Pinar Ayata

Pinar Ayata is an Assistant Professor at the Advanced Science Research Center (ASRC) within The City University of New York (CUNY), leading the Ayata Lab. Her research focuses on microglia's role in neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Alzheimer’s disease (AD), emphasizing epigenetic mechanisms, environmental influences, and cellular stress responses. She holds a PhD from The Rockefeller University and completed postdoctoral research at Mount Sinai. Her work bridges molecular biology, immunology, and neuroscience.

Education:

• PhD in Neuroscience, The Rockefeller University
• Postdoctoral Fellowship, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
• Undergraduate studies in Turkey with internships at Harvard Medical School and the German Cancer Research Center

Research Interests:

Dr. Ayata investigates how microglia subpopulations regulate brain aging and neurodegeneration. Key areas include:

• Epigenetic regulation of microglial function
• Environmental factors influencing microglial phenotypes
• Role of cellular stress responses in neurodegenerative pathology
• Microglia’s interaction with pollutants and aging

Awards:

• NARSAD Young Investigator Award
• Robin Chemers Neustein Postdoctoral Award
• Rockefeller University Graduate Fellowship
• Women and Science Graduate Fellow Award

Lab Activities:

The Ayata Lab combines genetic models, molecular techniques, and interdisciplinary tools (e.g., cryo-electron microscopy) to study microglial responses. They emphasize collaboration and diversity, addressing topics like air pollution’s impact on neurodegeneration and microglial lipid metabolism.

Grants & Mentorship:

Funding sources include NIH and private foundations. She mentors PhD students (via CUNY programs) and undergraduates, though high school students are no longer accepted.