The Alzheimer’s Association’s AAIC Neuroscience Next (AAIC NN) conference showcases the work of students, postdoctoral researchers and early career research professionals in cognitive, computational, behavioral, and other areas of neuroscience research.
As part of this conference, the University of Pennsylvania hosted a series of events organized in part by IOA Co-director Eddie Lee, MD, PhD. The day centered around a “Research Retrospective”, a live interview with Virginia M.-Y. Lee, PhD, to share stories from her career and key scientific advances of her work in the field of neurodegenerative disease research. The interview was moderated by Isabel Castanho, PhD, a neurobiologist and Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Harvard Medical School. There was also a broadcasted journal presentation and a live Faculty/Student Meet and Greet for attendees to network with faculty from Penn as well as several other local universities.
During her interview, Dr. Lee shared stories from her times studying in London, the Netherlands, and beginning her scientific career that eventually led to neurodegenerative disease research, with the nudge of her late life and work partner, John Q. Trojanowski, MD, PhD, in the early 80’s.
In addition to Dr. Lee’s reputation as a groundbreaking, world renown scientist, she is also recognized for her outstanding role in leadership and mentorship.
“I think that for mentorship, you need to care about people and care about their careers,” said Dr. Lee. “Some students don’t like to hear this but I always tell them 'you need to work harder. You need the job, I don’t. You need to work hard, look around, seize opportunities, meet people, so that you can eventually become an established investigator.'”
Throughout her career, Dr. Lee has made many discoveries, published countless papers, and received several awards. “Part of the reason that I have accomplished so much is because I have worked for a long time,” she said, elaborating on her dedication and commitment to her career. “I did not retire at 62. I worked 15 years beyond that -- and that’s been some of my best work.” Dr. Lee plans to continue for at least another few years before retiring. Why? “Because, what is there to do at home? Just sit around? I think it’s much more interesting to work,” she said.
View Dr. Lee’s full interview here (~40 min watch).
IOA Co-Director Receives Alzheimer’s Association Excellence in Neuroscience Mentoring Award
Edward Lee, MD, PhD, Associate Professor of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Co-director of the Institute on Aging (IOA), and Associate Director of the Penn Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (ADRC), was also honored as part of the three-day conference. Dr. Lee received the Alzheimer’s Association Excellence in Neuroscience Mentoring Award. As stated in the official AAIC NN press release, Dr. Lee is dedicated to educating the next generation of neuroscientists and physician-scientists with service on over 50 thesis committees, in addition to being the course director for a national, NIA-funded career development workshop for neuropathology trainees.