FBI Scholars Are Chosen for Novel and Daring Ideas

When the Friedman Brain Institute (FBI) Research Scholars Program launched in 2016, its goal was to secure early-stage funding for novel ideas and daring nascent brain research projects. 

Bold Approaches

The Friedman Brain Institute seized this unique opportunity to incubate some of the pioneering avenues of research most daring ideas that our scientists, particularly those in the early stages of their careers, are eager to pursue. Most scientists and researchers must pursue years of research before being able to secure external funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and other sources that would truly allow their research to develop meaningfully. This is where private philanthropy plays an essential role, and some of our visionary donors stepped in to bridge the gap and accelerate projects that will enable researchers to gather the preliminary data necessary to secure long-funding.

The program is enters its tenth year in 2026. Since its inception it has consistently expanded, and now receives more than 60 competitive applications each year. Many scholars publish their work, influencing their respective research fields. More than half secure additional funding after their initial support. 

Beyond the specific projects and scholars funded each year, the program’s uniqueness and commitment help Mount Sinai attract talented scientists who are drawn to the institute’s distinctive bench-to-bedside connection between research and patient care, as well as the entrepreneurial spirit supported by dedicated donors who believe in bold science.

Lipschultz Research Scholar Award

Deepak Kaji, MD, PhD

Unraveling the Acute and Chronic Effects of NMDA-R Inhibition on neocortical development and network functlon. 
Deepak Kaji, MD, PhD

Schizophrenia is a neurodevelopmental disorder linked to glutamatergic dysfunction. While NMDA-R antagonism with ketamine mimics schizophrenia symptoms in healthy individuals, it fails to capture the neurodevelopmental elements of the disease and has made it difficult to design effective treatments. This study proposes using human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) to create 3D neocortical organoids and compare the effects of acute and chronic ketamine exposure, with organoids generated from healthy control lines, and iPSC lines from patients with schizophrenia. We hypothesize that comparing the transcriptomic and electrophysiological signatures from these four conditions will untangle the tempora contributions of NMDA-R dysfunction to schizophrenia and lead to the development of new pharmacologics.

Nash Family Research Scholar Award

Chrystian Junqueira Alves, PhD and Daniel da Silva, PhD, MSc

Mechano-Electrical Regulation of Neurogenesis.
Chrystian Junqueira Alves, PhD, Assistant Professor, Neuroscionce (left)
Daniel da Silva, PhD, MSc, Assistant Professor, Neuroscience (right)

Dysregulation of neuroprogenitor cells during brain development can cause disorders like autism and microceph-aly. While transcription factors are well-studied, fundamental aspects like plasma membrane properties and cytoskeleton mechanics remain overlooked. This project explores how inner membrane surface charge influences neuroprogenitor cells differentiation and neuronal diversity during cortical development. Using voltage imaging, membrane fluorescent probes, and patch-clamp recordings, we aim to uncover how membrane charge dynamics impacts neurogenesis. We will test engineered molecular actuators that increase negative membrane charge and disrupts the cortical actin, potentially inducing neuronal lineage commitment. Results will provide insights into cortical layer formation and inform future therapies for neurodevelopmental disorders.