Aswathy Shailaja, Ph.D., RAC

Research

My research explores how inflammation in premature infants can disrupt early brain development and lead to long-term challenges. I study how conditions like sepsis or intestinal injury trigger immune responses that affect the brain, using advanced tools to understand these connections and find new ways to protect the developing brain. Ultimately, my goal is to develop new treatments that protect the brain and improve developmental outcomes for vulnerable newborns.

Featured News

The award recognizes her as one of ten young alumni making remarkable contributions in their fields and communities.

Neonatal brain injuries can stem from various common causes. One major factor is hypoxia-ischemia which occurs when there is oxygen deprivation during birth, caused by factors like umbilical cord issues or complications during delivery, and is a leading cause of neonatal brain injuries. Infections, such as bacterial meningitis or viral encephalitis, can induce brain inflammation […]

Certain infections and inflammatory processes trigger an immune response that directly affects the structure and function of the brain.

This digital flipbook was created as part of the final Science Careers & Opportunities in Policy & Education (SCOPE)  project, which focused on science communication through traditional and new media. The program engages early-career scientists in developing content for general audiences, with an emphasis on using innovative platforms to make science more accessible.