Megan Sayyad

I joined the Janelia community in July 2023 after completing my postdoctoral training at the University of Virginia (UVA), where I investigated neural crest-derived progenitor cells in zebrafish post-embryonic development and regeneration.

My scientific training began at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, VA, where I earned my Bachelor’s in Biochemistry and volunteered in the laboratories of Dr. Carla Finkielstein and Dr. Liwu Li. I went on to earn my Master’s in Neuroscience from University College London in London, UK, where I was mentored by Dr. Christopher Yeo. My master’s research focused on 5-HT receptor subtype expression in the cerebellum and cerebellar motor control. I later earned my PhD in Neuroscience from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, VA under the guidance of Dr. Jennifer Koblinski. My doctoral thesis studies focused on the role of Syndecan-1, a heparan sulfate proteoglycan, in breast cancer brain metastasis as well as how cancer-derived extracellular vesicles might mediate the formation of a pro-metastatic niche in the brain.

Throughout my academic journey, I organized programs and events, such as an interdisciplinary Postdoc Symposium at UVA, to connect graduate students, postdocs, and members of our greater regional community. However, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, in-person community outreach and scientific events, including conferences, were halted, and it was the absence of these events which led me to recognize that my sense of joy came from bringing people together and establishing community. Thus, I am grateful to be a member of the Janelia Conference & Seminar Programs team where I can facilitate community engagement on a regular basis. It’s truly extraordinary that the activities I was doing alongside my academic scientific training “just for fun” ultimately led me to my current role at Janelia. I mention this for any trainees reading my profile – don’t discount your efforts on side projects and activities; you never know where those efforts can lead you!

In my free time, I serve as a Creative Director of Crossmodal, a neuroscience podcast exploring philosophical, cultural, and artistic topics. I also enjoy baking, crafting, reading, and fitness activities.