Dr. Fabiola Diniz is a biomedical scientist with a background in neuroscience and metabolism. She earned her Ph.D. from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Brazil, where her research focused on neurometabolism and the molecular mechanisms that regulate brain function.

Following her doctoral training, she moved to the United States to pursue Postdoctoral Research at Tulane University. There, her scientific interests expanded into developmental biology and metabolic regulation, where she investigated how nutrient availability and cellular metabolism influence organ development and disease using molecular, cellular, and genomic approaches.

At the Dr. Iyer’s Lab, Fabiola is a Research Assistant Professor combining her background in neurobiology with a growing interest in neuroimmunology. Her current research explores how T cells influence the healthy brain and how their activity contributes to neuroinflammation in neurological diseases.

By integrating concepts from metabolism, neuroscience, and immunology, she hopes to better understand the cellular interactions that shape brain health and function.

Colleagues know Fabi for her determination, positive energy, and her ability to move seamlessly between scientific discussions and conversations about food, travel, movies and the perfect recipe. Outside of science, Fabi is a proud mom, an avid consumer of movies and TV series (whenever motherhood allows for uninterrupted screen time), and a passionate home cook.

Growing up with a mother who was a professional chef, she learned early that food is about much more than recipes, it is about bringing people together. She loves cooking for family and friends, filling the table with good food, laughter, and conversation, and is always happy to have an excuse to bake a cake.

Whether in the laboratory or in the kitchen, she enjoys experimenting, learning from unexpected outcomes, and creating meaningful connections through shared experiences.