Program Director, Translational Imaging, Center for Health Sciences
Natalie M. Zahr, Ph.D., works on translational approaches using in vivo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) tools in studies of human alcoholics and rodent models of alcoholism with the goal of identifying mechanisms of alcohol’s effects on the brain. Her position allows her to explore emerging MR technologies and apply them to test relevant hypotheses.
Zahr has a basic sciences background including the study of neuro- anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology. She completed a B.A. in philosophy at the University of California, Los Angeles and has an M.S. in neuropharmacology from Northeastern University. Her Ph.D. in anatomy and neurobiology is from from Boston University.
She trained as an electrophysiologist before beginning postdoctoral training at Stanford University as a MRI scientist. She enjoys sharing her knowledge and enthusiasm for learning by teaching at local institutions such as UC Berkeley Extension.