معرفی
Coleen M. Atkins, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor in the Department of Neurological Surgery at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and an Associate Dean for Graduate Studies. She is also a Research Health Scientist at the Bruce W. Carter Miami VA Healthcare System. Her research focuses on developing therapeutics for cognitive dysfunction post-traumatic brain injury (TBI), including studying synaptic loss in Alzheimer’s models and the impact of chronic stress on TBI recovery. Dr. Atkins holds leadership roles in academic administration, including directing the Neuroscience Graduate Program and serving as President of the Miami Chapter of the Society for Neuroscience.
Education & Training:
- Ph.D. in Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine (1999)
- B.A. in Psychology, University of Minnesota (1993)
- Postdoctoral Fellowships: University of Miami (2004–2007) and Oregon Health & Sciences University (2003–2004)
Research Interests:
Dr. Atkins' lab investigates mechanisms of synaptic loss after TBI and explores therapeutic interventions targeting inflammation and neural plasticity. Current projects include evaluating the interaction between chronic stress and TBI outcomes, and developing neurosteroid prodrugs like NTS-104 to improve cognitive recovery. Her work bridges preclinical studies and translational research, aiming to advance treatments for chronic TBI survivors.
Awards & Honors:
- 2013 Brain Injury Association of America Young Investigator Award
- Mentor Appreciation Award (University of Miami Neuroscience Graduate Program)
- Award for Excellence in Teaching (Miller School of Medicine)
Grants & Collaborations:
- Principal Investigator on a VA Rehabilitation R&D grant studying stress-TBI interactions
- Recipient of Brain Canada Foundation Awards (2019, 2022)
Labs & Teams:
Led by Dr. Atkins, the lab at The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis focuses on neuroplasticity, neuroprotection, and TBI therapeutics. Collaborations include the Bruce W. Carter VA Healthcare System and international neurotrauma societies.
