About Us
The Neurodegeneration Computational Fellows Program (NDCF), is dedicated to empowering individuals with the computational expertise needed for advanced mathematical, data analysis, and bioinformatics skills. Through a competitive selection process, we match fellows with host labs, where they become key contributors and potential project leads on computational, data analysis, and bioinformatics-themed projects. Our program includes a comprehensive 2-week training, annual retreats, and monthly meetings for fellows to engage in discussions on challenges, opportunities, and career development. Administered through Howard University, we provide full salary and benefits for 2 years and focus on networking, mentorship, and career support for applicants from HBCUs and MSIs throughout the US. This program is funded through the Neurodegeneration Challenge Network (NDCN) which is organized by the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative - aiming to bring researchers together from all over the world to study brain diseases.
Our Purpose
To increase the existing population of qualified computational scientists needed to spearhead modeling, data analysis, and interpretation efforts, thereby sustaining the transformation in biomedical research and the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
Our mission is to recruit, train, and empower a diverse new generation of computational scientists to lead and innovate in neurodegenerative disease research. This is accomplished by matching the best candidates with innovative neuroscience labs -- providing both comprehensive training and ample collaboration opportunities. Our end state is to advance the current body of knowledge in neurodegenerative diseases and ensure that knowledge be successfully transferred to all future generations.
Our Mission
Our Vision
We envision a world where breakthroughs in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases are facilitated through computational science and the intuitive understanding of complex data. Our Labs and Fellows will be at the forefront of this transformation, leveraging - Time, Exposure, and Experience - to develop effective disease interventions and improved brain health outcomes for all.
Meet the Team
Dr. Menon's lab uses advanced computational techniques to investigate molecular and cell type-specific signatures of susceptibility and resilience in neurological diseases such as as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, ALS, and Multiple Sclerosis.
Vilas Menon, PhD
Columbia University
Program Director, Multiple PI
Dr. Sifuentes is a Computational Biology Program Manager at CZI Science, on the Neuroscience team. As a computational biologist with substantial wet-lab training, he supervises the portfolio of computational biology activities and opportunities for the Neurodegeneration Challenge Network at the Initiative.
Christopher Sifuentes, PhD
Chan Zuckerberg Initiative
CZI Program Liaison
Dr. Pritchett's lab aims to understand the neural mechanisms that underlie simple associative learning behaviors. In particular, he and his laboratory focus on the cerebellum, where much is understood about how mechanisms of synaptic plasticity contribute to the association of a stimulus with a behavioral response.
Dominique Pritchett, PhD
Howard University
Program Director, Multiple PI, Contact PI
Chaning Spriggs is serving as the current PM of the NDCF, leveraging extensive leadership experience from service as a United States Marine to apply a disciplined and strategic approach to program development and management. He is committed to fostering educational excellence and operational efficiency within the NDCF Program.
Chaning Spriggs
Howard University
Program Manager
Dr. Manaye is the Chair of Medicine at Howard University Medical School. As a clinician-scientist, she focuses on understanding the mechanisms that underlie neurological and neurodegenerative illnesses that are associated with brain aging.
Kebreten Manaye, PhD
Howard University
Program Director, Multiple PI
Luisa Gales serves as the Administrative Coordinator at Howard University College of Medicine. In this role, she provides essential support to the Chair of Medicine at the COM – Dr. Kebreten Manaye and her dedicated faculty. Her commitment to facilitating the academic and professional development of medical students is essential. In addition, Luisa has made notable contributions to the NDCF Program. Her involvement includes coordinating between fellows and host labs, scheduling events, managing program logistics, and ensuring that both fellows and faculty have the resources needed for program success.
Luisa Gales
Howard University
Senior Administrative Coordinator