Brain School with the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute

Join us for an engaging evening exploring how genetic mutations shape brain disorders and how emerging cell and gene therapies may transform the future of neuroscience and medicine.

Whether you’re new to neuroscience or deeply curious about where the field is headed, this program offers a clear, accessible look at the genetics behind brain health — and what comes next.

If you'd like to attend in person at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute, register here. The in-person event begins at 5 p.m. at 4 Riverside Circle in Roanoke. Registration for in-person or virtual attendance is free, but required. Registration includes an optional gift opportunity to the FBRI Annual Fund.

About the speakers

Michael Friedlander, Ph.D.

Friedlander is the executive director of the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute, Virginia Tech vice president for Health Sciences and Technology, and senior dean for research at the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine. His research focuses on brain processes that mediate vision, developmental plasticity, and traumatic brain injury.

Ryan Purcell, Ph.D.

Purcell is an assistant professor at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute. His research focuses on identifying the cellular and molecular phenotypes associated with copy number variants demonstrated to confer high risk for neurodevelopmental disorders.

Anthony-Samuel LaMantia, Ph.D.

LaMantia is a professor at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute and the director of the Center for Neurobiology Research. His research focuses on how neural stems cells develop into specific cell types in embryonic and adult nervous systems.

Sharon Swanger, Ph.D.

Swanger is an assistant professor at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute. Her research focuses on glutamate receptors and neuronal cells that underlie seizure disorders.