About Me

Welcome! I’m glad you’re here.

I’m Elnaz, a curious mind, problem-solver, and researcher fascinated by how the brain transforms sensory input into behavior, how we perceive the world, process information, and make decisions. My journey has taken me through healthcare, neuroscience, technology, and communication, always driven by a desire to connect knowledge with real-world impact.

I started out studying dentistry and cellular & molecular biology at the University of Tehran, but I quickly realized I was drawn to bigger questions about the brain and behavior. That curiosity led me to a Master’s in neuroscience at the University of Lethbridge, Canada, where I studied decision-making and social neuroscience. Later, as a graduate researcher at McGill University, I focused on orofacial chronic pain and neuroimaging techniques.

But this already started long before university. I was still in high school when I first discovered neuroscience. That was a turning point for me. Science felt alive, dynamic, and within reach.

With four years of experience as a dentist in Iran, I had the privilege of helping patients improve their oral health and overall well-being. Beyond clinical work, I have always been drawn to teaching and mentorship, serving as a tutor and educator, sharing my knowledge with others. My research journey has also been shaped by a commitment to open science, contributing to efforts that promote accessibility and collaboration in scientific work, mostly, going back to high school for teaching more students simplified science. I always remembered that as a high school student, I could still understand and be fascinated by neuroscience that was told and written by prominent scientists. It made me realize how critical it is to bridge the gap between research and the people who can use it, whether in industry, technology, or society.

That’s why I care about breaking barriers, improving accessibility, and making things happen. Science isn’t just about discovery, it’s about execution, strategy, and real-world applications. This perspective led me to explore data-driven decision-making, innovation, and operational strategy, applying scientific thinking beyond the lab.

I believe that fundamental research should fuel innovation in technology, education, and healthcare, ultimately improving human lives. That mindset keeps me constantly learning, growing, and expanding my skill set to create meaningful impact.

Beyond academia and clinic, I’ve expanded into technology, UX design, and data science because I love solving problems at the intersection of science, innovation, and human-centered design. I thrive in fast-paced environments where I can strategize, execute, and optimize workflows; whether that’s in research, communication, or product development.

Currently, I put these skills into action as a Research Staff in the Peyrache Lab, working on exciting scientific initiatives led by Dr. Adrien Peyrache at The Neuro, McGill University where we work together managing scientific initiatives, data strategies, and team coordination.But my goal is much bigger. I want to take everything I’ve learned, from leadership and  problem-solving to communication, and apply it to bigger challenges in tech, healthcare, and beyond.

When not working, I stay connected to art through choreography, music, and fashion design, and I am hard to detach from kickboxing, because sometimes, breaking barriers is literal!

I am always eager to collaborate, explore new challenges, and push the boundaries of what’s possible. If you’re working on something exciting or just want to connect, let’s talk.