The Ohio State University

Keeley Muscatell, Ph.D.

Monica M. Gaudier-Diaz completed a BS in Biology at the University of Puerto Rico in 2008 and a PhD in Neuroscience at The Ohio State University in 2017. As an undergraduate, she participated in the Research Experience for Undergraduates program in Biochemistry at the University of Kentucky, learning and becoming fascinated with scientific research. Following graduation, Monica participated in the Discovery Postbaccalaureate Research Education Program at the Ohio State University, a unique opportunity that provided her with the experience necessary to be successful in graduate school.

Reflecting her interest in how environmental factors can influence health, Monica’s thesis investigated the social influences over the neuroinflammatory response to cerebral ischemia. Specifically, she examined the role of microglia as moderators of the negative consequences of social isolation on ischemic outcome. As a postdoctoral fellow, she will be investigating how stress affects human physiology in the Social Neuroscience and Health laboratory. During this time, Monica will also gain teaching experience by directing a research related skills course at UNC-Chapel Hill and teaching full courses at SPIRE’s partner institutions

Spring 2019

Basic Neurobiology – North Carolina Central University

Spring 2020

Neuropsychobiology of Stress – North Carolina Central University