Recognized Neuroscience Leaders 2025

I'm Dr. Sydney Ceruto, Founder and CEO of MindLAB Neuroscience. I created Real-Time Neuroplasticity™ because I got tired of watching brilliant people sabotage themselves with brains that were working against them. Here's the thing, traditional coaching or therapy talks at the problem. I rewire it. My method targets the neural pathways responsible for decision paralysis, dopamine dysregulation, and that mental fog that hits when stakes are highest. Whether you're leading in tech, building a startup, competing at the elite level, navigating a major life transition, or breaking through performance plateaus, my clients come to me when they've hit a ceiling that ambition alone can't break through. The results? A 40% average jump in decision-making speed. Permanent removal of the patterns that were holding them back. Not temporary fixes. My background is where clinical neuroscience meets real-world application. Dual PhDs in Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience from NYU. Dual Master's degrees from Yale: Clinical Psychology and Business Psychology. I also completed Wharton's Executive Development Program and have been invited back as a guest speaker. The work speaks for itself: 4.9 stars across 316+ verified reviews. Over 25 years of practice since founding in 2000. In 2024, I received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the World Coaching Congress. In 2025, the Five Star Global Award. In 2022, the CREA Global Innovation Award. I'm an inductee in Marquis Who's Who in America. On the media side, I've been an Executive Contributor to Forbes Coaches Council since 2019 and serve as Senior Writer for Brainz Magazine. My work has appeared in Forbes, USA Today, Newsweek, Associated Press, Cosmopolitan, Business Insider, Fox Business, and CBS News. Simon & Schuster reached out to me about writing a book on dopamine. The Dopamine Code: How to Rewire Your Brain for Happiness and Productivity comes out in June 2026, with a workbook alongside it. For media inquiries, contact: media@mindlabneuroscience.com

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.

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.

Giselle Baumet is a Behavioral Scientist and Applied Neuroscience Researcher engaged in doctoral study in applied psychological science. Her work focuses on the neurobiology of identity and how it shapes income, performance, and decision-making in neurodivergent women entrepreneurs. With an 18-year career dedicated to the study of human behavior, nervous system regulation, and somatic patterning, she has helped thousands of individuals understand how internal states influence external results. Giselle’s work began in the realm of developmental behavior and somatic safety, where she spent over a decade supporting co-regulation, attachment, and behavioral stability. Today, she translates these biological mechanisms into high-performance frameworks for entrepreneurs. Her work bridges applied neuroscience, behavioral science, and real-world income growth.

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.

Touheed Ali is the founder of MemoryRush.online, a cognitive-performance platform dedicated to making memory science, pattern recognition, attention, and reaction-time research simple and accessible. He specializes in working-memory limits, visual processing, sequence learning, cognitive load, and human vs. animal cognition. His work translates neuroscience into clear explanations, visual frameworks, and practical applications for learners, educators, and high-performance individuals. Through MemoryRush, he focuses on breaking down complex brain-processing mechanisms into actionable insights that help people understand how the mind stores, recalls, and interprets information.

Ashanthi Gajaweera, MD, is a board-certified neurologist and founder of Healthspan Neurology, a practice built on a fact most physicians still overlook: dementia biology begins changing up to two decades before symptoms appear, making midlife the critical window for prevention. Her message is simple: the majority of dementia cases are preventable, and the evidence is unambiguous and actionable. For women, who comprise two-thirds of all dementia cases, that window coincides directly with the menopause transition. With 25+ years of clinical experience and rare dual expertise as a neurologist and Menopause Society Certified Practitioner, she brings a perspective virtually unmatched in clinical practice.

Brad Lieberman is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with a Juris Doctor (retired) and prior experience as a startup Chief Privacy Officer. Columbia and Johns Hopkins trained, he founded The Lieberman Center for Psychotherapeutics in New York, where he provides concierge psychiatric care to executives, attorneys, physicians, and other high-functioning professionals. He is also the founder of The Encrypted Chart — operational privacy guidance for solo and small-group healthcare practices. The combination of clinical psychiatry, legal, and privacy expertise makes him quotable across the full mental-health-practice ecosystem: GLP-1 medication side effects, executive and attorney burnout, and concierge psychiatric care on the clinical side; HIPAA, AI scribes, telehealth privacy, and digital-tool compliance risk for independent practices on the operational side. Recently quoted in The Washington Times on "Ozempic personality" and GLP-1 mental health (April 2026). Brad Lieberman, JD (retired), MSN, PMHNP-BC Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner — Columbia and Johns Hopkins trained Founder, The Lieberman Center for Psychotherapeutics — New York, NY Founder, The Encrypted Chart — privacy guidance for healthcare practice Phone: 212-470-3603 Web: lcptherapy.com · encryptedchart.com