Browse School of Medicine | Stanford Profiles

Marwa Zafarullah

Postdoctoral Scholar, Neurology and Neurological Sciences

BioDr. Marwa Zafarullah is a dedicated neuroscientist with extensive interdisciplinary experience spanning over 8 years in clinical and pre-clinical research. She holds a Ph.D. in Integrative Genetics and Genomics (IGG) from the University of California Davis, focusing on neuroscience, human genetics, and functional genomics. Before joining Stanford, Dr. Zafarullah harnessed the power of molecular biology with advanced technologies to delve into biomarkers related to the prediction, development, progression, and severity of Fragile X Syndrome and associated disorders.

Dr. Zafarullah's career journey reflects her commitment to advancing scientific knowledge, improving patient care, and positively impacting society through her research and contributions. She thrives in multi-disciplinary teams, aiming to enhance the quality of life for all individuals affected by various neurological conditions. Beyond her professional endeavors, she enjoys communicating complex scientific concepts to diverse audiences. Her continuous pursuit of excellence and her drive to bridge clinical practice and scientific innovation make her a true trailblazer in the field.

Contact Info
Mail Code: 5235
mzafar@stanford.edu

Jafar Zamani

Postdoctoral Scholar, Psychiatry

Contact Info
Mail Code: 5717
jafar@stanford.edu

Aroosa Zamarud, MD

Postdoctoral Scholar, Radiology

BioDr. Aroosa Zamarud is a medical doctor who completed her undergraduate education at Bannu Medical College, Khyber Medical University, Pakistan. Following her graduation and a one-year medical internship, she served as a Medical Officer at Zubaida Khaliq Memorial Hospital, Gilgit Baltistan, Pakistan, a charitable institution. During her tenure, she organized medical camps in remote villages in Northern Pakistan, providing healthcare services to underprivileged populations.

In March 2022, Dr. Zamarud joined the Stanford Neurosurgery department as a Visiting Instructor. Her research primarily focused on Clinical Neurooncology, with a special emphasis on the use of Cyberknife stereotactic radiosurgery as a treatment modality for various benign and malignant brain pathologies, including Vestibular Schwannoma, Sarcoma, Spinal metastases, Meningioma, Pineal and Pituitary metastases, and Arteriovenous malformations.

Currently, Dr. Zamarud is serving as a postdoctoral fellow in neurointerventional Radiology. Her ongoing research centers on investigating the role of venous outflow in patients with acute ischemic stroke, among other stroke-related studies.

Contact Info
Mail Code: 5659
azamarud@stanford.edu

Astrid Nicole Zamora

Postdoctoral Scholar, Epidemiology

BioDr. Astrid N. Zamora is a public health researcher and epidemiologist committed to advancing health equity. Her research combines birth cohort data, formative methods (e.g., interviews, ethnography), and behavioral intervention data to investigate health disparities and develop targeted interventions, focusing on Latino/a populations in the U.S. and Mexico. Dr. Zamora’s work explores how environmental exposures, diet, physical activity, and sleep interact to shape psychosocial and cardiometabolic health across the life course. Dr. Zamora is also actively engaged in public health pedagogy, researching equity-focused teaching practices and strategies for fostering inclusive and equitable learning environments for public health students.

After earning her MPH at the UC Berkeley School of Public Health, Dr. Zamora completed her PhD at the University of Michigan School of Public Health. Her NIH/NIEHS-funded dissertation examined the impact of endocrine-disrupting chemical exposure on sleep health and metabolic risk among adolescents and peri-menopausal women in Mexico City, focusing on populations at high risk for health inequities. This work contributed to the growing understanding of how environmental factors affect sleep quality and their implications for long-term metabolic health.

Currently, as a Propel Postdoctoral Scholar at Stanford University School of Medicine, Dr. Zamora is expanding her expertise in randomized controlled trial (RCT) study design and citizen science methodologies. Her work aims to integrate epidemiologic training with community-based research, aligning her scientific agenda with the priorities of the communities she serves. Dr. Zamora’s research seeks to illuminate how diet, sleep, the built environment, and physical activity intersect to influence health outcomes, with the ultimate goal of reducing health disparities and supporting marginalized communities through actionable and equitable public health solutions.