Frontiers in Science’ Public Lecture Series Presents ‘Unlocking the Code of Life: A Community Conversation on the Promises of Biotechnology

The Charles E. Schmidt College of Science will host an engaging panel discussion, “Unlocking the Code of Life: A Community Conversation on the Promises of Biotechnology,” on Thursday, Jan. 29, at 5:30 p.m., in the Live Oak Pavilion, Student Union, Boca Raton campus.  

From nutrition-based digital health innovations and emerging tools for chronic disease prevention, advanced heart care to the future of brain repair and the AI-driven discovery of new medicines, distinguished experts will explore the latest advancements that are making transformational changes to human health and quality of life. 

Laura Fontenas, Ph.D., an assistant professor in the Department of Biological Sciences, Schmidt College of Science, is a featured panelist. Fontenas is a respected neurobiologist whose research focuses on understanding the many roles that glial cells—cells within the brain, spinal cord and along motor/sensory nerves—play in the development, function and repair of the nervous system. Her research aims to find ways to repair damage from spinal cord or nerve injuries, as well as conditions like Multiple Sclerosis. 

“In the context of spinal cord and brain injury, tools such as single-cell sequencing, advanced imaging and genetic manipulation allow scientists to identify specific neural and glial cell types involved in injury responses, inflammation and regeneration,” explained Fontenas. “Biotechnology also enables the development of targeted therapies, such as stem cell–based approaches, gene therapy and biomaterials, which promote neural survival, remyelination and circuit repair. Together, these advances are shifting treatment strategies from managing damage to actively stimulating repair and functional recovery in the injured nervous system.” 

Looking ahead, Fontenas shared what insights and answers attendees could take away from the panel discussion.  

“I hope the audience leaves with answers to questions they may never have had the opportunity to ask before, about how biological research is done, how discoveries are made and how basic science connects to real-world applications,” shared Fontenas. “I also hope the discussion helps demystify the research process, highlights the collaborative and evolving nature of science and encourages curiosity.” 

A Q&A session with the audience will immediately follow the discussion, moderated by the Dean of the Schmidt College of Science, Valery E. Forbes, Ph.D. The event’s other panelists include: Nicole Vitale, Ph.D., R.D.N., assistant professor, Department of Exercise Science and Health Promotion, Schmidt College of Science; Claudia Rodrigues, Ph.D., associate professor, Biomedical Science, Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine; and John Piccone, partner, URIKA [bioworks]. 

This event is free and open to the public. Advance registration is strongly encouraged. Click here to reserve your spot! 

To learn more, visit: https://science.fau.edu/frontiers