What inspired you to pursue aging research?
What inspired me to pursue aging research is, first and foremost, curiosity. Aging is something we all go through, yet we still understand so little about it at the molecular level. I was drawn to how complex and systematic the process is, and how much remains to be uncovered. It’s also an exciting time to be in this field. With cutting-edge technologies now available, we have the opportunity to look at aging with unprecedented resolution and scale and uncover insights that were not possible before. I’m excited to bring these tools into aging research and hopefully spark new breakthroughs.
In your view, what does AFAR mean to the field, and what does it mean, for you, to receive an AFAR grant now?
AFAR has been a leading force in aging research, supporting bold ideas and scientists who are pushing the boundaries of what we know about getting older. For me, receiving an AFAR grant at this early stage is incredibly meaningful—it’s my first independent grant, and it serves as both a vote of confidence and a source of inspiration. It gives me the momentum to take risks, explore new directions, and contribute to a deeper understanding of how we age and how we might age better.
What is exciting about your research’s potential impact?
What excites me most is the potential to uncover how the brain ages—cell by cell, in its natural environment. By mapping where and how brain cells change over time, my research could help identify early warning signs of decline and reveal what keeps some brains healthier for longer. This knowledge could open new doors to diagnosing, preventing, or even reversing age-related brain diseases like Alzheimer’s.
How would you describe your research to a non-scientist?
We study how the brain changes as we age down to the level of individual cells. Our brain is made up of billions of cells of numerous different types, each with specialized functions. These cells are arranged in a highly organized spatial structure that is essential for brain function. Just like neighborhoods in a city evolve over time, the brain’s “neighborhoods” of cells shift in composition, activity, and communication as we age. My research uses new technologies that allow us to map these changes in space and time, helping us understand what goes wrong in aging and why some brains stay healthier longer. This knowledge could lead to earlier detection of brain diseases and new ways to keep the brain resilient as we grow older.
