2022 KTU Session 2

February 26, 2022

Of mice and men: The bench to bedside efforts to improve the quality of life of people with nervous system injuries

An Interactive Session led by Dr. Kristofer Rau

Assistant Professor, Department of Basic Science Education, Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine

Dr. Rau is an Assistant Professor at the Virginia Tech-Carilion School of Medicine (VTCSOM), in the Department of Basic Science Education. Dr. Rau has a BS in microbiology from Auburn University, and earned his PhD (biomedical science / neuroscience) from the University of Florida. He also received valuable post-doctoral training at the University of Pittsburgh, and the University of Louisville. He has 20 years of research experience focused on the neurobiology of pain, and the electrophysiological and molecular changes that occur following tissue injury and spinal cord trauma. Currently, Dr. Rau directs the neuroscience curriculum for first year medical students at VTCSOM.

Just about everything that your fabulous body can do relies on the electrical signals that travel between your brain, your spinal cord, and the nerves that make up your nervous system. What happens, though, when your nervous system is injured? Is it possible to grow it back? In this session, we will discuss the biological mechanisms for how your nervous system responds to an injury, and its capacity to regenerate. We will also talk about the research that is being done to develop technology to enhance mobility, help recover lost functions, and improve the quality of life in patients with severe nervous system injuries. To help explore this area of research, we will also build a robotic arm out of cardboard, twine, straws, and tape.

A hands-on activity will be done after the presentation. We are mailing home kits that will require minimal, if anything, supplies from the home. Parents may be needed to assist with poking holes and handling sharp utensils for an activity.