Q&A with Prerna Tiwari: Finding Her Purpose in Developing Treatments for Brain Injuries

Why did you become a researcher and why neuroscience specifically?

The brain has always fascinated me because it shapes the very things that make us human — our memories, emotions, relationships, and sense of self. I want to answer unanswered questions about the brain and contribute to the development of new treatments.

During my PhD, this aspiration took on a much deeper meaning. My grandfather began experiencing memory and cognitive difficulties after an ischemic brain injury. Living far from my family, I often rely on phone calls to stay connected. One conversation remains especially memorable. He recognized my voice and knew who I was, but he struggled to communicate as he once had. The stories, laughter, and effortless conversations we had shared for years were suddenly interrupted by confusion and silence. It was heartbreaking to witness someone I loved slowly losing parts of the person I had always known.

That experience changed the way I viewed neurological diseases. What I had previously seen as a scientific challenge became profoundly human and personal. It made me realize that behind every experiment, every dataset, and every potential therapy is a person trying to hold on to their memories, independence, and connections with loved ones. Since then, my motivation to pursue neuroscience research has been driven not only by scientific curiosity but also by a desire to help develop therapies that can preserve those moments and relationships that define who we are.

Provide a summary of your Foundation-funded research.

A lack of blood flow to the brain, such as after cardiac arrest, can cause severe brain damage, leading to memory problems, difficulty thinking, or even death. There are currently no effective medicines to prevent this type of brain damage. My research focuses on a protein called TREM1, which increases harmful inflammation after brain injury. My lab previously found that blocking TREM1 protects brain cells, but the available blocker is not suitable as a medicine because it does not last long in the body and is difficult for cells to absorb. To overcome these limitations, we aim to develop a new TREM1 blocker. In this project, I will determine whether our newly identified small molecule compounds can block TREM1, reduce brain inflammation, and protect brain cells using cell and animal models. This work could contribute to the development of safe and effective treatments for patients with brain injury after loss of blood flow to the brain.

Tell us about a turning point in your career journey.

I never expected that my career journey would take me from studying pharmacy in India to conducting neuroscience research in the United States. Along the way, my experiences have spanned medicinal chemistry, scientific writing, and pharmacovigilance, each offering a different perspective on how medicines are discovered, communicated, and evaluated. I often joke that I have experienced almost every stage of a medicine’s life cycle before finally trying to create one myself.

The biggest turning point came when I realized that reading about scientific discoveries was no longer enough. I wanted to be the person asking questions and searching for the answers. Choosing to leave a stable career path and pursue a PhD was both exciting and intimidating. It meant stepping out of my comfort zone, moving across the world, and starting over in a completely new field. Yet it turned out to be the most rewarding decision of my career. That leap of faith showed me the importance of embracing uncertainty and pursuing the questions that genuinely inspire you. I am grateful I had the courage that allowed curiosity to win over comfort.

What is a common misconception people have about science?

One common misconception is that scientists always know what they’re doing and that discoveries happen through a series of successful experiments. In reality, science is often much messier and far less predictable. Behind every published result are countless experiments that failed, unexpected findings, and moments of uncertainty when the next step is not immediately clear.

Research has taught me that failure is not a sign that something has gone wrong; it is often how progress happens. Some of my most valuable lessons have come from experiments that did not produce the results I expected. In many cases, the unexpected result turned out to be more interesting than the one I was hoping for. Those moments forced me to think more critically, question my assumptions, and approach problems from a different angle.

Science is a continuous process of learning rather than a collection of answers. The goal is not to prove that you are right, but to understand the truth, even when it challenges your expectations. That’s what makes research both humbling and exciting: Every setback has the potential to teach you something new and move you one step closer to discovery.

What do you love most about research?

What I love most about research is the opportunity to turn curiosity into discovery. Every project begins with a question, and there is something incredibly rewarding about designing experiments to uncover answers that may not be known yet.

I am particularly drawn to translational research because it connects basic science to real-world impact. One of the most exciting aspects of my work is taking a small molecule that starts as an idea, synthesizing and testing it, and then exploring whether it can make a meaningful difference in a biological system. Seeing a concept evolve from the bench toward a potential therapeutic strategy is both fascinating and motivating.

What do you like to do outside of research?

Outside of research, I enjoy traveling, listening to music, and dancing whenever I get the chance. I also love creative projects and crafts because they give me an opportunity to step away from experiments and deadlines and simply create something for the joy of it. Most importantly, I cherish spending time with my family and staying connected with my parents and husband. Living far from home has taught me to value those relationships even more. Whether it’s a video call, sharing everyday moments, or celebrating milestones together from a distance, those connections keep me grounded and remind me of what truly matters.

Research can be demanding and all-consuming at times, so I make a conscious effort to create space for these moments. They help me slow down, appreciate the people I love, and maintain a sense of balance. I believe those experiences outside the lab not only make me happier but also help me bring more creativity, perspective, and resilience to my work as a scientist.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

I would tell my younger self that it is OK not to have everything figured out. When I was starting out, I often felt pressure to follow a straight path and have a clear plan for where my career should lead. Looking back, I realize that some of the most meaningful opportunities came from unexpected turns that I never could have predicted. Each experience taught me something valuable and prepared me for the next step. What once seemed like detours became an important part of my story.

I would also remind myself to be less afraid of taking risks and more willing to trust my instincts. Growth often happens outside of our comfort zones, whether that means changing careers, moving to a new country, or pursuing a goal that feels intimidating. Most importantly, I would tell myself not to compare my journey to anyone else’s. Everyone’s path unfolds differently, and sometimes the road that looks less conventional is the one that leads you exactly where you are meant to be.

What are your career goals?

I hope to build a career as an independent scientist working at the intersection of neuroscience and drug discovery. Whether in academia or the pharmaceutical industry, I want to contribute to developing new therapies for neurological disorders and help bridge the gap between discoveries in the laboratory and treatments that can improve patients’ lives.

Experiences in both my personal and professional life have shown me how devastating these conditions can be, not only for patients but also for the families who support them. That perspective continues to drive my commitment to translational research and to finding solutions that can make a meaningful difference.

I also hope to mentor and support the next generation of scientists. Throughout my own journey, I have benefited from people who encouraged me, believed in me, and helped me navigate unfamiliar paths. I would like to provide that same guidance to others, especially those who may not see a traditional path into research. Ultimately, I want my career to be defined not only by the scientific questions I answer, but by the impact those answers have on people’s lives.