Breaking Barriers in the Brain: Dr. Monique Mendes Makes History as the First Black Woman to Earn a Ph.D. in Neuroscience at the University of Rochester

She’s a scholar, a scientist, and a trailblazer!

Dr. Monique Mendes has officially made history as the first Black woman to earn a Ph.D. in neuroscience from the University of Rochester, a groundbreaking achievement that’s inspiring students and scientists alike (Diverse Issues in Higher Education).

Born and raised in Kingston, Jamaica, Mendes’ journey to this historic milestone was anything but easy. When she moved to the United States as a teenager, she had to quickly adapt to a new culture and educational system. “It was a huge adjustment,” she said. “But I stayed curious, stayed focused, and found my passion through learning.”

Discovering a Passion for the Brain

Her path toward neuroscience began while studying biology at the University of Florida, where she first set foot in a research lab. “That was where I had real hands-on experiences,” Mendes told Diverse Education. “I worked on a project from start to finish, doing all the experiments and helping to write the paper. That’s when I realized it was exciting to be part of science — to discover something new.”

While at the University of Florida, Mendes joined the McNair Scholars Program, a national initiative that supports underrepresented undergraduates in pursuing doctoral studies through mentorship, financial aid, and research opportunities. She credits the program with opening doors that helped her see a Ph.D. as attainable.

After earning her bachelor’s degree, Mendes was accepted into the University of Rochester Medical Center’s (URMC) Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience, one of the top neuroscience research programs in the country (URMC Newsroom).

Rising Through Research

As a first-generation college student, Mendes says the transition to graduate school was initially intimidating. “I definitely had no idea what was going on in the beginning,” she admitted. “But I was fortunate to have a number of mentors who really put my success as a priority.”

Her perseverance paid off. During her doctoral studies, Mendes earned numerous accolades, including being named a Fellow of the Neuroscience Scholars Program by the Society for Neuroscience — a highly competitive honor that recognizes exceptional early-career scientists. She also became the first URMC graduate student to receive the F99/K00 NIH Blueprint Diversity Specialized Predoctoral to Postdoctoral Advancement in Neuroscience Fellowship, funded by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) (NIH News Release).

In addition, Mendes received the Edward Peck Curtis Award for Excellence in Teaching, an honor recognizing outstanding graduate teaching and mentorship.

Her dissertation, titled “The Kinetics of Microglial Ontogeny and Maturation in the Adult Brain,” explored how microglia — the brain’s immune cells — renew and mature over time, research that could have long-term implications for understanding neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

Making History and Inspiring the Next Generation

When Mendes successfully defended her dissertation, she was stunned to learn that she had just made history as the first Black woman in the University of Rochester’s 170-year history to earn a doctorate in neuroscience. “I felt incredibly empowered,” she told ABC News. “I realized I was setting the stage for more Black women to come to Rochester — to know that this is something they can do and be successful at.”

Mendes also reflected on the lack of representation she faced during her academic journey. “I didn’t have one other person who looked like me in any of my classes,” she said. “But I found my community through social media campaigns like #BlackInNeuro, where I connected with other Black neuroscientists who understood what it’s like to navigate this space.”

She continues to advocate for greater inclusion in science, emphasizing that the responsibility for change lies not just with students but with institutions. “We need environments that are not only diverse but inclusive,” Mendes told NPR. “Black women need to feel like there’s a seat at the table, that their voices and perspectives are valued.”

Life Beyond the Lab

Currently, Dr. Mendes is a postdoctoral fellow at Stanford University, where she studies how glial cells influence memory formation and learning — an area at the frontier of modern neuroscience. She hopes to one day transition into a faculty position and become a mentor for other students from underrepresented backgrounds in STEM.

But science isn’t her only passion. Outside the lab, Mendes finds joy and peace through music. A talented violinist, she began playing while attending Immaculate Conception High School in Jamaica and later performed with the Florida Youth Orchestra, the Brighton Symphony Orchestra, and the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra.

“It gives me a sense of community,” Mendes told URMC News. “It’s nice to have something outside of science to relax. Orchestra might sound intense, but for me, it’s the most peaceful place to be.”

A Legacy of Representation

Dr. Mendes’ historic achievement not only celebrates her personal determination but also highlights the broader need for equity and representation in STEM. Her journey stands as a reminder that access, mentorship, and visibility can transform who gets to participate in science — and who gets to lead it.

“I hope young Black girls see my story and think, ‘That could be me,’” she said. “Because it can be.”

Congratulations to Dr. Monique Mendes, a trailblazer proving that representation in neuroscience isn’t just possible — it’s powerful.