I am a neuroscientist with over eleven years of experience studying the mechanisms of neuroinfectious and neurodegenerative disorders, including molecular and cellular pathways that drive cognitive and mood alterations. My broad-scope, multidisciplinary training has granted me expertise in pharmacology, biochemistry, imaging (optical microscopy), advanced models of disease, rodent behavioral analysis, and human biomarker research. As an independent researcher, I aim to understand how the interplay of sex, age, and infection burden affects brain resilience or susceptibility to degeneration, cognitive decline, and dementia. My research will provide new molecular targets for drug discovery, biomarkers for early identification of risk populations, and support personalized medicine for individuals at risk of late-life dementia. I also care for science communication and have engaged in several initiatives for science communication, outreach, and advocacy throughout my career.