The Community Foundation for Brevard has awarded $100,000 to Florida Institute of Technology’s Shaohua Xu, Ph.D., to advance his 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 AI 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. “The generosity and vision of the donors who established these funds fuels groundbreaking research that fosters collaboration and hope for a healthier future,” said Donna Sewell, Community Foundation Director of Philanthropy. Since 2008, the Foundation has awarded just over $1 million to 12 researchers across the state of 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 Corporation, 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,” Theresa Grimison, Community Foundation President and CEO, added. “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 comprised 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. Dr. 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,” stated Dr. Xu. “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 will also recruit Florida Tech students to support the study, offering them valuable experience in dementia and mental health research. Dr. Xu spoke on the rippling impact this research has on his students, “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. This opportunity equips them with unique skills and perspectives that will shape their future contributions to science and medicine.”
