Professor Voss was recently named as one of two awardees of the INI-Williams-Cannon Fellowship. She will receive $45,000 in research funding.

Voss’s research program is focused on bridging an understanding of how the human brain makes and retrieves memories with how these processes are affected by aging. She is working toward testing behavioral interventions to slow or prevent age-related memory loss. Evidence from animal models of aging and Alzheimer’s disease continue to support the potential of physical exercise for slowing the spread of neurodegenerative pathology and slowing memory decline. The fellowship will support Voss’ study of blood-based biomarkers of genetic risk for earlier and more severe Alzheimer’s pathology. Her goal is a fuller understanding of how and for whom physical exercise training can counteract Alzheimer’s-related neuropathology and associated memory loss. Voss envisions this work translating to guidelines for how we should change our day-to-day physical activity to maintain our memory at its personal best throughout life.

Created through a gift to the UI Center for Advancement from Sue and Frank Cannon, the fellowships support faculty research in neurodegeneration. Dr. Voss is working to develop earlier interventions or preventative measures against neurodegenerative disease.

The Cannons’ gift and their passion to support research stems from seeing their loved ones affected by Alzheimer’s disease. They are committed to helping Iowa researchers in the study of Alzheimer’s and similar diseases, with the goal of better outcomes and therapies for patients and families.

Congratulations Dr. Michelle Voss on your well deserved award!