About the Program
The Gator NeuroScholars postdoctoral fellowship program at the McKnight Brain Institute is designed to foster the next generation of neuroscience leaders. Offering a competitive stipend, career development funding, and unparalleled research opportunities, this program equips postdocs with the tools needed to make groundbreaking discoveries and advance their scientific careers. With access to world-class researchers and cutting-edge labs, Gator NeuroScholars provides a robust foundation for academic and professional success in neuroscience.
In Year 2, Gator NeuroScholars will be eligible for research support to collect preliminary data for a career development application (e.g., K99/R00 Pathway to Independence Award). Funding for the third year of support will be contingent upon submission of an application for extramural funding. Candidates will choose a mentor from any of the MBI research focus areas and potential mentors can be found by viewing the MBI Faculty Membership Directory.
Meet our Current Scholars
Department of Physical Therapy
Dr. Mehdi Ahmadian
I am driven by a deep curiosity to explore the intricate relationship between the cardiorespiratory system and neurologically mediated conditions and uncover the profound impact of these conditions on cardiovascular and respiratory function.
Department of Physiological Sciences
Dr. Pedro Trevizan Bau
I investigate neuro-immune interactions in the sympathetic nerves that control inflammation.
Departments of Neuroscience and Neurology
Dr. Adithya Gopinath
My goal is to improve the lives of those affected with diseases, specifically Parkinson’s disease, for which we have a resounding unmet need for better treatments, diagnostics and improved understanding of the fundamentals of disease.
Department of Neuroscience
Dr. John Aaron Howell
I’m driven by the desire to know more and make meaningful contributions to the field of drug discovery and development to treat secondary inflammatory effects of ischemic strokes.
DEPARTMENT OF NEUROSCIENCE
Dr. Andrea Merchak
I am primarily driven by a desire to understand how our bodies work and what goes wrong during disease. I find the communication between the microbes that live within us and our own bodies fascinating.
