Burcin is an award-winning neuroscientist specializing in the impact of climate change and other environmental factors on brain health. In 2023, she launched EcoNeuro, a research initiative and action tank dedicated to exploring the intersection of neuroscience and climate change for global health advancement.
As the founder and chair of the International Neuro Climate Working Group, Burcin spearheads worldwide research, advocacy, policy, and community efforts addressing the link between climate change and brain health. She also contributes as a science writer to Psychology Today and other outlets.
Additionally, Burcin serves on the Scientific Advisory Boards of several international organizations, including the Climate Cares Centre in the UK and the Climate Clinic in Turkey.
Her scientific achievements are showcased through her keynote address at the 79th United Nations General Assembly, TEDx talk, articles in Undark Magazine and Think Global Health, and numerous publications in peer-reviewed academic journals. As an acknowledged brain health expert, Burcin often provides insights and participates in interviewsacross different international media outlets. She has recently appeared in The Guardian,Bloomberg, as well as Australia's and Canada’s leading radio stations.
Burcin’s previous roles include managing the metabolic psychiatry program at Baszucki Group as a science program officer, developing research tools for patient-driven studies and rare diseases as a data scientist at the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, and leading the motor neuron disease research program at Regeneron Pharmaceuticals. She has also participated in Columbia University’s Narrative Medicine and On Deck’s Writer programs.
Burcin earned her B.Sc. in Biomedical Computation from Stanford University and her Ph.D. in Neurobiology from Columbia University. She holds two patents from her postdoctoral work and was awarded the Brunie Prize in Neural Stem Cell Research for her doctoral project.
Committed to making science accessible for all, enhancing science education, and fostering diversity in STEM, Burcin volunteers with organizations that empower scientists from underrepresented communities and enjoys participating in science outreach activities.
Outside of her professional life, Burcin likes to dance, photograph, and spend time in nature with her family. In 2019, she completed a six-month artist residency at Ten Women Gallery in Santa Monica. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband, three children, and puppy.
“I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious.”
