The UAB Department of Neurology welcomed Shaida Andrabi, Ph.D., to the faculty as a professor in January 2025.

Andrabi earned his undergraduate degree in Biology from SP College, Srinagar, at the University of Kashmir. He then earned a master’s degree in Toxicology from Hamdard University before completing his Ph.D. (Dr. rer. nat) in Neuroscience/Neurobiology at Otto von Guericke University in Germany.

After earning his Ph.D., Andrabi completed a postdoctoral fellowship in Neurology at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. In 2014, he founded his own laboratory at the Institute for Cell Engineering at Johns Hopkins, where he focused on stroke and neurodegeneration. His research explores the molecular mechanisms of cell death in the nervous system, with a specific focus on mitochondrial and lysosomal dysfunction.

Andrabi reflects on what inspired his career and shares his excitement for his new role in the department.

What inspired you to pursue a career in this field?

Andrabi: My passion for stroke and neurodegenerative disease research stems from personal experiences, intellectual curiosity, and a deep commitment to public health. Witnessing the profound impact of conditions such as stroke and neurodegenerative disorders on individuals close to me has driven me to deepen my understanding of these diseases. I am also fascinated by the brain's complex biological mechanisms, which motivates me to unravel these intricate processes. Ultimately, the opportunity to alleviate suffering, improve quality of life, and help individuals regain their independence through our scientific discoveries is what inspires my work.

What is your primary area of expertise within your field, and what sparked your passion for it?

Andrabi: I am a trained neuroscientist with a deep interest in investigating the molecular mechanisms that drive cell death in the brain. My research centers on disruptions in mitochondrial and lysosomal processes, particularly in the context of stroke and neurodegenerative diseases. Understanding these pathways is critical for developing strategies to promote neuroprotection in conditions such as neurodegenerative disorders, stroke, and traumatic brain or spinal cord injuries.

My passion for studying cell death mechanisms in stroke and neurodegenerative diseases stems from a combination of intellectual curiosity, a strong commitment to improving public health, and personal experiences. Witnessing the devastating effects of stroke and the progressive decline caused by neurodegenerative diseases has further fueled my dedication to advancing knowledge in this field.

What aspects of your new role here are you most excited about?

Andrabi: I’m especially excited about the highly collaborative environment at UAB, particularly within the Center for Neurodegeneration and Experimental Therapeutics (CNET) and the Department of Neurology. This collaborative environment is vital to advance our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying brain death in stroke and neurodegenerative disorders while also developing innovative strategies to protect the brain from both acute and chronic neurodegenerative conditions.

Another compelling aspect is the opportunity to collaborate with stroke and neurodegenerative disease clinicians. This interdisciplinary approach not only enhances basic scientists' understanding of the clinical aspects of these diseases but also allows clinicians to gain insights into the experimental research driving new discoveries. Such collaboration is essential for developing effective therapeutic strategies for stroke and neurodegeneration. I believe UAB’s strong emphasis on fostering connections between basic scientists and clinicians truly sets it apart from other institutions.

What are your goals for making an impact through both your teaching and research in this role?

Andrabi: UAB and the Department of Neurology/CNET offer me a unique opportunity to teach medical and graduate students while also advancing my research goals. Teaching allows me to share knowledge, while simultaneously deepening my own understanding, which is vital for strengthening my knowledge in my research field. I am eager to collaborate on developing new teaching strategies that will help train students to become future leaders in neuroscience, neuropharmacology, and academic neurology.

One of the unique aspects of studying cell death mechanisms in stroke is that many of its pathophysiological features overlap with those of other neurodegenerative diseases. Our goal is to identify novel therapeutic targets that can be used to develop effective therapeutic molecules for stroke, with potential applications in other neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).