NSU Neuroscientist Named International Brain Research Organization Rising Star

Dr. Zila Martinez-Lozada, a new faculty member in Nova Southeastern University’s Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, has been named a Rising Star by the International Brain Research Organization (IBRO).

This is a prestigious honor awarded to only 19 early-career neuroscientists around the world. Dr. Martinez-Lozada is the only recipient from the U.S., underscoring NSU’s contribution to advancing neuroscience on a global stage. The IBRO Rising Stars Award recognizes and supports promising neuroscientists at the start of their careers by providing resources that advance their research, expand their technical capabilities, and elevate their global visibility in the field.

For Dr. Martinez-Lozada, the award will fund a new line of research that explores the molecular mechanisms guiding the migration of astrocyte precursor cells. Astrocytes are the most abundant yet historically overlooked cells in the central nervous system. Long viewed primarily as support cells, astrocytes play critical roles in maintaining the blood-brain barrier, regulating neurotransmitters, supporting synapse function, and influencing cognition and memory.

Their involvement in nearly all neurological and neuropsychiatric conditions makes them an essential yet understudied frontier in neuroscience. With the support of the IBRO award, Dr. Martinez-Lozada hopes to shed new light on these vital cells and their role in brain development and disease. Learn more about the IBRO Rising Stars Award and see the full list of recipients here.