Danielle Beckman – a neuroscientist driven by a microscopic obsession: Unravel how viruses play a role in brain pathology

This Genomic Press Interview features Dr. Danielle Beckman, a pioneering neuroscientist at the University of California, Davis, whose groundbreaking research bridges virology and neuroscience to uncover how viral infections trigger lasting neurological damage and accelerate neurodegenerative diseases. Dr. Beckman's remarkable journey from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to becoming a leading expert in neurovirology showcases her innovative approach to developing translational animal models that illuminate the cellular mechanisms underlying Alzheimer's disease, Long Covid, and viral-induced brain pathology. Working under the mentorship of renowned neurobiologist John Morrison at the California National Primate Research Center, she has revolutionized our understanding of how viruses like SARS-CoV-2, Zika, and HIV disrupt brain homeostasis, leading to neuroinflammation and cognitive decline that affects millions of patients worldwide. Her pioneering work includes developing novel rhesus monkey models for Alzheimer's disease research, investigating the propagation of tau and amyloid pathology, and establishing critical connections between viral infections and neurodegenerative processes that contribute to conditions such as brain fog and memory impairment. As an active member of the World Health Network's Long Covid advisory group, Dr. Beckman combines her expertise in advanced microscopy techniques with her passion for science outreach to advance therapeutic development and provide hope for patients suffering from post-viral neurological symptoms. Her research, published in prestigious journals, represents a paradigm shift in understanding viral neuroimmunology and offers crucial insights for developing targeted treatments for neurodegenerative diseases and Long Covid. At the same time, her commitment to mentoring Latin American scientists and advocating for diversity in STEM fields demonstrates her dedication to fostering the next generation of neuroscience researchers.