Burcin is an award-winning neuroscientist specializing in neurodegenerative diseases and the impact of environmental factors on brain health. In 2023, she launched EcoNeuro, a research initiative dedicated to exploring the intersection of neuroscience and climate change for global health advancement.
As the founder and chair of the International Neuro Climate Working Group, in partnership with Columbia University's Global Consortium for Climate Health Education, Burcin spearheads worldwide research and advocacy efforts addressing the link between climate change and brain health. She also manages the metabolic psychiatry program at Baszucki Group and contributes as a science writer to Psychology Today and other outlets.
Burcin serves on the Scientific Advisory Board of the Climate Clinic in Turkey and the Metabolic Psychiatry Advisory Group at the Institute for Personalized Therapeutic Nutrition in Canada.
Her scientific achievements are showcased through her TEDx talk, articles in Undark Magazine and Think Global Health, and numerous publications in peer-reviewed academic journals. As an acknowledged neuroscience expert, Burcin often provides insights and participates in interviewsacross different media outlets. She has recently appeared in The Guardian and on CBC Radio.
Burcin’s previous roles include being a data scientist at the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, where she developed research tools for patient-driven studies and rare diseases, and leading the motor neuron disease research program at Regeneron Pharmaceuticals. She has also participated in Columbia University’s Narrative Medicine and On Deck’s Writer programs.
Burcin earned her B.Sc. in Biomedical Computation from Stanford University and her Ph.D. in Neurobiology from Columbia University. She holds two patents from her postdoctoral work and was awarded the Brunie Prize in Neural Stem Cell Research for her doctoral project.
Committed to making science accessible for all, enhancing science education, and fostering diversity in STEM, Burcin volunteers with organizations that empower women scientists from underrepresented communities and enjoys participating in science outreach activities.
Outside of her professional life, Burcin likes to dance, photograph, and spend time in nature with her family. She completed a 6-month artist residency at Ten Women Gallery in Santa Monica in 2019. She resides in Los Angeles with her husband, three children, and a puppy.
“I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious.”
