Nadja Spitzer

Nadja Spitzer is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Marshall University, where she investigates the impacts of environmental contaminants on neural stem cell differentiation and neurogenesis. Holding a Ph.D. in Neurobiology and Behavior from Georgia State University (2006) and a B.Sc. in Biochemistry from the University of Victoria (Canada), her research bridges cellular biology and environmental health.

• NSF-CAREER Award #1553667 (2016-2021)
• NSF-RII Award #OIA-1458952 (2015-2020)

Her lab examines how low-level exposure to silver nanoparticles and manganese disrupts cytoskeletal dynamics and differentiation in adult neural stem cells. Using techniques like patch-clamp electrophysiology and immunocytochemistry, she combines molecular and cellular approaches to assess environmental risks. Her work has been presented at conferences including the Society for Neuroscience and American Society for Cell Biology.

Spitzer co-founded Marshall University’s Brain Awareness Program and directs the annual Brain Expo, engaging local schools in neuroscience education through hands-on activities. She also mentors students in research, with numerous poster presentations led by undergraduates and master’s students.