Hi, I'm Nahdia!

Nice to meet you, and welcome to my corner!

If you look at my LinkedIn my about me says, "I exist where data becomes direction- bringing clear communication to complex research", but what does that really even mean?

Well I'm excited to tell you!

Professionally, I'm a neuroscientist (brain researcher). I've wanted to be a neuroscientist since McDreamy first graced my TV screen in 2005. Easily influenced by his neurosurgeon status and intrigued by medicine, I, as a naive 5th grader, decided that that was the direction my future would take me, and that it did.

Here I am, exactly 20 years later, with a PhD in Neuroscience.

The goal was met, but now what?

I've spent the last few years since graduating dissecting what I enjoyed most about my PhD, and I've realized that 1) I love science, 2) I love reading, 3) I love writing.

Now, my goal is to combine those three loves into a forever career. I strive to exist where the complexities of science can be simplified for everyone. I want to help people understand the science and research around them, and hopefully, make them as excited about it as I am.

I'm here to share my passions in, what I hope to be, a fun whimsical way.

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The Effects of Diet Induced Obesity on Central Nervous System Function of APOE Mice

APOE4 is the strongest genetic risk factor for Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) and obesity is one of the most common environmental risk factors for AD. With 25% of the population being APOE4

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Obesity affects brain cortex gene expression in an APOE genotype and sex dependent manner

Obesity is the top modifiable risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease. We hypothesized that high fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity alters brain transcriptomics in APOE-genotype and sex dependent manners. Here, we investigated interactions between HFD, APOE, and sex, using a knock-in mouse model of the human APOE3 and APOE4 alleles.

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High-fat diet increases gliosis and immediate early gene expression in APOE3 mice but not APOE4 mice

APOE4 is the strongest genetic risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and obesity is a strong environmental risk factor for AD. These factors result in multiple central nervous system (CNS) disturbances and significantly increase chances of AD.

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Metabolic Disturbances of a High-Fat Diet Are Dependent on APOE Genotype and Sex

Apolipoprotein E4 (APOE4) is the strongest genetic risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). APOE4 is also associated with an increased risk of metabolic syndrome. Obesity is a major environmental risk factor for AD. While APOE genotype and obesity independently affect metabolism and cognition, they may also have synergistic effects. Here, we examined the metabolic and behavioral alterations associated with a high-fat diet (HFD).

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Gravity’s gentle tug

Why don’t we float away? Get the scoop on gravity’s invisible grip and how it shapes our world.

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Tiny forests, big impact

Miniature woodlands are sprouting up in cities. See how these green pockets help our planet (and our moods).

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Robots with a heart

Meet the machines that care—exploring the softer side of robotics and their role in our daily lives.

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Rainbows explained

Chase the science behind these colorful arcs. Spoiler: It’s not just rain and sunshine!

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Moonlight mysteries

Why does the moon glow? Uncover the science behind our nightlight in the sky.

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Genes in your jeans

What makes you, you? Let’s unzip the basics of DNA with a playful twist.

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Plants that play tricks

Some plants are sneakier than you think! Discover their clever survival strategies.

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Secrets of the deep

Dive into the wonders beneath the waves—strange creatures, glowing mysteries, and more.

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Bookish adventures

Peek at my latest science book finds—quick takes, quirky thoughts, and must-reads for curious minds.

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Instagram picks

See which science reads are trending on my feed. Tap for a taste of the latest reviews.

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Page-turner preview

Get a sneak peek at upcoming book reviews—science, stories, and a sprinkle of whimsy.

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Science shelfies

Explore my favorite bookshelf moments and discover new reads to spark your curiosity.

Book of The Month

Here's a glimpse into one of my latest reads.
My unfiltered reviews can be found on my "Bookstagram"

My Life

Personally...

When I'm not nerding out about the latest random scientific discovery, or asking myself a million questions about how the world works, I can be found dabbling in my other joys.

I'm a bit obsessed with fitness. I'm a competitive powerlifter turned recreational crossfitter. It was a short competitive career, but still counts! I love being outside and on most weekends can be found either picnicking, hiking, skiing, or snowboarding.

When I'm sitting still I can be found deep in the latest romantasy novel-I'm a bit obssessed with them. ACOTAR, Fourth Wing, Crowns of Nyaxia (if you haven't read it, run, don't walk...), you name it and I'm reading it. I even started a Bookstagram!

I also love traveling, cute cafes, baking, and very regularly fantasize about having a farm or starting a commune with my closest friends.