bio
cognitive neuroscientist & scientific advocate
passionate about structure & systems. building accessible, equitable neuroscience research infrastructure on a global scale.
open to work · open to relocationHi, and welcome! I'm Yasmine—a neuroscientist finishing my PhD at Emory, where I study aging & spatial navigation. Beyond research itself, I'm deeply invested in building systems and infrastructure that help others engage in science.
As an Atlanta-based Lebanese scientist, plant enthusiast, amateur chef, musician, and community member, I believe science and life are better when we show up authentically as whole people — so feel free to explore a more holistic introduction of myself below.
I've moved back and forth between the US and Lebanon throughout my life, ultimately settling in Atlanta ten years ago to pursue higher education.
Currently, I'm a cognitive neuroscientist finishing my PhD in Neuroscience at Emory University. As an NSF Graduate Research Fellow, I work in the Neural Plasticity Research Lab to study how aging changes the brain's navigation systems using neuroimaging, neurostimulation, and virtual reality.
Over the course of my PhD, I've focused on building a new core research capacity for the lab—a novel navigation research arm that integrates clinical assessments, VR technology, neuroimaging, and neurostimulation to study spatial navigation throughout the lifespan. For more on this work, see science.
Prior to my PhD, I completed my undergraduate degree at the Georgia Institute of Technology, as well as my undergraduate thesis with Dr. Shella Keilholz in the Keilholz MIND Lab, analyzing resting-state brain connectivity in individuals with ADHD, PTSD, and sleep disorders.
I'm endlessly passionate about advocating for (and with) the communities I'm a part of—particularly through building accessible and inclusive systems that help others thrive.
Whether I'm developing novel tools for experimental questions, or building operational infrastructure for neuroscience organizations, I'm passionate about building robust, inclusive, and accessible neuroscience research infrastructure, no matter what role I'm in.
For more on leadership and advocacy, see service.
The science and the scientist are inextricably intertwined. Often, we're encouraged to separate personal and professional identities, but science is inevitably shaped by the person conducting it. This profile embraces that, blending personal and professional identity to show more of who I am.
Being Lebanese is a central part of my identity, and I try to visit home (Northern Lebanon, near Batroun) to see friends and family at least once a year. I always find a piece of Lebanon wherever I go—cooking family recipes, scavenging local record stores for Arabic music, leading the dabke line, or finding small pockets of community in whatever city I'm in.
I love to cook, usually experimenting with dishes from all around the world. I'm an avid plant enthusiast and caretaker to 30+ indoor plants. When I'm exploring the city (by foot, bike, or public transit, preferably), you can usually find me at the discount section of my local plant store, thrift stores, book stores, or speciality grocery stores.
I'm a lover of all things creative. I'm currently part of la brat band, on piano and lead vocals (and occasionally bass!), putting my classical training to good use. We had our debut show last year. Otherwise, I love artistic endeavors in all forms, with my new favorite medium of pottery.