Robin Isadora Brown, PhD

Hi, I’m Robin! I am a research scientist, educator, and person that cares about people. I recently earned my Ph.D. as a developmental neuroscientist in the Kucenas Lab at the University of Virginia, where I focused on satellite glial cells and how they shape sensory neuron development, function, and regeneration after injury.

Before neuroscience, my research took me through fields of sunflowers, the early body plans of fruit flies, and the fibrotic kidneys of mice. The diversity of these projects has allowed me to cultivate a unique perspective, an adaptable toolkit (including expertise in microscopy, transgenic tool design, molecular cloning, image analysis, scientific communication), and a habit of asking questions that live at the intersections of evolution, development, neuroscience, health, behavior, and biological diversity.

I am actively seeking opportunities in research, science communication, and education (ideally some combination of the three) where I can keep asking important questions, work alongside curious collaborators, and help translate our work for the betterment of others. If that sounds like a fit, I’d love to hear from you. You can find my publications, a bit of my CV, and ways to reach me around this site.

Outside the lab, I’m usually birding, dancing, biking, attending a loud concert, or watching a horror movie (often more than one of these a day). You can also catch me editing English Wikipedia, Wikidata, and Wikimedia Commons as an active contributor to the Wikimedia movement and open knowledge advocate.