Case Summary:

“[The client] conducts essential research through brain imaging and relating genetics to neural development that is foundational in creating therapies to mitigate the negative impacts of neurodevelopmental disorders. She also researches connections between neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to change, and vision loss to investigate coping strategies. Her research, therefore, represents a highly valuable asset in the field of neuroscience and medical treatment.”

“[The client] conducts novel research that investigates brain plasticity mechanisms to provide coping strategies for highly impactful diseases. Her current research studies retinal diseases and her previous research into structural and functional connectivity in patients’ brains have shown strategies for prenatal genetic intervention to mitigate symptoms of severe neurological disorders. [The client’s] work is therefore instrumental in improving medical care and strategies for neurological and retinal disorders that impact the lives of many people in the United States. Her work is therefore greatly beneficial to national interests in healthcare and medical research.”

As is apparent from the above statements, the passages point to a talented postdoctoral fellow working in neuroscience. The value of her work has been praised by 4 recommenders, two of whom made the above statements. It is clear from these passages that the client is indeed a valuable member of the scientific community and her work should continue in order to further advance the field of neuroscience.

Hailing from Turkey, our National Interest Waiver client held a Ph.D. in Neuroscience. Her work in the area entailed conducting magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) experiments to develop methods for identifying human brain plasticity mechanisms in order to develop individualized coping strategies and interventions for individuals with retinal diseases. So it was apparent that her research is of great importance because it is directed toward discovering novel, neuroscience-enabled therapies for retinal diseases.

By applying cutting-edge imaging technologies to study the neurological underpinnings of vision and the phenomenon of neuroplasticity, our client has laid the groundwork for new therapies that stand to improve the lives of millions of people worldwide. At the same time, her proposed endeavor also has broad implications for the United States where harnessing and directing the brain’s ability to form new pathways in the aftermath of injury or illness is a cutting-edge research area for neuroscientists, and she is making important contributions to this growing body of knowledge.

It was thus indeed due to the clear national importance of her work, that it found funding from the National Institutes of Health’s National Eye Institute (NEI).

She also has completed at least 3 reviews to date and her work has resulted in 7 peer-reviewed journal articles (3 of them first-authored) which have been cited a total of 21 times according to Google Scholar.

So, we concluded that since she has pursued research directly related to her proposed endeavor of developing methods for identifying human brain plasticity mechanisms for 10 years, she would have the necessary expertise to continue her work in the area here in the U.S.

When her approval came through in 2 months and 23 days, we were very happy to have won her the case. We are proud of becoming a part of her journey to success.