Events

The gut-brain connection is a key part of how the brain forms a picture of the rest of the body, a phenomenon known as interoception, explained Christoph Thaiss, PhD, an assistant professor of pathology at Stanford Medicine.

Through direct signals from the vagus nerve, which connects the brain and the gut, as well as through molecules secreted into the bloodstream from our gut microbes and immune cells that traffic from the gut to the rest of the body, our brains and our digestive tracts are in constant communication. And when that communication goes off the rails, diseases and disorders can result.

It affects your mood, your sleep, even your motivation to exercise. There’s convincing evidence that it’s the starting point for Parkinson’s disease and could be responsible for long COVID’s cognitive effects. And it sits about 2 feet below your brain.

Scott grew up in Boulder, Colorado, and pursued his medical education at the University of Colorado. He later attended Harvard University, where he earned a degree in public health. Following medical school, Scott completed his residency and a fellowship in Medicine, Infectious Disease, and Geographic Medicine at Stanford University. During his time at Stanford, Scott served as a faculty member at the medical school and directed the Human Biology course "Parasites & Pestilence" for over two decades. Currently residing in San Mateo, California, Scott served as Chief of Infectious Disease and Geographic Medicine at Kaiser Redwood City for 25 years, including through the COVID-19 pandemic. He also held the role of influenza and vaccine lead for Northern California Kaiser Permanente, contributing to public health and infectious disease management across the region.

He has appeared on The Doctors Show (CBS), Animal Planet, Discovery Channel and National Geographic (and even the Tyra Bank’s Show in New York!) about several unusual parasitic diseases in humans including leishmaniasis, tapeworm, leprosy and hookworm.

Teshionda Nickerson is the Mental Health Support Specialist at the Menlo-Atherton High School.   "She will be sharing more about what I do and the work we have done since I've been at M-A. When I think back to where we were when I started at M-A and where we are now, I am very proud of what we have accomplished."

Art in Action provides art curriculum, training, and supplies to ensure all students have access to meaningful art education. During this in-service day, the Art in Action team will share a brief overview of their mission and guide us through a hands-on project using provided materials. Your work will help bring the joy of art and creativity to children in our local communities.

PLEASE INVITE A GUEST TO HEAR WILLIAM ELLSWORTH SPEAK!

William Ellsworth is a Stanford Professor of Geophysics, Emeritus.

Here is his Stanford Profile:  My research interests can be broadly defined as the study of active faults, the earthquakes they generate and the physics of the earthquake source. A major objective of my work is to improve our knowledge of earthquake hazards through the application of physics-based understanding of the underlying processes. As Co-Director of the Stanford Center for Induced and Triggered Seismicity, my students, postdocs and I conduct multi-disciplinary studies into the causes and consequences of anthropogenic earthquakes in a wide variety of settings. I have also long been committed to earthquake risk reduction, specifically through the transfer of scientific understanding of the hazard to people, businesses, policymakers and government agencies. Before coming to Stanford in 2015, I was a research geophysicist at the U. S. Geological Survey in Menlo Park, California for more than 40 years where I focused on problems of seismicity, seismotectonics, probabilistic earthquake forecasting, and earthquake source processes

Another Seasoned Member Interview

Artificial Intelligence expert Susan Gonzales will present Generative AI - What is it and Why Does it Matter to You? A Conversation About AI and What You Need to Know! AI isn't coming someday; it is here, and everyone needs to understand the impact of this unprecedented technology. Join a conversation with a local resident and global AI expert who founded a nonprofit in 2019 to help people understand the opportunities and challenges with AI.

See www.aiandyou.org to learn more.

LEVANTAR provides education, cultural programs, and support services to immigrant families in North Fair Oaks and Redwood City through established relationships.

Our dedicated team meets the needs of our community and partners with local schools, congregations, businesses, and city leaders. Together with hundreds of volunteers, we help students and parents grow — in literacy, life skills, confidence, and connection. Academic support, cultural celebrations, and learning workshops are just a few of the ways that we foster belonging and connection. This work brings together generations and cultures, planting seeds of hope and lasting change in our community.

https://wearelevantar.org/

Rotarian Amy will review her recent trip to Kenya, including the club’s solar stove project in Kolong Village and delivery of books to Oloigero Primary School, as well as fellowship with the Rotary Clubs of Athi River and the Maasai Mara. Bonus pictures of wild animals!