Laura M. Cox, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Neurology at the Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases at Harvard Medical School and BWH Hospital. Her lab is currently investigating the role of the microbiome in neurologic diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Dr. Cox was originally trained as a clinical microbiologist, identifying infectious agents. She then obtained her PhD in the lab of Dr. Martin Blaser, where she found that early-life antibiotics lead to lasting metabolic consequences. To gain experience with models of neurologic disease, she then pursued postdoctoral training in the lab of Dr. Howard Weiner. Dr. Cox established her lab in the fall of 2021 and through work supported by CureAlz has begun to identify age-related changes in the gut microbiota that may affect AD by modulating peripheral and central immunity. Her new work focuses on microbiome-diet interactions to reverse detrimental metabolic and inflammatory effects of a high saturated fat diet. Dr. Cox currently serves as Chair of the CureAlz Microbiome Consortium.

To learn more, visit the Cox Lab website and follow Dr. Cox on social media @Lauriemcox.