[Courtesy photo]
With cutting-edge research and state-of-the-art facilities, Huntington Medical Research Institutes (HMRI) in Pasadena has a significant impact on the health of the local community.
“HMRI research has led to the development of diagnostics, medical devices and therapies that improve the lives of millions of patients worldwide,” Julia Bradsher, HMRI President and CEO, said. “The institute’s scientists seek solutions to daunting cardiovascular and neurological challenges like heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, migraine, and mental illness.”
Pasadenans will have the opportunity to tour this renowned research institute and learn more about their work and current discoveries on Saturday, Dec. 3, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., during a Holiday Open House at HMRI’s campus located at 686 South Fair Oaks Avenue.
The Holiday Open House is in celebration of HMRI’s 70th anniversary. The event is free admission and open to all ages. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
“We will have the third floor science lab that will be open for youth ages 12 through 15,” Jocelyn Ferguson, HMRI Chief Development Officer, said. “In 30-minute sessions, we will be taking youth up into the third floor stem lab so that they can have hands-on science activities, science experience.”
The Open House will also feature speakers who together will provide an overview of the research that goes on regularly at HMRI. They include Dr. Robert A. Kloner, HMRI Chief Science Officer and Chair and Scientific Director of Cardiovascular Research, and visiting scientist Dr. Kimberly A. Shriner, an infectious disease specialist who practices at Huntington Health across the street.
“They will be presenting on a long COVID research study that they have been collaborating on,” Ferguson said. “In addition, we will have progress on our early detection of Alzheimer’s disease that will be presented by Dr. Xianghong Arakaki, head of the Cognition and Brain Integration Laboratory at HMRI, and partnering with her will be Dr. Alfred Fonteh, head of the Biomarkers and Neuro-disease Mechanisms Lab at HMRI.”
Dr. Kloner will also be talking about updates on HMRI’s vaping research. Heather Carisch, a Los Angeles-based artist whose work is inspired by the brain and heart, will be sharing about her art and the inspiration behind her work.
Aside from these talks, visitors will hear from Dr. Nicole Purcell, Scientific Director of Education Programs, and Dr. Carlos Aguirre, Director of Education Programs, as they speak about HMRI’s free summer 2023 education program for high school students in STEM and the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) program at the institutes.
Those participating in the tour will be able to view the installation of Marion Stiebel Siciliano’s abstract art, donated to HMRI and on loan from the Skirball Cultural Center. Siciliano, who died in 2011, was an abstract painter and philanthropist who was active in environmental causes and inner-city development.
Kids from 5 through 11 are welcome at any time in the outdoor science activity tent. An adult must register children in advance so HMRI can prepare enough materials. Science lab activities will also be available for kids 12 through 15 every half hour and last 30 minutes. An adult must register participants in advance as space is limited.
Food trucks and coffee will be available in the HMRI Parking Lot, the Open House schedule shows.
“We want our community to help us celebrate our accomplishments, learn about our discoveries on the horizon, and we’ll have a significant impact on the health of our community and our loved ones,” Brasher said.
For more information and to register for the Holiday Open House, visit www.hmri.org/70years.
You can also email development@hmri.org or call (626) 795-4343 for additional information.
