My journey into medicine was shaped by an early interest in the history of science and medicine, and work in human rights, which reinforced my understanding of how scientific advancements can impact health. I was drawn to psychiatry because it demands that we integrate biological and social factors in improving the lives of our patients.
At NYU Grossman School of Medicine and the Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, my research focuses on the bioenergetic and metabolic abnormalities observed across a range of psychiatric and neurocognitive conditions, from mood disorders to Alzheimer’s disease. The aim of this effort is to develop therapeutics that may correct or improve these impairments in order to reduce the suffering of people who live with these conditions and their families. At present, my focus is on studying the effects of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors, antidiabetic medications that simulate the effects of ketogenic diets, on brain energetics. I was honored to receive the Nina Schooler Award from the American Society of Clinical Psychopharmacology for this work.
As part of Dr. Dan Iosifescu’s research group, I contribute to clinical studies aimed at developing novel treatments for mood and cognitive disorders. Beyond clinical research, I hold a master’s degree in public policy and have authored publications on healthcare service delivery, quality improvement, and the financing of healthcare systems. This interdisciplinary background enables me engage with mental health challenges from scientific, clinical and policy-driven perspectives.
