Healthy Communities Discussion Series: Bench to Bedside

Thursday, February 6, 2025 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm EST (GMT -05:00)

Bench to Bedside

bluewash lab and dna strand with Bench to Bedside text and a line of ecg pulses

Introducing our Healthy Communities Discussion Series

The Faculty of Science is excited to launch the Healthy Communities Discussion Series, a new and exciting initiative spotlighting groundbreaking research at the University of Waterloo and its impact on health and well-being. 

Join us for the inaugural discussion, Bench to Bedside, which showcases University of Waterloo researchers advancing the understanding and treatment of neurodegenerative conditions while laying the groundwork for transformative breakthroughs across multiple disciplines. This engaging panel discussion will explore the vital connection between scientific discovery and patient care, highlighting how research drives innovation in health. 

Don't miss this opportunity to delve into the science shaping the future of health care in our communities!

Event Details

Location: University of Waterloo Campus | Room TBA

6:30 p.m. Doors Open

7:00 p.m. Welcome and Panel begins

8:00 p.m. Q & A Session

8:30 p.m. Light refreshments & reception

For more information contact Patricia Rintjema, printjema@uwaterloo.ca

Meet our Panelists

Travis Craddock

Dr. Travis Craddock

Professor, Department of Biology
Canada Research Chair in Quantum Neurobiology

Dr. Travis Craddock's expertise is in the emerging field of quantum biological modelling of sub-neural structures. Combining this with his experience in the clinically focused modelling of neuroinflammatory illnesses will advance knowledge and enable the design of first-of-their-kind treatment strategies. His research focuses on mitigating cytoskeletal damage caused by neuroinflammation to improve the quality of life for millions of people worldwide.

Dale Martin

Dr. Dale Martin

Professor, Department of Biology

The research in the Martin Lab focuses on elucidating molecular mechanisms that promote the clearance of disease-causing proteins in neurodegeneration, particularly Huntington disease (HD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). One approach focuses on genetic approaches to target mutant genes. This is complemented by our work to exploit the cellular clearance pathway known as autophagy, which delivers toxic proteins and damaged organelles to the lysosome where they are degraded and recycled.

Ben Thompson

Dr. Ben Thompson

Professor, School of Optometry and Vision Science
University Research Chair

Dr. Ben Thompson is a University Research Chair and Professor within the School of Optometry at the University of Waterloo. Ben is also the CEO and Scientific Director of the Centre for Eye and Vision Research in Hong Kong, a collaborative initiative between The University of Waterloo and The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Ben’s research interests encompass human visual development and neuroplasticity. His research has led to new treatments for amblyopia, a common childhood eye disorder, that are available internationally and new tools for the early detection of eye disease.