Dena Dubal, University of California, San Francisco

Dr. Dena Dubal is a neurologist and neuroscientist passionate about biomedical discoveries to improve human health. Dr. Dubal received her MD and PhD degrees from the University of Kentucky College of Medicine. Her graduate research with Dr. Phyllis Wise focused on effects of hormones on stroke injury. Dr. Dubal completed a medical internship and neurology residency at UCSF, where she also served as chief resident. She then completed a basic research and clinical fellowship in aging and dementias with Drs. Lennart Mucke and Bruce Miller.

Dr. Dubal directs a team unraveling how pathways of longevity lead to brain resilience. Using synergistic approaches including the study of humans, mouse models of brain disease, and single cells – from the molecular to behavioral levels – her lab is investigating how mechanisms of resilience are paving paths to treatments for aging and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s. Her discoveries have been profiled in high-impact media such as NPR and the Economist – and are recognized as potential therapies for living longer and better. Awards and honors for her work include the Paul Beeson Career Development Award through the NIA and American Federation for Aging Research, the UCSF David A. Coulter Endowed Chair in Aging and Neurodegenerative Disease, and the Grass Neuroscience Award.