2024 — 2025 · Nonprofit
Arabs in Neuroscience
Internal Affairs Lead350+general
members
members
1stconference
social
social
3-tiermembership
model
model
Building the structures and systems that support scientific research.
00 The Author
yasmine bassil
open to work & relocation
phd
ياسمين باسيل
I'm a neuroscientist who builds the structures behind scientific research: programs, partnerships, tools, and teams. I center people, connection, and creativity in my work, and I thrive when I can create something that outlasts me.
- previously
- NSF Graduate Research Fellow. Founded a novel navigation research program and Brainhack ATL. Built or led 6 more academic & nonprofit organizations.
- now
- Research Scientist, Neural Plasticity Research Lab, Emory University.
- next
- Open to roles leading scientific programs and partnerships.
01 An Aside
Often, we're encouraged to separate personal and professional identities, but science is inevitably shaped by the person conducting it.
yasmineI believe science and life are better when we show up authentically as whole people. Feel free to explore a holistic introduction of myself below: an Atlanta-based Lebanese scientist, plant enthusiast, home chef, musician, and community member.
02 Education & Training
Cognitive neuroscientist by training, with research in brain dynamics & networks, spatial navigation, and aging.
My research asks how aging changes the brain's navigation systems, using neuroimaging, neurostimulation, virtual reality, and clinical assessments.
As an NSF Graduate Research Fellow in the Neural Plasticity Research Lab, I built the lab's first navigation research program from the ground up, securing $260K+ in competitive funding to support it. Over 6 years, I led and mentored a team of 16 researchers, enrolled 116+ participants, and built 5+ lab partnerships.
I hold a PhD in Neuroscience from Emory University and a BS in Neuroscience from the Georgia Institute of Technology, where I worked with Dr. Shella Keilholz in the Keilholz MIND Lab on resting-state brain connectivity in ADHD, PTSD, and sleep disorders.
My research has led to 7 peer-reviewed publications, 20 conference presentations, and 17 invited talks, all listed on my cv.
03 Projects & Programs
Program builder by design, with leadership across academic programs, nonprofits, hackathons, and student communities.
I take on leadership roles to build what's missing. I try to leave things more efficient, better documented, and easier to hand over than I found them. Here are some ways I've done that.
2023 — 2025 · Emory
Graduates in Neuroscience
Co-President100+PhD
students
students
22board
members
members
10+events
a year
a year
2019 · Brainhack Global
Brainhack ATL
Founder & Organizing Committee Chair$35Kraised
90+applications
10institutions
2021 — 2023 · Emory
Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Committee
Co-Chair17committee
members
members
3subcommittees
1training
launched
launched
2017 — 2020 · Georgia Tech
Undergraduate Research Ambassadors
President1,000+students
a year
a year
150+placed
with labs
with labs
20+ambassadors
a year
a year
2018 — 2019 · Georgia Tech
International Ambassadors
Vice President of External Affairs2,000+students
reached
reached
14committee
members
members
100+attendees at
new gala
new gala
04 In My Own Words
We, as a scientific community, cannot achieve our highest aspirations without the contribution of every one of its members.
05 Personal
Heart in Lebanon, feet in Atlanta, with a life full of music, food, plants, and movement.
I've moved back and forth between the US and Lebanon throughout my early life, ultimately settling in Atlanta in 2012. Being Lebanese is a central part of my identity, and I visit home yearly to see family and friends. I try to find a piece of Lebanon everywhere 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 specialty grocery stores.
I'm a lover of all things creative. I was recently a 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.
06 Currently
What are you reading?Queer World Making: Contemporary Middle Eastern Diasporic Art by Andrew Gayed
Current obsession?learning how to count from 1 to 10 in as many languages as I can
Favorite flavors?too many to name, but a short list: orange blossom, passion fruit, cardamom, fig
Newest hobby?pottery and block printing, with more to come
Best thing you've tasted lately?the best cocktail I've ever had: gin, bergamot liqueur, sake, matcha milk jam
Favorite ingredients to cook with?pomegranate molasses, curry leaf, and Sichuan peppercorn
Favorite places you've traveled?Rio de Janeiro, Singapore, and Cyprus
Biggest time sink?making an app to organize my finances, but it was worth it!
07 Places You Can Find Me
CV
7 publications · 20 presentations · 17 invited talks · $260K+ funding See the full cv →Home
The person behind the work.
Back to the start →Research
How aging changes the brain's navigation systems.
Read the research →Creative
Music, pottery, block printing, and everything else I make.
Creative work →la brat band
Piano and lead vocals (and occasionally bass!).
labratband.com →