Maria V. Sanchez-Mico (Mari), PhD, is an Instructor in Neurology at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School. A biochemist and neuroscientist by training, Mari investigates how astrocytic dysfunction contributes to Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and related neurodegenerative disorders. Using fluorescent biosensors and in vivo multiphoton microscopy, their research focuses on how metabolic pathways are altered in astrocytes during disease progression. Supported by a BrightFocus Fellowship, Mari has uncovered key mechanisms linking astroglial calcium dysregulation, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction to AD pathology. More recently, their work has expanded to explore amyloid-related imaging abnormalities (ARIA) in collaboration with academic and industry partners, with the ultimate goal of identifying astrocyte- and vascular-targeted therapeutic strategies. 

Outside of the lab, Mari enjoys traveling, cooking for friends and family, spending time outdoors, and going to musicals.