Mapping Memory: Dr. Bess Frost on Neurodegeneration, Resilience, and the Future of Brain Research

What if the earliest signs of neurodegenerative disease begin long before symptoms appear?In this episode of Her Path to Success, Sia Gullapalli sits down with Dr. Bess Frost, Associate Professor of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, and Biochemistry at Brown University. Dr. Frost’s lab investigates the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease and frontotemporal dementia.Together, they explore how disruptions in nuclear architecture, tau pathology, and chromatin organization contribute to cognitive decline — and what this means for early detection and prevention. Dr. Frost also shares insights into her journey in science, navigating academia as a woman in research, and the importance of curiosity-driven discovery.This conversation bridges molecular neuroscience with real-world impact, offering students and aspiring scientists a deeper look at how laboratory research shapes the future of brain health.