Project: Analysis of OCNDS Natural History Study data
Elena is a PhD student in the Neuroscience Graduate program at Vanderbilt University whose research intersects pharmacology and neuroscience. Her current research project in Dr. Ege Kavalali’s lab focuses on BAGOS disorder, a rare neurodevelopmental disorder that was recently discovered in 2015. Her research is aimed at dissecting how patient’s DNA variants alter neuronal communication and have downstream consequences on plasticity (how the brain changes in response to experiences). Elena also worked at the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke where she studied rare variants of the NMDA receptor associated with autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, and epilepsy. This foundational work inspired her to pursue research that untangles the genetic and phenotypic landscape underlying neurodevelopmental disorders, such as OCNDS. Whether it is teaching sheep brain dissections to middle schoolers, or mentoring Vanderbilt students in STEM, she is passionate about science communication. Beyond the lab, Elena loves to experiment with recipes in the kitchen, running outdoors, and hiking with friends.