Florida Tech professor gets $100,000 grant from Community Foundation

Florida Tech professor gets $100,000 grant from Community Foundation for Brevard

The Community Foundation for Brevard recently awarded $100,000 to Florida Institute of Technology’s Shaohua Xu, Ph.D., to advance cutting-edge Alzheimer’s disease prevention research.

Alzheimer’s disease, a progressive brain disorder characterized by memory loss and cognitive decline, remains without a cure.

Xu’s research aims to introduce practical, accessible interventions, such as infrared light and red-light exposure, as preventative measures, while leveraging artificial intelligence tools for deeper insights into the links between sleep and sunlight on cognitive decline.

The Community Foundation for Brevard uses a competitive grant process to award medical research grants from the Kenneth R. Finken and Dorothy Hallam Finken Endowment Fund and Frank R. Leslie Fund.

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“The generosity and vision of the donors who established these funds fuels groundbreaking research that fosters collaboration and hope for a healthier future,” Community Foundation Director of Philanthropy Donna Sewell said.

Since 2008, the foundation has awarded just over $1 million to 12 researchers across Florida.

Kenneth Finken established the Kenneth R. Finken and Dorothy Hallam Finken Endowment Fund through a bequest to support transformative medical research on Alzheimer’s, cancer and other pervasive diseases.

A Columbia University graduate with four patents, Finken demonstrated his dedication to innovation throughout his career at Harris Corp., a commitment mirrored in his philanthropic vision.

Inspired by Kenneth Finken’s legacy, Florida Tech alumnus Frank Leslie created the Frank R. Leslie Fund, in memory of his wife, who passed from Alzheimer’s disease.

Leslie’s work as a systems engineer and his commitment to supporting caregiver programs and disease research continue to benefit the community through this fund.

“Tackling diseases like Alzheimer’s requires a commitment to bold ideas and partnerships,” Community Foundation President and CEO Theresa Grimison said. “By supporting researchers like Dr. Shaohua Xu, we honor the philanthropic legacies of Kenneth Finken and Frank Leslie, building a future where innovative solutions improve lives locally and further.”

The Community Foundation Medical Research Advisory Committee is a volunteer group responsible for determining award recommendations.

It is composed of practicing physicians and other health professionals knowledgeable on these specific diseases.

The committee places preference on requests that expand successful evidence-based pilot programs to Brevard County, demonstrate collaboration with Brevard County entities or focus on serving Brevard County residents.

Xu’s research will actively engage Brevard County residents by collaborating with patients and their caregivers at Health First’s Center for Aging.

“This is our first time working with human patients, and we are truly excited about the opportunity to bring our research into real-world application,” Xu said. “I am deeply thankful for the support from these visionary benefactors and the Community Foundation for Brevard. Together, we can make great strides.”

The project also will recruit Florida Tech students to support the study, offering them valuable experience in dementia and mental-health research.

“Students who join our research gain invaluable hands-on experience that inspires them to pursue advanced education, engage in meaningful research projects and even embark on their own medical research journeys,” Xu said “This opportunity equips them with unique skills and perspectives that will shape their future contributions to science and medicine.”

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Haridopolos gets leadership role on House Financial Services Committee

U.S. Rep. Mike Haridopolos, R-Indian Harbour Beach, has been selected to be committee whip of the House Financial Services Committee.

“I am delighted that Rep. Haridopolos will join our committee in his first term in Congress,” said House Financial Services Committee Chairman French Hill, R-Arkansas. “His service in Florida state politics in both the state House and Senate, paired with his leadership and entrepreneurship in founding MJH Consulting, will bring important skill sets to our committee as committee whip. I am delighted Rep. Haridopolos will serve in this role for our committee in the 119th Congress.”

Haridopolos said he is “honored to be selected as the whip for the Financial Services Committee, and to support Chairman Hill’s agenda.”

“The diversity of America’s banking ecosystem is essential to ensure a prosperous future for Florida’s small businesses and entrepreneurs,” Haridopolos said. “Chairman Hill and President Trump uniquely understand what it takes to grow our economy, and their focus on removing bureaucratic red tape will unleash the American economy and allow our entrepreneurs and businesses to thrive.”

St. Francis Reflections Foundation to hold ‘Caring for Caregivers’ seminar

St. Francis Reflections Foundation is holding a free seminar titled “Caring for the Caregivers,” which will include estate and financial planning.

Panelists will include Dedra “Dee” Sibley, an estate planning and probate attorney; Kaori Fisher, a certified financial planner; and Debbie Shepherd, a licensed clinical social worker.

The session begins at 5:30 p.m. Jan. 30 at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Palm Bay. There will be light snacks available.

To reserve a seat, email [email protected].

St. Francis Reflections, founded 45 years ago, is Brevard County’s longest-serving and the only independent, nonprofit hospice and palliative care resource in the area.

For more information, contact Brian Todd Barnette at [email protected].

Ayers named director of academic, business development at Legacy High School

Sarah Ayers recently joined Legacy High School, in conjunction with Puzzle Box Academy and Kaleidoscope Interventions, as director of academic and business development.

Puzzle Box Academy supports exceptional and developmentally delayed students in their educational journey. It partners with Legacy Junior and Senior High School for grades 7-12 options. Its partnership with Kaleidoscope Interventions provide students with priority receiving specialized therapies through early intervention, in-school services and parent training.

Ayers graduated from Florida State University, earning her bachelor’s degree in economics and social sciences. She also received her master’s in business administration from Florida State. She earned her doctorate in business administration from the Florida Institute of Technology.

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