David Linden, Ph.D.The Department of Neurobiology invites the UAB community to attend the inaugural Robin Lester Memorial Lecture on Sept. 26 to hear a presentation from special guest David Linden, Ph.D., professor of Neuroscience at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.
Welcoming a renowned speaker, writer, and scientist to campus
Well-known internationally for his ability to make complex neuroscience topics available to everyone, Linden will give the Robin Lester Memorial Lecture Thursday, Sept. 26 at 1:30 p.m. in Bevill Biomedical Research Building, room 170. His talk is titled, “Axon regeneration in the adult mammalian brain.”
His expertise ranges from studies of neuroplasticity, memory storage, and a sense of pleasure and touch to the effects of addiction and brain recovery after addiction. His research and his teachings have contributed significantly to the field of neuroscience.
Linden has authored numerous research articles and written influential books that make difficult neuroscience topics understandable to the general public.
He is the author of five books on neuroscience including: “Unique: The New Science of Human Individuality,” published in 2020, as well as “Touch: the Science of Hand, Heart, and Mind” (2015), “Brain Control: Developments in Therapy and Implications for Society” (2014), “The Compass of Pleasure: How Our Brains Make Fatty Foods, Orgasm, Exercise, Marijuana, Generosity, Vodka, Learning, and Gambling Feel So Good” (2011), and “The Accidental Mind: How Brain Evolution Has Given Us Love, Memory, Dreams, and God” (2010).
He was a recent guest on the popular Huberman Lab podcast, hosted by Andrew Huberman, Ph.D., professor of Neurobiology and Ophthalmology at Stanford University School of Medicine, in an episode titled “Life, Death & the Neuroscience of Your Unique Experience.” They discussed the mind-body connection and Linden’s diagnosis with heart cancer in 2020. He outlived his prognosis and candidly speaks about the value of intentionally living for today.
In honor of Robin Lester
Robin Lester, Ph.D.Robin Lester, Ph.D., was a distinguished professor in the Department of Neurobiology who passed away in June 2023.
Respected by all who worked with him, Lester joined UAB in 1995 as an associate scientist in the Neurobiology Research Center. During his early career, Lester never intended on teaching; however, he later discovered that he enjoyed the learning that came with it.
From that point onward, Lester rose to becoming an assistant professor then associate professor. For many of his 28 years at UAB, he had been course director for the Neuroscience Module, where he taught students in UAB’s undergraduate, medical, and graduate school programs.
His impact extended outside of the Heersink School of Medicine and into the schools of Dentistry and Optometry where he directed combined courses. In his most recent years, Lester designed, directed, and instructed four courses for the undergraduate neuroscience program.
Lester was admired by both colleagues and students who had an opportunity to work with him. He received numerous recognitions for his role as an educator. Because of his immense teaching impact, he was nominated by students for Argus Awards in the category of best course, best lecturer, and best organ module in neuroscience. In 2010, he was awarded the 2010 President’s Award for Excellence in Teaching for the Department of Joint Health Sciences.
His recognition continued into 2021 where he was named the 2021 Dean’s Excellence Award winner in Teaching. He also earned the UAB National Alumni Society/Ellen Gregg Ingalls Lifetime Achievement Award in Teaching.
Because of his dedication to innovative teaching and his profound impact in the field, which have continued to be recognized and cherished, the Department of Neurobiology honors his life with the naming of this inaugural lecture.