In this interview, 2025 Neuronline Community Leader Maria-Tzousi Papavergi speaks to Cynthia Lemere, PhD, professor of neurology in the Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases at Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School. Read on to learn about the person beyond the bench and the experiences that have shaped Lemere's journey as a scientist, as well as her advice to young scientists.
Can you tell us a bit about your background and what initially inspired you to pursue neuroscience? Was there a moment, experience, book, or mentor that sparked your curiosity about the brain?
I did not intend to become a scientist when I was in college. Instead, I studied education and psychology with the goal of becoming what was known at the time as a “special education” teacher. I finished my required courses at Mount Holyoke College and teaching internship, so I enquired about auditing a neuroscience course my senior year that my older sister had recommended. I was told I could not audit it but could take it for credit even though I had not taken the pre-requisite courses. I was hesitant at first but quickly fell in love with neuroscience. It seemed like a natural connection to all I had studied about learning and memory and what happens when genetic, environmental or other factors get in the way to impede brain function. My professor at the time was very encouraging and would often take the time to help me understand some of the basics I was missing. By the end of the first semester, I had aced the final exam and was allowed to take the second semester course. That was life-changing for me as by the end of that semester, I decided to forego teaching “special ed” and instead pursue a graduate degree in neurobiology.
"I am constantly inspired by the next generation of researchers—they are our future. And right now, it is especially important to help them succeed and stay motivated despite the current challenges facing scientists."
After finishing my master’s degree, I worked as a technician for a couple of years, then moved to San Diego where I spent several years working at a linen store and starting my own custom linen sewing business. When offered the possibility to start my own linen sewing business with industrial machines and 12 workers in Los Angeles, I realized it was time to get back to my passion—neuroscience. I was fortunate to land a technician job at UCSD School of Medicine for three years after which I moved to Boston where I began working as a technician in Dennis Selkoe’s laboratory in the Center for Neurologic Diseases at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. A year later, I started a PhD program at BU School of Medicine while continuing my research in Selkoe’s lab. After graduation, I remained in Boston and eventually started my own lab within the same Center.
Over the past 35 years, I have progressed in my career from a technician to a full professor at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School. I am constantly inspired by the next generation of researchers—they are our future. And right now, it is especially important to help them succeed and stay motivated despite the current challenges facing scientists.
Regarding a situation that sparked my curiosity about the brain, I remember meeting a lovely cardiologist in the nursing home where my great grandmother resided for one year before she passed at 104 years of age.
"It was her sense of being lost and confused that inspired me to want to join the quest to understand what was driving her dementia and to develop treatments to spare others from such a fate."
She (my great grandmother) was completely lucid and had no memory issues. However, the cardiologist had dementia. She dressed up every day as if she was going to see patients but could not remember where she was or what she was doing. She was 30 years younger than my great grandmother. I became fascinated by the biological mechanisms underlying dementia from that point forward. She was such a sweet lady. It was her sense of being lost and confused that inspired me to want to join the quest to understand what was driving her dementia and to develop treatments to spare others from such a fate.
What does a typical day look like for you, in or out of the lab? Are there any routines or habits that help you stay grounded, creative, or productive?
I am more of a night owl than early riser but find that getting up earlier is more productive than sleeping in. I am trying to train myself to go to bed earlier so that I can get a full night’s rest. I meditate while sitting on a cushion each morning for about 15 minutes using the Calm app. I find it grounds me and quiets my mind before the pace picks up, and I juggle multiple tasks throughout the rest of the day. I often go through my emails before I drive into work to avoid rush hour. Then, I typically speak with folks in the lab and attend meetings either in person or virtually throughout the day. I enjoy learning something new each day and find it is easy to do so at work between the various seminars available to us, reading new scientific articles, and speaking with colleagues. When writing grants, I find I am most productive in the middle of the night when it is quiet and there are no distractions.
Outside of science, do you have any hobbies or passions? If so, do you find that they somehow influence or complement your research or scientific thinking?
I love the outdoors and grew up with regular camping and fishing trips with my family every summer. I still love to hike, fish, take nature photos, and explore new areas. Nature is filled with biology, so I find there are lots of connections. For example, why do birds have individualized songs? Why do fish have such beautiful patterns? What happens to the brain when animals hibernate in winter? Also, I love to travel and try to take a few extra days to explore new cities/countries when traveling to conferences. One of the perks of a career in science is networking with other like-minded scientists around the world. It is such a joyful part of my life to get to know so many friends in foreign countries as well as different parts of the United States.
What personal or professional skills have made the biggest difference in your journey as a scientist? Has volunteering played a role in your growth or perspective along the way?
I find that being both curious and courteous often leads to new ideas and collaborations. I also enjoy training postdocs, students and technicians in the lab to help them eventually reach their goals. Over the years, I have mentored dozens and dozens of young budding scientists, many of whom remain in touch. This brings me a tremendous amount of personal joy and fulfillment as I watch them grow and flourish.
"I find that being both curious and courteous often leads to new ideas and collaborations."
Outside of my lab, I volunteer as a mentor to trainees at other institutions, including programs to provide a glimpse of the scientific research experience to high school and undergraduate students. Also, I have volunteered to help organize large international Alzheimer’s disease conferences which keeps me up to date with the latest and greatest science. Volunteering and networking also provide the opportunity to make connections with other scientists and contribute to something bigger than my own benchwork. In addition, I got to know many of my closest personal friends through scientific meetings, grant review sessions and serving on various committees.
What drives you to advocate for neuroscience and science in general? In the current climate in the United States, where science funding, public trust in science, and policy discussions around research are increasingly critical, what role do you think scientists should play in advocacy? How can early-career researchers contribute to protecting and promoting scientific research and education?
I think it is critical to be involved in advocacy work, including peaceful protests, to help bring to light the current crisis in scientific research. Talking to the person on the subway or a neighbor or a family friend all make a difference. If we are open and honest, it might be the first step to restoring the trust of the public in science. It is also important to do the very best science we can do to help restore trust.
"If we are open and honest, it might be the first step to restoring the trust of the public in science."
If you could give your younger self one piece of advice at the start of your scientific career, what would it be?
When things get tough, remember why we do what we do. Knowing that our work may someday help others live their best lives makes the hard work and late nights more tolerable. I would also tell myself to prepare for the ride of a lifetime because anything is possible!
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