Max Planck Florida Holds Science Meets Music

MPFI’s celebrated Science Meets Music event returned on April 5, 2022, at The Benjamin Upper School. More than 200 guests attended to hear a talk from MPFI Group Leader Dr. Sarah Stern along with a musical performance from pianist Robin Arrigo.

Dr. Stern gave an illuminating talk about her research on feeding behavior, entitled “Nature, nurture and nutrition: brain circuits underlying obesity and eating disorders.” She explained her research trying to identify the neural circuits that underly habit-based eating, and the potential impacts it can have on major public health issues like obesity and eating disorders.  By understanding the biology underlying unhealthy feeding behaviors, Dr. Stern hopes to increase awareness, reduce stigma, and inform future treatments.

Pianist Dr. Robin Arrigo entertained the crowd with performances of works from Chopin, Liszt, and Beethoven. Dr. Arrigo has performed as both soloist and collaborative artist on numerous concerts throughout South Florida, New York, and Europe. She has been a guest soloist and duo pianist with Palm Beach Atlantic University Symphony numerous times.

Science Meets Music is a public outreach initiative of the Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience and is held several times each year, from January to April. The series will return in 2023. Visit www.mpfi.org for dates and details on future programs.