Natasha Hussain

Bio

As Associate Director of the Knight Initiative for Brain Resilience at Stanford University, Natasha Hussain plays a pivotal role in guiding the strategic direction of the initiative. In this capacity, she is responsible for conceptualizing and implementing transformative initiatives, overseeing program operations, and fostering a collaborative environment that integrates community engagement with cutting-edge research. Natasha's leadership encompasses a broad spectrum of responsibilities aimed at advancing the initiative's mission of supporting human brain function, health, and longevity. Her commitment to excellence and strategic innovation contributes to the initiative's position at the forefront of neuroscientific research and community impact.

Natasha received a B.Sc. from McGill University in Montreal, QC, Canada where she completed a double major in biology and environmental science. Natasha continued in her doctoral training at McGill University’s Montreal Neurological Institute at where she earned a Ph.D. in Neurology and Neurosurgery. Natasha's expertise in biochemistry, molecular and cell biology has contributed to significant discoveries in neuroscience, focusing on presynaptic endocytic recycling, Rho GTPases-mediated signal transduction, and the functional characterization of proteins linked to Down’s syndrome and Alzheimer’s disease neuropathology.

During her postdoctoral training at MIT in the Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Cambridge, MA, USA, Natasha delved into molecular components of synaptic plasticity. Her research also explored the cell biology and physiology of a family of protein kinases genetically associated with psychiatric disorders, unraveling their roles in synapse development and function.

Prior to her role at the Knight Initiative, Natasha served as the Scientific Director of the Johns Hopkins Kavli Neuroscience Discovery Institute, fostering transdisciplinary research collaboration among neuroscientists, engineers, and data scientists.

Education & Certifications

• PhD, McGill University, Neurology & Neurosurgery