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Tanzila Mukhtar

UCSF Medical Center, University of Kashmir, University of California, San Francisco

ORCID iD 0000-0001-9646-8940
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About

I am an experimental neurobiologist working at the intersection of human brain development, disease modeling, and advanced molecular technologies. I am currently working as a Ramanujan Fellow at the Centre for Interdisciplinary Research and Innovations (CIRI), University of Kashmir, where I am establishing an independent research program focused on understanding the cellular and molecular basis of neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders.

My academic journey began with a Master’s degree in Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, followed by a PhD in Developmental Neurobiology. I then completed my postdoctoral training at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), in the laboratory of Prof. Arnold Kriegstein. During this time, I worked extensively on human brain development using stem cell–derived cortical organoids, focusing on cellular diversity, lineage specification, and disease-relevant perturbations. My research integrates approaches such as single-cell transcriptomics, spatial genomics, and functional assays to study the developing human brain in both health and disease.

My work has contributed to understanding how environmental and biological factors shape neurodevelopment. I have been involved in studies examining viral interactions with the human brain, including research demonstrating the selective vulnerability of astrocytes to SARS-CoV-2 infection and its downstream impact on neuronal health.

Alongside my research, I am deeply committed to mentorship, education, and community engagement. I have mentored PhD students, Master’s students, undergraduates, and high school trainees, guiding them in experimental design, scientific thinking, and communication. I work closely with Nvolve Inc. and the Kashmir Care Foundation (KCF), where I have mentored countless students and early-career professionals, particularly from underserved backgrounds. My mentorship philosophy centers on access, inclusion, and empowering individuals to navigate academic and professional pathways with confidence.

Overall, my goal is to build a research and mentorship ecosystem that bridges rigorous science with meaningful societal impact, and to contribute to creating more equitable and inclusive opportunities in science.

Employment

  • University of California, San Francisco Research Associate (WOS)
    2026 - 2027
  • UCSF Medical Center Postdoctoral Fellow
    2019 - Present
  • University of Basel PhD student
    2013 - 2018
  • University of Kashmir Ramanujan Fellow
  • University of California, San Francisco Research Associate (WOS)

Education

Education history is unavailable.

Projects & Funding

Projects & funding information is unavailable.

Publications (24)