Meeting Info
October 20th and 21st, 2025. More information to follow.
Westin Palm Springs
Final Meeting Agenda
LARRY L. HILLBLOM FOUNDATION 20TH ANNUAL SCIENTIFIC SESSIONS
The Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
400 Cannery Row
Monterey, CA
October 21 – 22, 2024
Note to Speakers: Network grants have 30 minute time slots, with 20 minutes to present and 10 minutes for Q&A from our SAB and audience. Start-Up and Fellowship grants have 15 minute time slots, with 10 minutes to present and 5 minutes for Q&A from our SAB and audience. Please do not let your slide presentations exceed the allowed 20 minutes or 10 minutes, so that we have enough time for discussion.
Monday, October 21, 2024
OVERVIEW
Registration – Monterey Bay Foyer
7:30am – 8:30am
Breakfast – Carmel Ballroom
7:30am – 8:30am
Scientific Sessions – Monterey Bay Ballroom
8:30am – 12:30 pm
Lunch – Central Plaza
12:30pm – 1:30pm
Scientific Sessions – Monterey Bay Ballroom
1:30pm – 5:00pm
Cocktail Reception – Central Plaza
6:00pm – 7:00pm
Dinner – Dolphins Ballroom
7:00pm – 9:00pm
SCIENTIFIC SESSIONS: NETWORK, START-UP & FELLOWSHIP GRANTS
Welcome & Opening Remarks
8:30 AM – 8:45 AM
Speaker: Joseph Waechter, Chairman of the Board of Directors
Network Grantee Presentation: UCSF; T Regulatory Cell Activity and Function in Type 1 Diabetes
8:45 AM – 9:15 AM
Speaker: Qizhi Tang, PhD on behalf of Mark Anderson, MD, PhD
Abstract
Network Grantee Presentation: Salk Institute; The Marmoset as a Model of Aging and of Age-Related Neurodegenerative Disease
9:15 AM – 9:45 AM
Speaker: John Reynolds, PhD
Abstract
Network Grantee Presentation: UCSD; Time-Restricted Eating as a Lifestyle Intervention to Improve Glycemic Control and Atherogenic Lipids in Patients
9:45 AM – 10:15 AM
Speaker: Pam Taub, MD
Abstract
BREAK
10:15 AM – 10:45 AM
Network Grantee Presentation: Salk Institute; Adipose PDE4D: a New Druggable Pathway to Overcome Insulin Resistance
10:45 AM – 11:15 AM
Speaker: Alan Saltial, PhD on behalf of Ron Evans, PhD
Abstract
Network Grantee Presentation: UCSD; Contribution of Mosaicism to Age-Related Neurological Disease
11:15 AM – 11:45 AM
Speaker: Joseph Gleeson, MD
Abstract
Network Grantee Presentation: UCSD; Epigenomic Silencing of Cell Type-Specific Regulatory Elements to Protect Against Type 1 Diabetes
11:45 AM – 12:15 PM
Speaker: Kyle Gaulton, PhD
LUNCH
12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
Start-Up Grantee Presentation: UCSD; Chemical Tools for Deciphering Parkinson’s Disease Signaling
1:30 PM – 1:45 PM
Speaker: Fleur Ferguson, PhD
Abstract
Start-Up Grantee Presentation: UCSF; Development of a Novel T Cell Therapy to Induce Beige Adipogenesis
1:45 PM – 2:00 PM
Speaker: Sagar Bapat, PhD
Start-Up Grantee Presentation: USC; Actin-Mitochondria Interactions During Stress and Aging
2:00 PM – 2:15 PM
Speaker: Ryo Higuchi-Sanabria, PhD
Abstract
Start-Up Grantee Presentation: UCSF; Mechanisms of Autoimmune Diabetes Provoked by Cancer Immunotherapy
2:15 PM – 2:30 PM
Speaker: Zoe Quandt, PhD
Abstract
Start-Up Grantee Presentation: UCSF; Using Genetics, CRISPR and Patient iPSC to Model C9orf72 FTD/ALS
2:30 PM – 2:45 PM
Speaker: Claire Clelland, MD, PhD
Abstract
Start-Up Grantee Presentation: Cedars-Sinai; Role of Cysteine String Protein in Dopamine Neuron Function and Vulnerability to Degeneration
2:45 PM – 3:00 PM
Speaker: Katlin Silm, PhD
Abstract
BREAK
3:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Start-Up Grantee Presentation: UCSF; Biological Signatures of Neurodegeneration and Aging in Postoperative Delirium
3:30 PM – 3:45 PM
Speaker: Sara LaHue, MD
Abstract
Start-Up Grantee Presentation: Scripps; Epigenetic Mechanisms of Brain Aging
3:45 PM – 4:00 PM
Speaker: Xin Jin, PhD
Abstract
Start-Up Grantee Presentation: Gladstone Institute; High Altitude-Inspired Therapies for Metabolic Syndrome and Diabetes
4:00 PM – 4:15 PM
Speaker: Isha Jain, PhD
Abstract
Start-Up Grantee Presentation: Buck; Dissect the Effects of Long-Term Environmental Stresses on Cellular Physiology and Aging
4:15 PM – 4:30 PM
Speaker: Chuankai Zhou, PhD
Abstract
Start-Up Grantee Presentation: UCSF; Systematic Identification and Characterization of Regulators of Senescent Cell Clearance by Macrophages
4:30 PM – 4:45 PM
Speaker: Roarke Kamber, PhD
Abstract
Fellowship Grantee Presentation: UCSF; Screening and Characterization of Protein Folding Correctors for Non-Surgical Treatment of Corneal Endothelial Dystrophy
4:45 PM – 5:00 PM
Speaker: Finn Wolfreys, PhD
Abstract
BREAK
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
RECEPTION
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
DINNER
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Tuesday, October 22, 2024
OVERVIEW
Registration – Monterey Bay Foyer
7:00am – 8:00am
Breakfast – Carmel Ballroom
7:00am – 8:00am
Scientific Sessions – Monterey Bay Ballroom
8:00am – 12:00pm
Lunch – Central Plaza
12:00pm – 1:00pm
SCIENTIFIC SESSIONS: FELLOWSHIP GRANTS
Fellowship Grantee Presentation: UCSF; Elucidating the Role of Oxidative Stress and pATM Signaling in Aging and Dementia
8:00 AM – 8:15 AM
Speaker: Sarah Kaufman, MD, PhD
Abstract
Fellowship Grantee Presentation: City of Hope; Dysregulated Uridine Homeostasis Stimulates Hepatic Glucose Production in Obesity and Associated Type 2 Diabetes
8:15 AM – 8:30 AM
Speaker: Ling Fu, MD, PhD
Abstract
Fellowship Grantee Presentation: Stanford; Rejuvenating the Aging Brain — Genetic Dissection of Synaptic Adhesion Molecules on Promoting Synapse Formation
8:30 AM – 8:45 AM
Speaker: Xuchen Zhang, PhD
Abstract
Fellowship Grantee Presentation: UCSF; Integrating the Metabolome with the Transcriptome and miRNAome in Underactive Adults at Risk for Type 2 Diabetes
8:45 AM – 9:00 AM
Speaker: Kimberly Lewis, PhD
Abstract
Fellowship Grantee Presentation: UCSF; Uncovering Function and Regulation of an Aging-Associated Interferon-Responsive Microglial State
9:00 AM – 9:15 AM
Speaker: Amanda McQuade, PhD
Abstract
Fellowship Grantee Presentation: UCSF; New Molecular and Cellular Aspects of the Regulation of Energy Homeostasis by the Leptin-Melanocortin Pathway
9:15 AM – 9:30 AM
Speaker: Coralie Alexandre, PhD
Abstract
Fellowship Grantee Presentation: Stanford; Elucidating the Role of Alternative Polyadenylation in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia
9:30 AM – 9:45 AM
Speaker: Yi Zeng, PhD
Abstract
BREAK
9:45 AM – 10:15 AM
Fellowship Grantee Presentation: Buck Institute; Investigating the Interplay Among Cellular Senescence, Insulin Resistance, and Glycation Stress
10:15 AM – 10:30 AM
Speaker: Parminder Singh, PhD
Abstract
Fellowship Grantee Presentation: Buck Institute; Secretion of Autophagyrelated Factors: Role in Inter-Tissue Communication and Aging
10:30 AM – 10:45 AM
Speaker: Hiroshi Ebata, PhD
Abstract
Fellowship Grantee Presentation: Stanford; The Role of an AD Protective and Longevity Associated Variant of PLCG2 in Brain Aging
10:45 AM – 11:00 AM
Speaker: Andy Tsai, PhD
Abstract
Fellowship Grantee Presentation: UCSD; The Role of Adipose Tissue Macrophages-Derived miR-690 on Adipocyte Precursor Cell Maintenance and Adipogenesis
11:00 AM – 11:15 AM
Speaker: Karina Cunha e Rocha, PhD
Abstract
Fellowship Grantee Presentation: Buck Institute; Developing a KIBRA Therapeutic to Reverse Memory Loss in Tauopathy and Aging
11:15 AM – 11:30 AM
Speaker: Lei Yao, PhD
Abstract
Fellowship Grantee Presentation: UCSD; Anti-Diabetic Effects of Adipose Tissue Macrophage-Exosomes from Rosiglitazone-Treated Obese Mice
11:30 AM – 11:45 AM
Speaker: Theresa Rohm, PhD
Abstract
Fellowship Grantee Presentation: UCSF; Discover and Characterize Genes and Variants Associated with Phagocytosis in Alzheimer’s Disease
11:45 AM – 12:00 PM
Speaker: Han Yang, PhD
Abstract
LUNCH
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
For specific questions related to your presentation please contact us.
Registration and Meeting Information
The Larry L. Hillblom Foundation 20th Annual Scientific Meeting will take place in Monterey, CA on October 21 & October 22, 2024.
Registration is open and the online “registration form” must be completed no later than Monday, August 5th, 2024.
All travel, transportation, housing and incidental meals are the responsibility of each grantee. Meeting attendance is mandatory. The LLHF includes in each of your grant budgets money for travel to attend our Annual Scientific Meeting.
The Foundation *does not* make your hotel reservation. In addition to completing the registration form, you must contact the Monterey Plaza Hotel directly to reserve your room (no later than August 19, 2024).
Meeting presentations will begin at 8:30 a.m. on Monday, October 21st and conclude on Tuesday, October 22nd at 1:00 p.m. Please plan your travel accordingly to participate in ALL meeting activities.
Hotel Information
Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
400 Cannery Row
Monterey, CA 93940
Main Phone: 831-920-6710
Reservations: 800-334-3999 (mention that you are with the Larry L. Hillblom Foundation Scientific Meeting)
Fax: 831-646-0285
Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa Website
Reservations
You will need to secure your room reservation by Monday, August 19th, 2024 in order to guarantee accommodation. A credit card will be required in order to guarantee your reservation and an advance deposit will be charged to guarantee your room. All travel, transportation, housing and incidental meals are the responsibility of each grantee (your LLHF grant budget covers these costs). Please contact the hotel directly to secure your room with our group rate.
Group Room Rate: Please book directly with the hotel as soon as possible.
The following rooms/rates are available in our block on both Sunday and Monday nights (you can also extend your stay at the group rate if rooms are available):
- $289 per night plus tax – Inland View Balcony
- $289 per night plus tax – Inland View
- Note: Valet parking is an additional $39++ nightly fee with 24 hour in and out privileges included
- Toll Free Reservation Number: 800-334-3999
- Please reference the “Larry L. Hillblom Foundation Scientific Meeting” when making your reservation, so that you will receive our group rate and be added to the correct room block.
Transportation
General Airline & Airport Information / Driving Directions:
- The Monterey Plaza Hotel provides details for your convenience.
Airports:
- Monterey Peninsula Airport (MRY) is a 10 minute drive to the hotel and has over 40 daily flights on several major airlines.
- San Jose Airport (SJC) is 75 miles north of Monterey, with a driving time of approximately 1.5 hours.
- San Francisco Airport (SFO) is 100 miles north of Monterey, with a driving time of approximately 2 hours.
Ground Transportation:
- Monterey Air Bus Shuttle Service
Provides direct service from San Jose & San Francisco airports to the Monterey Plaza Hotel
PH: 831-373-7777 - Main Event Transportation
Provides direct service from San Jose & San Francisco airports to the Monterey Plaza Hotel
PH: 831-646-5466 - Yellow Cab
Local taxi service in Monterey, as well as airport pick-up/drop-off
PH: 831-333-1234 - Google Map
Meals
The following meals will be provided for you during the program:
- Monday, October 21st: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Tuesday, October 22nd: Breakfast and Lunch
Business Center
- There are two 24 hour self service business centers located the hotel (charges vary).
Additional Notes
As a reminder, the LLHF includes in each of your grant budgets money for travel to attend our Annual Scientific Meeting. In addition to your required presentation, as a professional courtesy to our Board and your fellow scientists, you are expected to participate in all of the activities of our meeting.
If you have any questions regarding the scientific meeting or hotel information, please contact us directly.
We hope that you have had an exciting and productive year! We are looking forward to seeing each of you in October.
LLHF Annual Meeting Registration Form
2024 Presentation Information
Specific Content for Presentations
- Please specifically address the following in your talk: research findings to date, progress over the last year, goals for the coming year or conclusions/findings and future direction.
- Please limit the number of slides to 1 per minute so that you won’t exceed your stated time limit.
- NETWORK Grantees and Co-Investigators will be allocated 20 minutes TOTAL for their presentation.
- Please speak no longer than 20 minutes because we need to allow 10 minutes at the end of your allotted time for a few questions and discussion.
- Make sure to address your progress on all projects from the entire team (the PI and all Co-investigators) on the grant.
- START-UP and FELLOWSHIP Grantees will be allocated 10 minutes TOTAL for their presentations.
- Please speak no longer than 10 minutes because we need to allow 5 minutes at the end of your allotted time for a few questions and discussion.
- The presentation should be articulated clearly and concisely and should be engaging for the audience. We suggest that you practice with your mentors and get guidance and final approval from them, as the oral presentation will impact your overall review from the LLHF SAB and Board.
- If this is your final presentation, please include a “summary” slide that encapsulates your LLHF project and discusses your future plans. Please make sure to include bullet points that address the following: 1) where you are going, 2) any active research grants/projects that you are currently working on, 3) any pending grants/funding, 4) any published papers, 5) any awards/honors, etc.
NOTES:
Please keep in mind that it is not necessary to give an exhaustive discussion on your research project. Focus on a few key points or significant findings that will be important to or of interest to the audience, and allow the Moderator or audience members to ask about the issues they want to hear more about.
Q&A: We want all of you to participate in the discussion, particularly our fellowship and start-up grantees. This is a rare opportunity and we want you to take full advantage, so we expect each fellow to be prepared to ask at least 2 questions during the program. Our SAB moderator will go around the room to make sure everyone participates.
Technical Requirements and AV Information for Presentations
- An AV technician from Five Star Audio Visual will be present in the Monterey Bay Ballroom from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm on Sunday, October 20th to load your presentation, review your slides and to review the presentation procedure with you. You must give your presentation to the AV tech in advance. Please bring a flash drive with your final presentation on Sunday, the 20th.
- For continuity, ALL presentations will be uploaded onto one central laptop. NO personal laptops will be used during the presentations. (AV will be able to accommodate either your PC or your Mac file format).
- Please create 1 single file for your presentation.
- If you are a Network Grantee with additional presentations from your Co-Investigators, please make sure that the ENTIRE presentation is ONE file. It is the responsibility of the Network P.I. to collaborate with your team to create a single presentation file for the meeting.
- The title of the file should be the name of the LLHF Grantee/Principle Investigator.
- If possible, please try not to include any specialized fonts, embedded video/movies or sound in your presentation.
- Please make sure to allow ample time to upload and review your presentation with the AV tech on Sunday, the 20th from 2:00 to 6:00 pm in the Monterey Bay Ballroom.
We do not want you to lose your opportunity to present your research to our SAB and Board of Directors; therefore, we would appreciate your cooperation with these guidelines.
If you have any questions please contact us.
