hair and eyes, tan skin, and a wide smile
SNBI Outreach Director Shares Perspective on Mental Health for School Health Professionals

In May, Nicole Baganz, Ph.D., spoke at the Florida School Health Association's annual conference. "Through a Neuroscientist’s Eyes: Rethinking Brain Health and Mental Illness,” explored how mental illness is often discussed in terms of diagnosis, behavior and crisis response but doesn't address what is happening in the brain beneath the surface.

2 projector screens with 3 images (one of a scientist looking in a microscope, one with a group of young scientists walking together, and one with a father and his young son looking at a sheep brain). 3 long tables have people seated facing the screens.
Meditation and the Brain

Post-doctoral fellow Aly Paz, PhD, delivered an invited public lecture at Jupiter Medical Center on the neuroscience of meditation. The talk explored how meditation affects the brain and highlighted research on its benefits.

Large stage with a sign that says 'The Gardens Mall" above it. Tables with craft materials and children.
Summer Brain Sparks

The NeuroSquad brought neuroscience to The Gardens Mall this month with a pop-up Brain Sparks event. Shoppers of all ages crafted neurons, designed egg helmets to learn about brain safety, explored brain activity through EEG games, and dressed up as future neuroscientists at the Dress Like a Neuroscientist booth.

Groups of girls standing in front of a screen with a blue picture of a brain wearing caps in the shapes of brains
Tech Trek 2026

FAU Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute recently hosted the National Association of University Women’s Tech Trek summer neuroscience course. Throughout the program, campers explored the brain through hands-on activities, including molecular biology techniques, brain dissections and interactive lessons on how the brain works.

 

The Resilient Brain

A documentary from PBS South Florida's All Health Go network The Resilient Brain is a powerful exploration of the extraordinary complexity of the human brain across the lifespan featuring expertise from the Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute's Randy Blakely, Ph.D., and Nicole Baganz, Ph.D.

Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute Ribbon Cutting

Florida Atlantic University celebrated the opening of the FAU Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute at FAU’s John D. MacArthur Campus in Jupiter with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The official launch of the institute heralds a new era in neuroscience research, education and community engagement.

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ABOUT: WELCOME TO THE BRAIN INSTITUTE! THESE ARE EXCITING TIMES FOR NEUROSCIENCE AT Florida Atlantic.
ACADEMICS: CHECK OUT OUR UNMATCHED GRADUATE NEUROSCIENCE TRAINING PROGRAM (GNTP)
RESEARCH: UNIQUE COLLABORATION WITH 6 OUTSTANDING INSTITUTES AND FOUNDATION.
GIVE: SUPPORT RESEARCH, EDUCATION AND COMMUNITY. HELP US MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

Contact us

MAIN OFFICE

Florida Atlantic Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute

Jupiter Campus

Room 201F, MC-22
5353 Parkside Drive, Jupiter, FL 33458
Phone: 561.799.8100

map of FAU Jupiter campus

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EDUCATION OFFICE

Florida Atlantic Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute

Boca Raton Campus

Room 103A, SE-43
777 Glades Road, Boca Raton, FL 33431
Phone: 561.297.4989

map of FAU Jupiter campus