Merci N. Best, PhD

A Christian, daughter, sister, niece, cousin, friend, and researcher.

I am passionate about transforming our understanding of brain cell health.

My basic science research program identifies novel mechanisms that increase and decrease neurodegeneration in people living with genetic risk factors (MAPT^{V337M / P301S}, AKAP9, APOE4, TMEM106B) that are associated with Alzheimer’s disease, frontotemporal dementia, and/or chronic traumatic encephalopathy. I accomplish this by 1) creating 3D human brain models, 2) identifying differentially expressed targets in collaboration with integrated proteomic-computational scientists, 3) determining novel mechanisms of neurodegeneration and resilience by decreasing and increasing target expression, and 4) validating expression changes in postmortem human brain tissue using biochemistry and machine learning.

To complement my basic science research, I founded two initiatives to promote translational research. The first, STEAMKITX (https://www.steamkitx.com/), increases K-12 students' interest and intention to pursue STEM careers by incorporating the visual and performing arts. The second, Building B.R.A.I.N. Wealth (https://buildingbrainwealth.com/), inspires proactive health management among Black males by hosting community events.

Feel free to connect with me to discuss collaborations on basic science or translational research: https://calendly.com/mercibest/1-on-1