Dr. Juliana Chaves is an early career researcher at QIMR Berghofer, with a PhD in Cellular and Molecular Neurodegenerative Diseases from Queensland University of Technology, awarded in 2024. Her research focuses on developing advanced in vitro models using patient-derived cells to study neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s, ALS, and Batten Disease, also known as Childhood Dementia. She is also investigating drug transporters at the blood-brain barrier to improve drug delivery and therapeutic outcomes. Dr. Chaves is passionate about translating research into real-world impact for children and families affected by these devastating conditions.