Professor/Research Career Scientist at UCSF/San Francisco VA Health Care System🎓
Dr. Linda L. Chao is a highly respected neuroscientist whose journey began with a B.S. in Biological Sciences and a Ph.D. in Neuroscience from UC Davis. Following her postdoctoral training as a Cognitive Neuroscience Fellow at the National Institute of Mental Health, Dr. Chao joined UCSF, where she is now a Professor in Radiology, Psychiatry, and Behavioral Sciences. She also contributes significantly to veteran health research at the San Francisco VA Medical Center. Renowned for her expertise in cognitive neuroscience and neuroimaging, Dr. Chao employs advanced MRI, PET, and fMRI techniques to study neurodegenerative diseases, Gulf War Illness, and PTSD. Her groundbreaking work in non-pharmacological therapies for Alzheimer’s and trauma-related conditions has earned her prestigious awards, including the UC Davis Graduate Research Award and the NIMH Fellows Award for Research Excellence. As an active member of key neuroscience organizations and a dedicated mentor, Dr. Chao is a vital figure in advancing mental health research and neuroimaging innovations.
Professional Profile
Education 🎓:
Dr. Linda L. Chao earned her B.S. in Biological Sciences (1987-1991) and a Ph.D. in Neuroscience (1991-1996) from the University of California, Davis. Her dedication to understanding the brain and its functions began here, paving the way for her groundbreaking work in neuroscience and cognitive research.
Work Experience 💼:
Dr. Chao’s career reflects a strong commitment to advancing mental health research. Her postdoctoral training took place at the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) as a Cognitive Neuroscience Fellow (1996-2000). She joined the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) as an Assistant Professor in Radiology and Psychiatry in 2001, advancing to Associate Professor and later Professor in the departments of Radiology & Biomedical Imaging, Psychiatry, and Behavioral Sciences. She also holds a significant role with the San Francisco VA Medical Center, where she contributes to research safety and promotes veteran health.
Skills 🔍
Dr. Chao is highly skilled in cognitive neuroscience, neuroimaging, and radiology. She has expertise in analyzing brain health through MRI, PET, and fMRI imaging techniques. Her experience extends to research safety, clinical trials, and therapeutic interventions for neurodegenerative diseases and Gulf War Illness. Her innovative skills in cognitive and neuroimaging research support her work in developing non-pharmacological interventions for conditions like PTSD and Alzheimer’s.
Awards and Honors 🏆
Dr. Chao’s research excellence is recognized with numerous awards, including the University of California, Davis Graduate Research Award (1994) and the Fellows Award for Research Excellence from the National Institute of Mental Health (1999). These honors underscore her significant contributions to cognitive neuroscience and clinical research.
🤝 Memberships:
Dr. Chao is actively involved in multiple professional organizations, including the Society for Neuroscience (SFN), Cognitive Neuroscience Society (CNS), and the International Society to Advance Alzheimer’s Research and Treatment (ISAART). Her memberships reflect her dedication to staying at the forefront of neuroscience, cognitive health, and clinical research.
Teaching Experience 👩🏫:
With a passion for mentoring, Dr. Chao has taught at UCSF’s School of Medicine, facilitating courses on brain, mind, and behavior. She has lectured on clinical fMRI applications and led seminars on neuroimaging. Her role as a mentor has influenced many students and researchers in radiology, psychology, and psychiatry, shaping the future of neuroscience.
Research Focus 🔬:
Dr. Chao’s research primarily explores cognitive function, neurodegenerative diseases, and neuroimaging in veterans. Her work on Gulf War Illness and the effects of sarin exposure highlights her commitment to understanding trauma impacts on the brain. Additionally, she investigates photobiomodulation therapies, non-pharmacological dementia treatments, and PTSD interventions. Her recent studies reveal the complex interactions between genetic factors and environmental exposures affecting brain health.
📚 Publilcation
- Topic: Implementing a new multidisciplinary, remote, dementia staff training program for Veterans Affairs nursing homes
- Year: 2024
- Journal: BMC Health Services Research
- Topic: Olfactory and cognitive decrements in 1991 Gulf War veterans with Gulf War illness/chronic multisymptom illness
- Year: 2024
- Journal: Environmental Health: A Global Access Science Source
- Topic: Current health status of Gulf War deployed and Gulf War era veterans who use Veterans Affairs health care
- Year: 2024
- Journal: Journal of Women’s Health
- Topic: PON1 status in relation to Gulf War Illness: Evidence of gene–exposure interactions from a multisite case–control study of 1990–1991 Gulf War veterans
- Year: 2024
- Journal: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
- Topic: Gulf War illness is associated with host gut microbiome dysbiosis and is linked to altered species abundance in veterans from the BBRAIN cohort
- Year: 2024
- Journal: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
- Topic: Livestream, group movement program for people living with cognitive impairment and care partners: A randomized clinical trial
- Year: 2024
- Journal: Alzheimer’s and Dementia: Translational Research and Clinical Interventions
- Topic: Characterizing 1991 Gulf War women veterans from the Boston Biorepository and Integrative Network for Gulf War Illness: Demographics, exposures, neuroimaging, and cognitive outcomes
- Year: 2024
- Journal: Clinical Neuropsychologist
- Topic: Cognitive decrements in 1991 Gulf War veterans: Associations with Gulf War illness and neurotoxicant exposures in the Boston Biorepository, Recruitment, and Integrative Network (BBRAIN) cohorts
- Year: 2023
- Journal: Environmental Health: A Global Access Science Source