Dr. R. Grace Zhai earned a PhD in neurobiology from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and completed a HHMI postdoctoral fellowship at Baylor College of Medicine. Dr. Zhai started her independent position as an Assistant Professor in 2007 at the Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology in University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine. She was promoted to Associated Professor (with tenure) in 2013, and Professor in 2020. Dr. Zhai is one of the pioneers in modeling complex neurological diseases using Drosophila. Her group discovered and characterized one of the most robust neuroprotective factors that has broad therapeutic potential against several neurodegenerative conditions. Dr. Zhai was awarded a Pew Scholar in Biomedical Research, a prestigious award given to top young investigators of outstanding promise in science relevant to the advancement of human health.