Skylar E. Stolte, a researcher in the field of biomedical engineering at the University of Florida, has been announced as the recipient of the esteemed Cluff Aging Research Award for her work in aging-related studies.

The Cluff Aging Research Award, supported by the Leighton E. Cluff Endowment, aims to foster scholarly exploration and investigation into issues pertaining to older adults and the aging process. Skylar Stolte’s research, titled “AI-Empowered High-Fidelity Whole-Head Segmentation of MRI from Older Adults for Precision Invention towards Preventing Dementia,” stood out among the submissions this year.

Stolte’s research delves into the critical realm of head tissue segmentation in brain scans, particularly focusing on older adults aged 65 to 89 years old. Their innovative approach, utilizing artificial intelligence and a unique clinical trial dataset, holds significant promise for advancing treatment planning in age-related disorders, including dementia.

Dr. Ruogu Fang, Skylar Stolte’s faculty mentor, commends their dedication and expertise in tackling this complex issue. Stolte’s involvement in aging-related programs spans three years, during which they have been an integral part of a National Institute on Aging-funded RF1 grant.

This grant explores the application of computational head modeling and artificial intelligence for precision dosing of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in age-related cognitive decline.

Moreover, Stolte’s contributions extend beyond their research, having published two journal articles and two conference proceedings on related topics. Their dissertation work, overseen by Fang, represents a significant milestone in their academic journey.

The culmination of this portion of Stolte’s project was marked by the acceptance of their research paper in the Imagine Neuroscience journal on January 8th, 2024.

Skylar Stolte’s achievement underscores the University of Florida’s commitment to fostering cutting-edge research in the field of aging studies and highlights the potential for their work to make a meaningful impact on the lives of older adults worldwide.