IMPRINTS is part of a larger belief that knowledge, particularly scientific knowledge, should and can be more accessible. Why does this matter? Gaining insight on the biological mechanisms that underpin our experiences and behaviors ushers these facets of our lives away from a realm of unknowns, out of our control, to that of understanding and increased agency. Indeed, the more we know about ourselves from a mechanistic standpoint, the more we are enabled to take direct action that targets elements of our lives that may impact us negatively. Unfortunately, this vital information is typically only available to/oriented towards individuals already associated with academic institutions. Scientific journals require expensive subscriptions and the research papers themselves are composed of dense jargon, only legible to those who have extensive training. IMPRINTS is a step towards inviting those without said training or institutional ties into the world of science, and thus, the world of self-understanding.
ABOUT THE EVENT >>
IMPRINTS is an immersive, scientific journey that unravels the intricate connection between life experience and its tangible impact on our bodies. A step further, it prompts the audience to consider: What lies at the intersection of trauma and the body?
IMPRINTS navigates through the realms of genetics and behavioral sciences, weaving a narrative that examines the influence of parenting styles on an individual's mental and physical development. Using relatable and accessible analogies, as well as model organisms like rats, it demystifies complex concepts such as Hypothalamic Pituitary Axis (HPA) activation - a process that underpins our physiological stress response. At its core, IMPRINTS showcases groundbreaking research on epigenetic reprogramming, particularly research on parental behavior and its impacts on offspring behavior and physiology, culminating in a thought-provoking inquiry about leveraging this understanding of epigenetics to benefit humanity. IMPRINTS’ visionary outlook introduces the potential tools for rewriting the imprints on our genes, offering a glimpse into a future where epigenetic therapies revolutionize fields like psychiatry, cancer treatment, pain management, and heart failure therapy. This event features a presentation, led by neuroscientist Viviana Evans, followed by an explorative, ambient set by Eros.
ABOUT THE SPEAKER >>
Viviana Evans, B.A., is a Research Associate in the Akbarian Lab at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, where she contributes to several research projects analyzing differences in gene expression in post-mortem brains of patients with various psychiatric diseases, such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. She received her Bachelor’s with honors in Neuroscience and Behavior at Columbia University. For two years, she assisted in teaching Columbia’s rigorous introductory biology course, leading weekly lectures for students on the medical school track. Of note, Viviana finds home in the NYC queer nightlife community. Leveraging her teaching background, she aims to merge the two worlds within which she resides through her commitment to disseminating scientific information to individuals outside of the scientific community in hopes of helping them understand their own bodies as well as the world around them.
SOUNDS BY EROS >>
Over the past few years, Chicago-born, Brooklyn-based DJ Eros has steadily refined an eclectic and singular sound steeped in variegated rhythms and leftfield sonics. With a penchant for all things warped and percussive, their unpredictable sets often snake through various genres and tempos, and these boundless interests spurred them to found Ring Flip, a genre-agnostic night at Bossa Nova Civic Club that has played host to some of the most talented and individual selectors in New York and beyond. Outside of music, they work full-time as a scientist, currently leveraging their biomedical engineering background to advance diabetes-focused stem cell research.