Melissa Cooper, PhD
About Melissa Cooper, PhD
Melissa Cooper, PhD, is a Postdoctoral Research Scientist at NYU Langone Health, specializing in the neurotrophic capacity of astrocyte networks. She also serves as President of NYU's Women in Science organization and Vice Chair for Equity, Inclusion, and Diversity for the Postdoctoral Association at NYU.
Current Position at NYU Langone Health
Melissa Cooper, PhD, is a Postdoctoral Research Scientist at NYU Langone Health. Since 2020, she has been contributing to the institution based in New York, New York. Her work primarily focuses on the neurotrophic capacity of astrocyte networks and the novel molecules shared through astrocytes' electrical synapses, known as gap junctions. She employs a variety of techniques, including behavioral studies, molecular methods, and sequencing, to delve deeper into astrocyte network functions.
Previous Experience at Vanderbilt University
Melissa Cooper served as a Postdoctoral Researcher at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee, for 5 months in 2019. Prior to her postdoctoral role, she was an Assistant Swim Coach at Nashville Aquatic Club Inc., where she worked from 2015 to 2019. Her academic journey at Vanderbilt also includes earning her PhD in Neuroscience, which she completed between 2014 and 2019.
Educational Background
Melissa Cooper holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Neuroscience from Vanderbilt University, achieved after 5 years of rigorous training from 2014 to 2019. She also earned a Bachelor's degree from Florida State University, where she double-majored in Biology (Honors) and Psychology, with a minor in Chemistry. She pursued her undergraduate studies from 2011 to 2014.
Leadership Roles in Advocacy and Diversity
Melissa Cooper serves as the President of NYU's Women in Science organization, where she advocates for the wellbeing of postdoctoral fellows and promotes underrepresented groups in STEM fields. Additionally, she holds the position of Vice Chair for Equity, Inclusion, and Diversity for the Postdoctoral Association at NYU. In these roles, she is actively involved in fostering an inclusive environment and driving initiatives aimed at equity and representation.
Research Focus on Astrocytes
Melissa Cooper's research is centered on understanding the neurotrophic capacity of astrocyte networks. She investigates the novel molecules shared through astrocytes' electrical synapses, known as gap junctions, using a range of techniques from behavioral studies to molecular and sequencing methods. Her work explores how astrocytes activate their networks, particularly in a neurotrophic reactive state, building upon her graduate research to further our understanding of these critical cell functions.