Hello! My name is Caren Nassif. I recently joined Northwestern University as a Masters student in Clinical Psychology (with a concentration in Neuropsychology and Behavioral Neuroscience) in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the Feinberg School of Medicine, where I study the cognitive, clinical and anatomical features of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia disorders. I received my BA in Clinical Psychology from Rutgers University. Post-graduation, I worked in a cognitive neuroscience lab at Columbia University. My proudest professional achievement was getting published in Neurology on a paper addressing the importance of close social networks to the long-term dysfunction of patients with Multiple Sclerosis. My research goal is to develop a better understanding of neurodegenerative disorders and to find more innovative, clinically-applicable treatments for patients suffering from these disorders. After my masters, I aspire to get my Ph.D. in Clinical Neuropsychology, where I hope to continue applying the same patient-centered methods to my research.
When I was 12 years old, I immigrated to the U.S. from Egypt. I found comfort in finding a strong community of Coptic (Egyptian) Orthodox Christians, like myself. I have been part of the community for years and wanted to provide the same comfort and support to other immigrants and minorities in my community. At which, I began helping newly-immigrated Egyptian women in my community find jobs and healthcare. I saw the importance of empowering and guiding women to success in their fields. Through my active involvement in STEM, I hope to connect with other like-minded women and to spread awareness of the significant role women play in science and in our society.