Dr. Naiara Akizu

Associate Professor

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Biography

Naiara Akizu is an Associate Professor in the Department of Pathology Laboratory Medicine at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. Her research focuses on understanding the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms underlying neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism and intellectual disabilities. Dr. Akizu's work integrates human genetics and functional studies using human pluripotent stem cells and animal models to transform genetic discoveries into novel insights. She collaborates with clinical geneticists globally to identify genetic causes that inform diagnoses and treatments for these complex disorders. Additionally, her lab investigates how chromatin-mediated epigenetic mechanisms contribute to neuronal diversity in the human brain. Among her current projects, Dr. Akizu is also focused on elucidating the mechanisms behind selective vulnerability to neurodegeneration in developmental brain disorders and discovering innovative treatments for these conditions.

Research Interests

Requirements for University of Pennsylvania

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.6
GRE General
Verbal
Required:162
Quantitative
Required:162
Overall
Required:162
GMAT
Total Score
Required:728
Overall
Required:728
TOEFL
Total
Required:115
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree or equivalent Strong quantitative background
Application Checklist
  • Academic Transcripts
  • Letters of Recommendation (2-3)
  • Resume/CV
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Essays
Specialization Notes

Wharton Doctoral programs cover fields like Finance, Marketing, Management, and Operations, Information and Decisions.