Maya G
- Research Program Mentor
PhD at Virginia Commonwealth University
Expertise
Neuroscience, Neuroplasticity, Psychedelics, Neuropharmacology, Project Design, GPCRs, Biology, Cancer Research, Clinical Translational Research
Bio
My name is Dr. Maya Gaines-Smith, and I am a Neuroscientist with a passion for characterizing pharmacotherapies, and expanding the way scientists and clinicians approach treating psychiatric ailments. My expertise is in neuropharmacology and neuroplasticity well as psychedelic drug development. I have additional experience in translational cancer research, with a background in experimental design for in vivo, in vitro and ex vivo model systems. I am a practiced public speaker and science panelist, with experience in scientific legislation advisement and strong foundation in scientific writing. I have a robust history of leadership experience and mentorship, with a person-first outcome driven mentorship style. In my free time I love to be active. You can find me in the gym, spending time in in nature, or cycling in the warmer months of the year. When I'm not working out, I enjoy volunteering, listening to good music and cooking for my friends.Project ideas
Project ideas are meant to help inspire student thinking about their own project. Students are in the driver seat of their research and are free to use any or none of the ideas shared by their mentors.
Can Humans Artificially Increase Mental Resilience to Traumatic Events with Pharmacology?
This project would examine current literature and identify neuronal genes, proteins, and receptors associated with mental resilience at a population level. It would then theorize if upregulation or downregulation of these factors is possible, and if so could it make individuals more resilient to environmental stressors. Finally, the question of ethics and the execution of this research would be explored through discussions in our sessions. This project could culminate in a paper or a presentation.
Coding skills
MatLabLanguages I know
Spanish, beginnerTeaching experience
Successfully was the primary mentor for 4 students during my PhD matriculation through the IMSD and McNair programs, all of whom graduated and pursued careers in the scientific field. I also have experience tutoring kids in the K-12 age range.Credentials
Work experience
Virginia Commonwealth University (2023 - 2025)
IMSD/McNair MentorHampton University (2019 - 2021)
Graduate Assistant for Socio-Cultural Affairs & Community OutreachEducation
Hampton University
BS Bachelor of Science (2019)
BiologyHampton University
MS Master of Science (2021)
Clinical & Translational Cancer ResearchVirginia Commonwealth University
PhD Doctor of Philosophy (2025)
Neuropharmacology