561: Investigating How Risk Factors Contribute to Outcomes After Traumatic Brain Injury - Dr. Umesh Venkatesan

People Behind the Science Podcast - Stories from Scientists about Science, Life, Research, and Science Careers

Dr. Umesh "Umi" Venkatesan is an Institute Scientist and Director of the Brain Trauma and Behavior Laboratory at Moss Rehabilitation Research Institute (MRRI). Umi is trained as a clinical psychologist, and he currently studies behavior and cognition in people with neurological disabilities, particularly following traumatic brain injury. He is interested in how interactions between our physiology, our behavior, how we experience the behavior of others, and how others behave may impact our medical health, mental health, and general well-being. Outside of science, the arts have always been a big part of Umi’s life. He has practiced Indian classical dance since the age of five, and Umi even danced professionally in New York City during graduate school. In addition, Umi is a classically trained singer, and he enjoys singing R&B and soul music. Beyond music and dance, Umi loves exploring new cuisine from around the world and trying food from local restaurants. Umi received a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Johns Hopkins University. Afterwards, he worked as a Research Assistant at the Kessler Foundation Research Center for about two years before enrolling in graduate school. Umi was awarded his PhD in clinical psychology from Pennsylvania State University. During graduate school, he completed a clinical neuropsychology externship at Columbia University Medical Center and a pre-doctoral internship in clinical neuropsychology at the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University. Before joining the team at MRRI in 2019, UMI completed a postdoctoral fellowship in Polytrauma and Traumatic Brain Injury Rehabilitation within the VA Boston Healthcare System. In our interview, Umi tells us more about his life and science.