Double professors… double the fun? Absolutely correct! Join us with Drs. Jakowec and Petzinger from Keck in beautiful Sierra Madre for a wonderful morning on Mt. Wilson! Get ready to EXPLODE YOUR CRANIUM with fascinating conversations on brain injury repair, the relation of diet and fitness to cognition, and much much more. We’ll hike 8 miles total, not quite making it to the famous observatory. Word on the street is that the pair is going to bring some cool colleagues, and they’d love to continue the conversations into a nice afternoon meal, time allowing!
DIFFICULTY: 4/5
PACKING LIST:
WATER! (at LEAST 32 oz.)
Sunscreen
Lunch + Snacks
WAIVERS
WE WILL PROVIDE
Good vibes
Brain facts
PROFESSOR: Dr. Michael Jakowec
DEPARTMENT: Neuroscience
SCHOOL: Keck
Michael Jakowec, PhD, is Associate Professor in the Department of Neurology at USC. His background is in molecular biology and biophysics and their application to neuroscience. Studies in the lab are involved in understanding the mechanisms by which molecular and pharmacological interventions including exercise, alter synaptic structure and connectivity in the brain of animal models of Parkinson's disease. Research in the lab utilizes a wide spectrum of approaches from animal behavior, microscopy, molecular biology of gene and protein expression, cell culture, and imagining. Recent studies are beginning to explore the role of neuroenergetics and non-neuronal cells like astrocytes and microglia in mediating repair of the brain. For the past 20 years in addition to running an active research lab he has been actively involved in teaching several undergraduate classes including most recently "Neuropharmacology in Health and Disease" as part of the new major in the Pharmacology Undergraduate Program.
PROFESSOR: Dr. Giselle Petzinger
DEPARTMENT: Neuroscience
SCHOOL: Keck
Giselle Petzinger M.D, is Associate Professor Clinical Scholar in the Department of Neurology at Keck School of Medicine at USC. She oversees and conducts a program in translational medicine bridging basic and clinical research as well as clinical care of patients with Parkinson's disease. Studies in the lab and clinic explore neuroplasticity of the brain especially the impact of lifestyle factors such as exercise and fitness on brain health. Studies in her lab utilize a wide spectrum of approaches, from animal models of Parkinson's disease to humans involved in neuroimaging and neuropsychiatric/cognitive testing. She is a champion of the importance of lifestyle, diet, and wellness at all stages of life including in health and disease in promoting healthy aging and possibly modifying disease progression. Giselle is active in teaching a wide spectrum of students at USC at the undergraduate, graduate, and medical school levels.
PEAK: Mt. Wilson
DIFFICULTY: 3/5
SCENERY: Wildflowers, shade, and elevation in the shadow of the famous observatory!
FUN FACT: There used to be a cabin on the mountain at Orchard Camp!
TRIP LEAD: Colin Duffy
has begrudgingly accepted that he can’t just surf every day, so he’s giving this engineering thing a shot.
Contact Colin: cpduffy@usc.edu