dLIGHTed Talks: Good Light – Good Sleep | April 24th, 2025 (4PM CET)

Learn how light affects your sleep in presentations by Dr. Renske Lok and Dr. Jeffrey Hubbard and moderated by Dr. Virginie Gabel.

In our fast-paced, technology-driven world, where artificial light dominates our environments, the relationship between light and sleep has never been more critical. Exposure to the right type of light at the right time is essential for regulating our circadian rhythms—the internal clock that governs sleep and wakefulness. Insufficient light exposure in the morning or excessive light in the evening can disrupt sleep, impair alertness, and reduce productivity during the day. Join us as we explore how good light can optimize melatonin production, support restful nights, and enhance overall well-being.

SAVE THE DATE: April 24th, 2025 (4PM CET)

MODERATION

Dr. Virginie Gabel is an accomplished neuroscientist based in Strasbourg, France, renowned for her work in understanding the complexities of brain function and behavior. With a robust academic foundation, including a PhD in Neuroscience, Dr. Gabel has developed expertise in neural circuits, cognitive processes, and the brain’s response to environmental and physiological changes.

Her research spans a range of topics, including neuroplasticity, neurodegenerative diseases, and the molecular underpinnings of learning and memory. Utilizing advanced methodologies such as electrophysiology, imaging, and computational modeling, Dr. Gabel has contributed significantly to unraveling the intricate connections between brain structure and function.

Currently, Dr. Gabel is engaged in interdisciplinary collaborations at the intersection of neuroscience, technology, and healthcare. She has been instrumental in advancing translational research aimed at developing therapies for neurological disorders. Her work has been widely recognized and published in esteemed scientific journals.

Beyond her research, Dr. Gabel is dedicated to mentoring young scientists and promoting public understanding of neuroscience. She is an advocate for diversity in STEM fields and actively participates in community outreach programs to inspire future generations. Dr. Virginie Gabel’s contributions continue to shape our understanding of the brain and its vast potential for discovery and innovation.

PRESENTERS

Dr. Renske Lok is a senior postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Stanford University, where she is a prominent researcher in sleep and circadian sciences. Her work focuses on the non-image-forming effects of light on circadian rhythms and sleep-wake patterns. Dr. Lok earned her Ph.D. from the University of Groningen, studying the impacts of light on alertness, cognition, thermoregulation, and sleep before joining Stanford University.

Her research, supported by prestigious grants such as the NIH K99/R00 award and funding from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, investigates the mechanisms underlying sleep-wake fragmentation and aims to develop innovative interventions to enhance sleep consolidation and mitigate cognitive decline in older adults. Dr. Lok’s interdisciplinary approach, integrating neuroscience, psychiatry, and chronobiology, has garnered numerous accolades, including recognition for the best dissertation of the academic year in the Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience field for her Ph.D. thesis, entitled: “Grasping light: Mental and physiological responses to illumination”.

As the Vice-President of the Society for Light, Rhythms, and Circadian Health, Dr. Lok is instrumental in advancing the field. Her commitment to science communication is demonstrated through her involvement on the board of advisors for the Center for Environmental Therapeutics and as a science advisor for the Good Light Group. Additionally, Dr. Lok is dedicated to promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, exemplified by her role as a mentor for local community college students with an interest in science.

Dr. Jeffrey Hubbard is a distinguished scientist specializing in genomic research, currently based at the prestigious Center for Integrative Genomics (CIG) in Lausanne, Switzerland. With a PhD in molecular biology, Dr. Hubbard has dedicated his career to understanding the intricate mechanisms of gene regulation and their implications for human health and disease. His research focuses on the interplay between genetics, epigenetics, and environmental factors, advancing our knowledge of complex biological systems.

At the CIG, Dr. Hubbard leads innovative projects that leverage cutting-edge technologies such as next-generation sequencing, CRISPR genome editing, and computational modeling. His work has contributed to breakthroughs in personalized medicine, particularly in identifying genetic markers for disease susceptibility and therapeutic targets.

A passionate advocate for interdisciplinary collaboration, Dr. Hubbard works closely with bioinformaticians, clinicians, and fellow researchers worldwide. He has published extensively in high-impact journals and regularly presents at international conferences.

Beyond the lab, Dr. Hubbard is committed to mentoring young scientists and fostering the next generation of genomic researchers. His dedication to science communication ensures his findings reach both academic and broader audiences. Dr. Jeffrey Hubbard’s contributions continue to shape the future of genomics and its transformative potential for healthcare.