NEURO360 Symposium: Advancing Neuroscience, Together

Highlights from the NEURO360 Symposium

Tuesday, April 22, 2025 | 2:00 – 6:00 PM

Charles F. Knight Executive Education & Conference Center at Washington University

The April NEURO360 Symposium was a powerful milestone in our effort to position St. Louis as a global hub for neuroscience-driven innovation. Thanks to the energy, insight, and collaboration of our partners, speakers, and community members, the event sparked meaningful conversations and laid the groundwork for continued momentum.

As we move into the next phase—an NSF panel review and anticipated site visits—we’re integrating key takeaways from the symposium’s breakout sessions to further strengthen NEURO360.

Agenda

1:30 PM

Doors Open

2:00-2:45 PM

Welcome & Keynote

Doug Frantz, PhD
Vice Chancellor for Innovation and Commercialization at Washington University

Sam Page, MD
Saint Louis County Executive

Cara Spencer
Mayor, City of St. Louis

Rep. Wesley Bell
U.S. Representative, Missouri’s 1st Congressional District

Eric Gulve, PhD
NEURO360 founding CEO & PI

Eric Leuthardt, MD, MBA
NEURO360 Lead & Co-PI, Use-Inspired Research; Assistant Vice Chancellor of Innovation and Commercialization at Washington University

2:45-3:00 PM

Break

3:00-4:30 PM

Breakout Sessions

Use Inspired Research

What are the essential research priorities and infrastructure that are needed to advance the St. Louis region to be a leader in developing neuroscientific and engineering solutions that will impact the region clinically, commercially, and socially?

Eric Leuthardt, MD, MBA
NEURO360 Lead & Co-PI, Use-Inspired Research; Assistant Vice Chancellor of Innovation and Commercialization at Washington University

Lan Yang, PhD
NEURO360 Node Leader, Devices, Technologies & Imaging; Edwin H. & Florence G. Skinner Professor, Electrical & System Engineering, McKelvey School of Engineering

Shantanu Chakrabartty, PhD
NEURO360 Node Leader, Mobile Apps, Software & Computing; Clifford W. Murphy Professor, Vice Dean for Research and Graduate Education, Electrical & System Engineering, McKelvey School of Engineering

ShiNung Ching, PhD
NEURO360 Node Leader, Mobile Apps, Software & Computing; Associate Professor, Electrical & System Engineering, McKelvey School of Engineering

Cory Berkland, PhD
NEURO360 Node Leader, Molecular, Cellular, Systems Biology; Mark and Becky Ruhmann Levin Professor, Biomedical Engineering, McKelvey School of Engineering

Jeff Milbrandt, MD, PhD
NEURO360 Node Leader, Molecular, Cellular, Systems Biology; James S. McDonnell Professor of Genetics, Executive Director of McDonnell Genome Institute, WashU Medicine

Joyce Balls-Berry, PhD, MPE
NEURO360 Node Leader, Community-driven Innovation & Engagement; Associate Professor of Neurology at Washington University School of Medicine and Core Leader for the newly established Health Disparities and Equity Core in the Knight Alzheimer Disease Research Center

Accelerating Career Pathways in St. Louis’ Neuroscience Innovation Ecosystem

Learn how NEURO360’s comprehensive workforce development strategy will create industry-driven, neuroscience career pathways across research, technology, patient care, and manufacturing.

Elizabeth Boedeker, PhD
NEURO360 Lead & Co-PI, Workforce Development; Director for the Center for Plant and Life Sciences at St. Louis Community College

Dan Kania
Director of Youth Apprenticeships at St. Louis Community College

Regina Lowe
Senior Director of Programs at Rung for Women

Brittany Whitley, PhD
NEURO360 Director, Workforce Development; BioSTL’s Director of Regional Workforce Strategy

Annie Mayrose
Global Manager, Employee and Community Engagement (ECE), Sustainability and Social Business Innovation (SSBI) at MilliporeSigma

Translation to Practice

BioGenerator will describe current resources and programs, and will engage participants in a gap analysis of what tools are needed to expand and accelerate commercialization.

James McCarter, MD, PhD
NEURO360 Lead & Co-PI, Translation of Innovation to Practice; Senior Managing Director of BioGenerator

Ben Vollrath
CEO, Halyard Therapeutics

Alex Szidon
Co-Founder, Halyard Therapeutics

Community Listening Session

Be part of a dynamic cross-sector discussion to identify the most pressing needs and opportunities for improving health outcomes for all in neuroscience. Amplify your voice and innovative thoughts to help drive real transformation.

Saffiyah Poole
Assistant Vice President of Planning and Operations at Saint Louis Integrated Health Network

Fostering Regional and Global Collaboration

Learn how BioSTL programs will increase neuroscience innovation collaboration throughout our region and attract innovators from around the world to participate in the St. Louis Neuroscience Ecosystem.

Jim Gera
CEO of Harmonic Health