THE BRAINY-BUNCH where PASSION MEETS PURPOSE
Dan Lewis Foundation | Fall 2023

"The Brainy-Bunch," a dedicated group of social media influencers and college students, has taken up the mantle as volunteers to support The Dan Lewis Foundation for Brain Regeneration Research (DLF). Their journey began with a visit to a prominent research lab, Quiver Biosciences, located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, as they embarked on the initial steps to raise awareness and fundraise for research to support traumatic brain injury repair and regeneration. Dr. Roy Maimon, a post-doctoral research scientist at the University of California San Diego and the first recipient of the Dan Lewis Prize, joined the group in Cambridge and gave an interactive presentation on his current research on neuro-regeneration. He provided the non-science group with the novel science behind his current research on neuro regeneration.


This remarkable collaboration between The Brainy-Bunch and the (DLF) highlights the powerful potential of partnerships between social media influencers and the scientific community in propelling medical advancements forward. The social media influencers have the audience, and the scientific community has the expertise, with a commitment to work together to change the course of treatment for those in the brain injury community. At Quiver Biosciences, The BrainyBunch was privy to firsthand experiences of the groundbreaking research spearheaded by eminent figures in neuroscience. Dr. Graham Dempsey and Dr. David Margulies, pioneers in their own right, are at the helm of efforts to revolutionize the critical work for brain trauma repair. The DLF seeks to catalyze brain regeneration research and is working with multiple world-class scientists in that quest.


This unique collaboration seeks to raise awareness and funds to support cutting-edge research that holds promise that brain repair and regeneration, once thought impossible, is now plausible. At the same time, the partnership has kindled a flame of hope that actively supports and champions scientific endeavors. Through their expansive reach on social media platforms, The Brainy-Bunch has a unique opportunity to disseminate critical information about brain regeneration research, acting as a bridge between the scientific community and the general public. In the coming months, it is anticipated that this collaboration will bear fruit, generating a swell of support and funding that will catapult brain trauma research into new frontiers. With the backing of the Brainy-Bunch, the DLF hopes to accelerate the pace of research, drawing us ever closer to a world where medications will one day help the human brain to heal itself.


As the journey continues, it will be exciting to witness the synergy between influencers and scientists, a testament to the power of unity in advancing the cause of medical science. The Brainy-Bunch, with its vibrant personalities, wide-reaching influence, and the brilliant minds of world-class scientists working together, is poised to usher in a new era of hope and progress in traumatic brain injury regeneration and repair. The partnership between the Brainy-Bunch and the Dan Lewis Foundation exemplifies how modern influencers can wield their power for the greater good while making tangible differences in the real world. The collaboration serves as a reminder that when passion meets purpose, amazing things can happen. 

The word arpah is written in blue letters on a white background.
By Dan Lewis Foundation July 31, 2025
On July 10, 2025, the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) announced a major initiative titled Functional Repair of Neocortical Tissue or FRONT. The announcement states “FRONT will pioneer a curative therapy for the more than 20 million adults in the US living with chronic neocortical brain damage from neurodegeneration, stroke, trauma, and other causes, which costs the country an estimated $800 billion per year. Worldwide, more than 200 million people live with debilitating after-effects of brain damage.”  A set of informational meetings about this program and a due date for outlines of potential proposals have been set for August. Full proposals are due by September 25, 2025. Complete instructions, specifications, and expectations are delineated in the ARPA-H FRONT announcement. The FRONT announcement includes a clear expectation that the successful brain regeneration methods that are discovered will be used in clinical trials with persons with brain injury by the fifth year of the program. The DLF lauds ARPA-H for initiating this program. We are discussing possibilities for playing a supportive role as proposals develop. This exciting program is congruent with the original overarching goals of the DLF and confirms the validity of its mission.
Photo of Dr. Justin Burrell
By Dan Lewis Foundation July 31, 2025
Dr. Burrell is a translational neuroengineer in the Departments of Neurosurgery and Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery at the University of Pennsylvania. His research integrates advanced neural repair strategies with clinical translation, focusing on axon protection, nerve fusion, and engineered neural tissue for neurotrauma recovery. Dr. Burrell has led the development of multiple first-in-field innovations—including the first large-animal model of nerve fusion, delayed axonal fusion protocols, and the first orally active axonal protectants—positioning him as a recognized leader in regenerative neurotechnologies. He is co-founder of Neurostorative LLC and plays a central role in several other platforms aimed at neural reconnection, long-term preservation, and bio-integrated prosthetic systems.