Ai Koizumi

Throughout our life, our brain helps us adapt to the surrounding environment. However, our brain may not always stay adaptive, e.g., when genes bias neural development in certain directions, or when a traumatic experience leaves strong fear memory traces. Such traits or states of the brain may appear dysfunctional to some. But I prefer to see them as "neurodiversity," a quality that can potentially enrich all our lives if the individuals with these diverse brains are better accommodated by society. In my research, I aim to shed light on the potential benefits and hidden talents behind seemingly non-adaptive brain functions using neuroscientific approaches. I also aim to overcome insufficiencies in current mental health care by developing novel techniques to better monitor, predict, and prevent the development of mental disorders such as PTSD, and implement these techniques in actual clinical settings. Through my research, I wish to contribute to the creation of a "mentally accessible" society, where all individuals can thrive regardless of where they stand on the spectrum of neurodiversity.