I am a Translational Neuroscience PhD Candidate in the department of Psychological and Brain Sciences at the University of Louisville, in Dr. Brendan Depue’s NILCAMP, expecting to graduate May 2021. I earned my B.A. in Psychology from East Carolina University and my M.S. in Neuroscience from University of Hartford. I have extensive neuroimaging analysis experience from Yale University, University of Maryland, Baltimore and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

My research investigates how our dynamic neuroarchitecture gives rise to our empathic ability. This crucial social skill permeates our daily communication, playing a role in harmonious interpersonal relationships and provides an emotional bridge that promotes prosocial behavior towards members of stigmatized groups. Utilizing multimodal neuroimaging techniques, my research aims to illuminate the dynamic interplay between brain networks underlying empathy and other mental processes such as emotion regulation. The resultant findings can guide interventions intended to elevate empathy at a societal level.

Apart from my research, I enjoy contributing thoughtfully written pieces for the general public. My writing has appeared in Scientific American, HuffPost Science, Aeon and Medium. I also believe in feeding the scientific curiosity of high-school students and have founded two highly successful summer internship programs: Louisville and Kentucky Science Pathways.

In my free time, I like to cook and eat (mostly eat), practice Ashtanga yoga, play cello and hike with my loyal canine companion, Mona.

I am originally from Romania.