Adapt, Reclaim, and Thrive

Chronic stress not only diminishes our quality of life, but also induces inflammation in the brain and body. This inflammation in the brain can impair decision making and behavior, impairing our ability to adapt and exacerbating existing problems. Widespread stress and inflammation have broader societal implications, influencing collective responses to health and safety threats. Understanding the neurobiological impact of chronic stress underscores the importance of community in building resilience and fostering a healthier society, a topic that will be explored in this upcoming webinar.

Breeanne Soteros, Ph.D., is a neuroscientist by training whose work sits at the intersection of neuroscience and immunology. Her investigations with Dr. Gek-Ming Sia at UT Health SA led to the discovery of a synapse-saving protein that prevents immune cells from chewing up connections in the brain. Their recent research explores how chronic stress triggers the loss of neural connections, shedding light on how stress makes us vulnerable to psychiatric disorders. Witnessing the devastating impact of chronic stress on the brain has fueled her passion for supporting resilience and wellbeing in the community. Dr. Soteros is deeply driven to democratize knowledge about the brain, believing that understanding our brains can lead to greater empathy and resilience. Inside and outside of the lab, she is an avid microscopist, and loves to share the joy of microscopy with others.

Dr. Soteros is a 2022 winner of the Mind Science BrainStorm Neuroscience Pitch Competition. View her winning pitch here!