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Fixel Newsletter: July 2026

 
 
 
 
short-coated brown dog biting American flag by Camylla Battani (@camylla93)
 

Happy Independence Day

 

As we celebrate Independence Day, we extend our warmest wishes to our Fixel community for a safe and enjoyable holiday. We hope this time offers an opportunity to rest, recharge and spend meaningful moments with family, friends and loved ones.

 
 
 
 
 

Event Recap

 
 

Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month

Screenshot_26-6-2026_135514_www.instagram.com  

This month, we joined UF Health in going purple to raise awareness for Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month, a time dedicated to increasing public understanding of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.

We were grateful to have our incredible NaviGator students representing the Fixel Institute and sharing resources with patients, caregivers and community members interested in learning more about dementia, brain health and available support services.

To learn more about the care, research and resources available through the Fixel Institute, visit our Lewy Body Dementia Association (LBDA) Research Center of Excellence page on our website.

 
 
 
 
 

Upcoming Events

 
 

September 16-18th: DBS Think Tank

  DBS Think Tank 2025 Logo for website

The Fixel Institute is hosting the annual Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) Think Tank, a globally recognized gathering of leading experts in neuromodulation. Since its founding in 2012, this collaborative forum has brought together clinicians, researchers, and engineers from across academia, industry and clinical practice to explore the latest advancements, address emerging ethical considerations, and shape the future of DBS technology.

With a dynamic, discussion-driven agenda, the Think Tank fosters meaningful dialogue on cutting-edge research and novel applications for neurological and psychiatric conditions, including Parkinson’s disease, depression and more. By encouraging open exchange and international collaboration, both in person and virtually, the DBS Think Tank continues to advance innovation and expand the impact of DBS for patients worldwide.
Learn more here!

 
 
 
 
 

Fixel Fam Shoutouts

 
 

Celebrating our Graduating Fellows!


 
 
Anastasia Barnes, MD

Anastasia Barnes, M.D.
Supported by the Rachel & Neil Blumenthal Fellow in Movement Disorders & by Tyler’s Hope for a Dystonia Cure
Parkinson’s Disease, Dystonia & Movement Disorders Fellowship

 
 
Patricia Graese, MD

Patricia Graese, M.D.
Supported by the Frances C. & William P Smallwood Foundation and The Brooks/Hagood Family
Parkinson’s Disease, Dystonia & Movement Disorders Fellowship

 
 
Tejas Mehta, MD

Tejas Mehta, M.D.
Supported by Evren Ucok
Parkinson’s Disease, Dystonia & Movement Disorders Fellowship

 
 
Jessica Darusz, MD, MSc

Jessica Darusz, M.D., M.Sc.
Sports Neurotrauma Fellowship

 
 
Misbah Azeem, MBBS, MD

Misbah Azeem, M.B.B.S., M.D.
MS & Neuroimmunology Fellowship

 
 
Dr. Brinda Headshot

Brinda Bhaskar, M.D.
MS & Neuroimmunology Fellowship

 
 
Frederick Abraham, DO

Frederick Abraham, D.O.
ALS & Neuromuscular Fellowship

 
 
Octavio Carranza-Renteria, MD

Octavio Carranza-Renteria, M.D.
Supported by the John B. & Emily J. Higdon Fellowship
Alzheimer's & Behavioral Neurology Fellowship



 
 

Movement Disorder Fellows Graduation Party

  Group of six adults posing indoors in front of a colorful cityscape painting on a beige wall. / Group of eight adults posing indoors in front of a colorful cityscape painting on a beige wall. / Seven people standing side by side by a lit swimming pool at night inside a screened enclosure, dressed in casual and semi-formal attire.
Celebrating some of our incredible fellows! 🎉 We had so much fun gathering at Dr. Okun's home to celebrate with friends, family and great food. Congratulations to our graduates, and best wishes on what's next! 💙
 
 
 
 
 

Important Updates


 
 

Research & Technology Innovation Incubator Coming Soon...

Rendered image of the future Research & Technology Innovation Incubator (RTII).  

The second floor of the Fixel Institute Research & Administration building is being transformed into the Research & Technology Innovation Incubator (RTII). A state-of-the-art hub designed to spark collaboration and accelerate discovery in neurological care.

Renovations will kick off later this year! During this time, the second floor will be closed to employees, with restrooms and water fountains available on the first floor only.

We look forward to sharing updates as the RTII takes shape and ushers in a new era of innovation at the Fixel Institute.

Learn More
 
 
 
 
 

Explore Fixel Research

 
 

The tremor came back. What next?
Read More
 

Apathy in dementia with Lewy bodies: Frequency, correlates, and impact on patient and caregiver experiences
Read More

Early clues to treatable neurological disorders

Read More
 
 

Do you have upcoming research you would like to highlight in our newsletter or on social media? We would love to share your work with the Fixel community. Please reach out to the Communications team to be featured.
mallorybachmann@ufl.edu
grace.huff@ufl.edu

 
 
 
 
 

Fixel in the News

 
 
Dr.V.TV20

AI tool at UF aims to improve diagnosis of Parkinson’s & Alzheimer’s
Read More
 
 
Okun

UF Health doctor steps in after Billie Eilish gets accused of pretending to have neurological disorder

Read More
 
 
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