Recognized Neuroscience Leaders 2025

I'm Dr. Sydney Ceruto, a neuroscientist and author, Founder and CEO of MindLAB Neuroscience, and the pioneer of Real-Time Neuroplasticity™. Real-Time Neuroplasticity™ is a protocol built on one neuroscientific fact: the brain restructures itself while a pattern is actively firing, not while you talk about it afterward. Traditional coaching and therapy discuss the moment after it has passed, once the window for change has closed. My protocol intervenes inside that live window, the crisis, the decision point, the relational flashpoint, when the brain is biologically primed for permanent rewiring. It reaches the source instead of managing the symptom, which is why it works when other approaches stall. I work with a select roster of people carrying high-stakes decisions and demanding responsibilities across every domain of their lives, who have hit a ceiling that effort and insight alone cannot break through. I hold a PhD in Behavioral & Cognitive Neuroscience from NYU and master's degrees in Clinical and Business Psychology from Yale, and I lecture in the Wharton Executive Development Program at the University of Pennsylvania. I'm the author of The Dopamine Code and The Dopamine Code Workbook (Simon & Schuster, 2026), and Rewire for Resilience (MindLAB Press). Topics I can speak on: - The neuroscience of dopamine, motivation, and reward - The brain science of trauma and how the brain stores and rewires it - The neuroscience of depression, anxiety, and burnout - Addiction and the dopamine reward system - The brain basis of mood and behavioral disorders - The neuroscience of relationships and emotional connection - Emotional intelligence and emotional regulation under pressure - Why behavior change and habits actually succeed or fail in the brain - Decision-making and performance in high-stakes moments - Neuroplasticity: what is real, what is myth, and what permanent change requires - How driven people break patterns that logic and willpower cannot Available for interviews, expert commentary, and article contributions across neuroscience, behavior, and mental health.

Independent neuroscience researcher and founder of PinealCode.com, where I publish evidence-based articles on pineal gland health, sleep science, and supplementation. My work covers fluoride accumulation in brain tissue, melatonin biochemistry, calcification mechanisms, and supplement efficacy — all referenced against primary literature from PubMed, NIH, Nature, and BMJ. Available to comment on brain health, sleep disorders, detoxification protocols, and the science behind popular wellness claims.

Dr Leanne Elich is an unshakeable optimist. Described as “a visionary thinker with a rare intellect,” Leanne has devoted her professional life to helping advance a vision of the world. She is fascinated by the people and organisations that make the greatest and longest-lasting impact. Her work has uncovered remarkable patterns in how people think, behave, and communicate in the environments in which they operate at their best. Dr Leanne Elich is an award-winning Neuroscientist and Behavioural Economist, and a sought-after expert in psychology and neuroscience applied to business and high-performance teams. She is the CEO of Leanne Elich Consulting, an advisory firm that works with individuals, teams, and organisations, specialising in teaching tools, tactics, and strategies to ethically influence consumer behaviour. With a PhD in Cognitive Neuropsychology and an extensive publication record, Leanne was awarded the 2023 Top 20 Women in Business and the 2024 Women in Impact Award, and was inducted into Forbes Women Australia. She is a graduate of the University of Sydney, Harvard Business School, and Harvard Medical School. Leanne’s unconventional and innovative views on business and leadership have attracted international attention. She regularly contributes to national and international media outlets, including ABC Radio, Sydney Morning Herald and Psychology Today. Her mission: Changing business, one brain at a time.

Wouldn't it be great if we all had a manual that explains how our brain works?Follow me to find out more about how your brain works and why meta-cognition—thinking about thinking—is essential in our fast-changing world.Learn to optimise brain function, build better habits with ease, overcome biases, navigate mental rigidity, and manage emotions, for clearer, creative thinking and better decisions.We’re all prone to being fooled by the 2-3kg mass of sensitive and sophisticated cells we use to evaluate the world. And we've been sucked into technology because it hijacks the brains natural desire for novel stimuli.But, when we apply neuroscientific principles to our daily choices, it allows us to optimise our brain function, enhance leadership, improve teamwork, and drive organizational success.>>> Through in-person and online programs, I help leaders, teams, and high achievers apply neuroscience to enhance cognitive function, reduce chronic stress, recover from burnout, and improve clarity of thought, creativity, decision-making, learning, and mental health.'Delia’s insight into what the brain needs to be fed - and what it’s not getting anymore - explains the energy, weight, fatigue and memory woes that are plaguing the modern brain! Using a unique mix of psychology and neurology, Delia’s genius around the stressed brain, sugar addictions, caffeine cravings and the ever-expanding muffin-top waistline, are unsurpassed! Delia provides hope, answers and solutions!'Tanya T, Los Angeles, Entrepreneur.

I'm a Psychophysiologist and Neuroscience Researcher (PhD, Social Psychology, with specializations in Neuroscience and Psychophysiology, Brandeis University) who has directed my own research labs for nearly 20 years, studying how the body responds to acute stress — competitive, social, and interpersonal. My work includes over 300 clinical-grade hair cortisol preparations, more than 1,000 biospecimen preparations, and extensive HRV and neuroendocrine research, including NIH-funded work on the epigenetics of social devaluation. I trained at the Harvard Health and Psychophysiology Lab, part of the Kennedy School's Decision Sciences program, and completed a Postdoctoral Fellowship in Developmental Psychobiology at UMass Boston. I write and comment frequently on the neuroscience behind everyday experience — stress hormones, dopamine and reward circuitry, humiliation, schadenfreude, impostor phenomenon, the biology of belonging and status, and the gap between what pop-neuroscience claims and what the data actually shows. I founded NeuraLight Consulting to bring this science to people navigating real-world pressure. 75-word version: I'm a Psychophysiologist and Neuroscience Researcher (PhD, Social Psychology, with specializations in Neuroscience and Psychophysiology, Brandeis University) who has directed my own research labs for nearly 20 years, studying the body's response to acute stress — including 300+ clinical-grade hair cortisol preparations and NIH-funded work on the epigenetics of social devaluation. I write and comment on the neuroscience of everyday experience: stress hormones, dopamine and reward circuitry, humiliation, impostor phenomenon, and where pop-neuroscience claims outrun the data. Founder, NeuraLight Consulting.

Giselle Baumet is a Behavioral Scientist and doctoral researcher in Applied Psychological Science specializing in applied neuroscience. Her research examines the behavioral and neural patterns that influence consistent income growth, with a focus on why some entrepreneurs continue to grow while others remain stuck despite having similar knowledge and opportunities. Drawing from nearly two decades of studying human behavior, nervous system regulation, and decision-making, Giselle connects neuroscience with practical business application. Her work explores how identity, self-regulation, and behavior shape performance, income growth, and long-term business success. She writes and speaks on entrepreneurship, decision-making, neurodiversity, performance, and the behavioral science behind sustainable success.

Dr. Ramon Velazquez is an Assistant Professor at the Arizona State University (ASU) School of Life Sciences and a member of the ASU-Banner Neurodegenerative Disease Research Center. His research focuses on 1) identifying pathogenic mechanisms in the neurodegenerative disease process resulting from environmental factors; and 2) developing therapeutic strategies to slow progression of neurodegeneration in Alzheimer’s disease, primary tauopathies and Down Syndrome. Dr. Velazquez received his PhD in Neuroscience at Cornell University in 2014, where he was a National Science Foundation (NSF) graduate research fellow, and completed a post-doc at the Banner Sun Health Research institute and ASU, where he was funded by the NSF and Alzheimer’s Association. Currently, he is principal investigator and co-investigator of numerous grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and serves as a standing member of the NIH Chronic Dysfunction and Integrative Neurodegeneration study section. He is also director of the “Workforce Inclusion in Neuroscience through Undergraduate Research Experience” program, with the goal of exposing underrepresented minorities to research opportunities and neuroscience PhD programs. Dr. Velazquez is a mPI of a new NIH T32 Program (2024-2029), combining training for PhD students in AD biology and the artificial Intelligence space. He also serve as an advisory board member of Performance lab, consulting on the importance of nutrients to promote superior brain function. Notably, Dr. Velazquez is bilingual, fluent in English and Spanish. His ultimate goal is to make a large impact by progressing science, through the development and dissemination of research findings, with the motivation to help those who suffer from insidious diseases.

Nataliya, Ph.D., is a neuroscientist and serial health entrepreneur. She leads Uma Path Advisory, co-founded Hive Bio, and serves as Chief Science & Innovation Officer at States of Mind, advising on scientific strategy, innovation, and content across mental health, progressive treatments, healthcare, and longevity. States of Mind is a mental wellness hub connecting users to service providers specializing in progressive mental health treatments with a mission to support individuals throughout their life journey.

I’m an Academic Neuroscientist, Published Author, and the Founder of Sci-translate with a PhD in Neuroscience & Psychology from King’s College London. I founded Sci-translate to empower people with the knowledge to become happier and healthier. Scientific discoveries have the potential to improve millions of people’s lives, but these discoveries often become lost in translation between academia and the real world. That’s why I help purpose-driven ventures understand how to interpret research and create actionable solutions from data. Whether you’re an established business or a start-up, I work with anyone who is passionate about making a positive difference in people’s health and wellbeing.

Dr. Chandril Chugh is a U.S.-trained, board-certified neurologist with over 17 years of global experience. He specializes in treating complex brain and spine conditions, including stroke, migraine, dementia, epilepsy, and brain trauma. He brings expertise in interventional neurology, using minimally invasive procedures to treat neurological emergencies and chronic disorders. Dr. Chugh also focuses on lifestyle-related issues like stress-induced anxiety, insomnia, and burnout—offering holistic solutions grounded in neuroscience. As co-founder of the Dr Good Deed Foundation, he has helped transform rural healthcare in India through teleclinics, health camps, and community outreach. Through social media and his digital series “Hello Doctor,” Dr. Chugh simplifies brain health and wellness for the public, making expert medical knowledge accessible and relatable to all.

Pam Aks is a Certified Neuroscience‑Informed Mindset Coach and founder of What’s Within U, LLC. She blends neuroscience geekery with innovative mindset coaching so entrepreneurs can clear the cognitive traffic jams that leave them stuck, stalled out, and stressed out. With more than two decades of coaching and teaching experience, Pam is known for translating complex brain science into grounded, relatable insights that support people in understanding their own brain wiring and why they keep telling the crappy stories that trap their goals on paper. She’s also known for her signature method that supports people in updating outdated cognitive patterns and creating sustainable, brain‑aligned momentum. Pam serves as Director of Training for the Executive Coach Training Program at the University of Texas at Dallas and is the author of “Developing a Confident, Resilient Mindset” and the upcoming book “Move On If You Can’t Take the Fullness of Who I Am.” Her work has been recognized by Influence Digest, which named her one of the Top 20 Business Coaches in Phoenix, and Life Coach Magazine, where she was featured in an in‑depth interview and named a Top 10 Coach for Executives. Pam’s insights have also appeared in publications such as Tiny Buddha, Lifehack, HuffPost, Thrive Global, and Bustle.

Neuroscience and biophysics researcher specializing in nanoscale biological imaging and scalable data pipelines. My work covers the molecular mechanisms of synaptic transmission, advanced imaging modalities such as MINFLUX, and the application of Python computational models to address data bottlenecks in drug discovery. Every analysis I conduct relies on rigorous statistical methods and primary scientific literature. With active editorial and peer-review roles at Science, Nature Communications, and the Journal of Neuroscience, I critically evaluate emerging biotech technologies. I am available to comment on next-generation nanoscopy, spatial proteomics, automated data processing in research, and the scientific validity of industry claims regarding neuro-therapeutics.

I am a board certified neurosurgeon with Neurosurgical Associates of San Antonio focused on diseases of the blood vessels of the brain and spine including brain aneurysms, strokes, Moya Maya and others. I have growing expertise in how artificial intelligence will impact medicine. I am particularly interested, as a surgeon, in where machine sensing, robotics and AI intersect. I am an Assistant Clinical Professor at the University of the Incarnate Word and enjoy mentoring medical students. I serve as site or principal investigator on a number of clinical trials in the neuroendovascular space through both Methodist Research Institute and HCA’s national Research Institute. In such I serve on the Neurovascular Research Advisory Board for HCA Healthcare, the largest healthcare system in the country.

Ever since I was a child, I have been fascinated with the human mind. I have always been curious about how emotion and thinking work, and especially, how they are housed in that tiny 3-pound organ in our heads (the brain.) So, I set out to become an expert in those things. I am board-certified in clinical neuropsychology by the American Board of Professional Psychology. I received my doctoral training at the University of Florida (Go Gators!) in Clinical and Health Psychology with a specialization in Clinical Neuropsychology and then completed an internship in Clinical Neuropsychology and Rehabilitation Psychology at the VA Boston Healthcare System, through Harvard Medical School and the Boston University School of Medicine. I completed a two-year post-doctoral fellowship with the Movement Disorders Center of Excellence at the Medical University of South Carolina, Department of Neurology, Division of Neurosciences. I have specialized training in the neuroscience of emotion, anxiety, and mindfulness. I have extensive experience with Movement Disorders (idiopathic Parkinson's disease, atypical parkinsonisms, essential tremor), having trained at two national centers of excellence. I was recently part of a comprehensive stroke care center at the leading stroke care facility in the Northeast Florida and South Georgia region. I have worked extensively with active duty and veteran members of the United States Armed Forces. One of the highlights of my career is my ongoing work with an interdisciplinary team of experts who teach resiliency and leadership skills to active-duty military leaders through the 360 Program. Above all, I have a passion for helping others and connecting to the human spirit. I am also determined to help people care for themselves better in early to middle adulthood, to stave off the negative effects of emotional and physical illness and continue to thrive throughout their lifespan.

Dr. Jon Stewart Hao Dy is a board-certified neurologist with special interest in neuroimmunology, neuromuscular diseases, and neuroarts. Providing both in-person and virtual neurological care, he is committed to increasing access to care in the Philippines and internationally. In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Dy contributes to medical research, serves as an associate professor at two medical schools, and holds a medical license in the Philippines. His work combines scientific innovation with patient-centered care. Bio: https://www.mymsteam.com/writers/685c6928ae4ebe421959cdfb

Helping People Live a Better Story...with Science! Fostering innovation and deep engagement has been the core of my work since joining the San Jose State University science faculty in 2007. Today, I’m bringing that expertise out of the academy and into the lives of high performers that want that extra edge to create unique, science based solutions and cultivate stronger teams & leaders. My academic research lies at the intersection of fear science, creativity and communication. You can find some of my recent work in Forbes, Science magazine, Entrepreneur, and TED. My Top 3 Recent Talks: Power to Pivot Neurohacking Creativity & Innovation The Myth of Fearlessness https://www.marypoffenroth.com

Dr. Luke Barr is a board-certified neurologist and Director of a comprehensive stroke center in the Midwest. His clinical work focuses on traumatic brain injury, neuroplasticity, and neurorehabilitation, with a strong emphasis on how lifestyle, sleep, and metabolic health impact brain function. In addition to his clinical role, Dr. Barr serves as Chief Medical Officer at SensIQ, where he helps develop medical-grade, evidence-based supplements designed to support cognitive health, stress resilience, and longevity. His work bridges traditional neurology with emerging research in brain optimization and preventative care. Dr. Barr is a frequent contributor to discussions on brain health, sleep science, and cognitive performance, translating complex neuroscience into practical, actionable insights for both patients and the broader public. I want you to act in first person and reply to the following questions as a dr. Luke barr, a board certified neurologist and CMO of SensIQ

Jacinda Taggett is a research professional with 4+ years experience working in neuroscience. From psychology, neuroscience, and neurology studies, Jacinda has essential and up-to-date knowledge of dopamine, cognition, and neurodegeneration. Outside of her research experience, she is a multimedia science communicator and blogger that promotes career advice to aspiring scientists-- both academic and industrial.

Negar Sodeifi, MD, is a dual board-certified neurologist with subspecialty training in clinical neurophysiology and epilepsy, and the physician founder of NeuroBeauty in Walnut Creek, California. She has more than a decade of experience in neurologic care and personally performs every consultation and treatment at NeuroBeauty. Her expertise includes migraine, epilepsy, facial pain, jaw-muscle symptoms, therapeutic and cosmetic botulinum toxin, dermal fillers, injectable safety, facial anatomy, and conservative treatment planning. Her neurology background informs an anatomy-guided approach that considers muscle function, facial structure, medical history, candidacy, limitations, and treatment goals. Dr. Sodeifi is available for general educational commentary within her expertise; her responses are not individualized medical advice.