Elizabeth Yimer is a neuroscientist whose work explores how the brain processes, stores, and reshapes memories through dynamic changes in signaling pathways and neural circuits. Her research interests lie at the intersection of molecular signaling, brain-body communication, and cellular plasticity, with the goal of uncovering how these processes shape long-term behavioral outcomes—and how their disruption contributes to neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders.
Yimer earned her A.S. in Science from Virginia Peninsula Community College and her B.S. from Virginia Commonwealth University, where she was recognized with several research and travel awards, including the ABRCMS Best Poster Award and the Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP) Best Poster Award. She further deepened her research training through Harvard University’s Research Scholar Initiative, conducting interdisciplinary work in the Departments of Organismal and Evolutionary Biology and Psychology. There, she investigated how memory formation and retention are affected by developmental transitions—advancing her understanding of the neural and behavioral mechanisms underlying cognition.
Yimer was drawn to the St. Jude Graduate School for its mission to transform scientific discovery into compassionate, child-focused care. She values the institution’s commitment to open science, health equity, and long-term investment in both patients and researchers. At St. Jude, she looks forward to contributing to work that is both scientifically rigorous and profoundly human in its impact.
Hometown: Yorktown, VA
Education:
2024 - Research Scholar Initiative (RSI) Post-Baccalaureate Program – Harvard University
2022 - BS – Virginia Commonwealth University
2021 - AS (Science) – Virginia Peninsula Community College
Awards/Honors/Scholarships:
2022 - Summa Cum Laude – Virginia Commonwealth University
2022 - Summer Honors Undergraduate Research Program (SHURP)
2022 - Cayman Chemical Travel Award (SERLC Conference)
2022 - ABRCMS Travel Award
2022 - VCU Internship Scholarship Award
2022 - Louis Stokes (LSAMP) Best Poster Award
2021 - Best Poster Award – ABRCMS
2021-22 - Bridges to Baccalaureate Scholar