Managing Director, Brown Institute of Brain Science

Overview

At Brown, I am the director of research strategy of the Robert J. and Nancy D. Carney Institute for Brain Science. I bring together my research background and experience in communication to serve as a liaison among the more than 100 faculty members at Brown who pursue research on the brain. I catalyze communication and scientific collaboration among diverse disciplines, particularly the intersection of the physical and life sciences, and bridging basic science with clinical research and application. I work with teams of scientists to build and sustain interdisciplinary research and training programs. In addition, I play a central role in securing private funding and developing partnerships with corporations to support our Institute initiatives. I also participate in classes and workshops to help graduate and undergraduate students communicate more clearly for both technical and lay audiences.

I am trained as a biophysicist and molecular biologist. I spent my graduate career in a small, dark room watching single molecules of RNA polymerase do their thing, through a microscope suspended by bungee cords.

Following my research training, I pursued a career in science communication.  As a science journalist, my work has appeared Science, Newsweek, Wired, the HHMI Bulletin, and other venues. Before coming to Brown, I spent four years, from 2001 to 2005, as an associate editor and sole full-time writer for SAGE KE, Science Magazine's Web resource devoted to the biology of aging.

Brown Affiliations

Research Areas

On the Web