Dr. Maya Opendak

Assistant Professor

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Biography

Maya Opendak is an Assistant Professor in the Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience at Johns Hopkins University and affiliated with the Kennedy Krieger Institute. Her research focuses on the neuroanatomical circuits that underlie social behavior in infants, particularly how these circuits are affected by environmental adversity. She utilizes infant rodent models to study how early-life experiences can impact developing social behaviors and the brain structures that govern them. Opendak's team employs advanced neurobiology techniques, including optogenetics and electrophysiology, to investigate the underlying mechanisms of social behavior and how interventions may ameliorate disruptions caused by adverse experiences. Her work aims to identify early biomarkers for social behavior disorders and improve the translational potential of her research through collaborations with clinicians and developmental psychologists.

Research Interests

Experience

Assistant Professor

— Present

Kennedy Krieger Institute • Baltimore, MD

Conducts research on the neuroanatomical circuits associated with social behavior in infants, focusing on how environmental factors affect brain development and behavior.

Requirements for Johns Hopkins University

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
TOEFL
Total
Required:100
IELTS
Overall
Required:7
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree Inorganic Chemistry with Lab Organic Chemistry with Lab General Biology with Lab
Application Checklist
  • Online application
  • Official transcripts
  • CV
  • Personal statement
  • Three letters of recommendation
Specialization Notes

Department of Pathology - PhD in Pathobiology. GRE is not required.