Mayumi L Prins

Dr. Mayumi L Prins is a Professor in the Department of Neurosurgery at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. With a PhD in Neuroscience from UCLA (1996), she has established herself as a leading researcher in traumatic brain injury, particularly focusing on pediatric and adolescent populations.

Her research interests include:

• Traumatic Brain Injury pathophysiology and recovery mechanisms
• Cerebral metabolism following brain injury
• Ketone metabolism and alternative energy substrates in neuroprotection
• Sex differences in brain injury responses
• Pediatric and adolescent brain injury
• Neurodegenerative processes following trauma

Dr. Prins's extensive publication record demonstrates consistent contributions to understanding brain injury mechanisms and potential therapeutic interventions. Her work spans basic science investigations using animal models to clinical applications, with a strong emphasis on translating findings to improve patient outcomes. A significant portion of her research examines how dietary interventions, particularly ketogenic approaches, might support brain recovery after injury by providing alternative energy substrates when normal glucose metabolism is impaired.

She has secured multiple NIH R01 grants as Principal Investigator, including:

• "Timing Of Exercise In Concussed Rat Athletes" (2019-2024)
• "Cerebral Substrate Support After Traumatic Brain Injury" (2018-2023)
• "Age-Dependent Ketone Metabolism After Brain Injury" (2005-2009)

Dr. Prins maintains active collaborations with researchers across UCLA and other institutions, particularly with Dr. Christopher Giza and other members of the UCLA Brain Injury Research Center. Her work has significant implications for sports medicine, pediatric neurology, and neurocritical care, with potential applications for improving outcomes in patients suffering from traumatic brain injuries.