Laura Y. Cabrera

Laura Y. Cabrera is an Assistant Professor of Neuroethics at the Center for Ethics and Humanities in the Life Sciences and the Department of Translational Neuroscience, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine. Her research focuses on the ethical and policy implications of neuroscience and neurotechnology developments, with a particular emphasis on public perceptions of psychiatric interventions and neurodegenerative diseases.

• Education
  • B.Eng. in Electrical and Communication Engineering from Instituto Tecnológico de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey (2005)
  • MA in Applied Ethics from Linköping University (2007)
  • PhD in Applied Ethics from Charles Sturt University (2012)

Dr. Cabrera's research explores ethical challenges in neurotechnology, including media coverage and public attitudes toward pharmacological and neuromodulation interventions for psychiatric disorders, enhancement applications, and cultural perspectives on Alzheimer's disease. Her work also addresses policy challenges in implementing deep brain stimulation for Parkinson's disease.

She leads NIH BRAIN Initiative-funded research (2018–2022) on ethical concerns related to psychiatric electroceutical interventions (PEIs) among stakeholders, and a National Institute on Aging-funded project (2018–2020) examining Latino communities' perceptions of Alzheimer's disease. These projects highlight her commitment to bridging ethics, neuroscience, and public policy.