Maria Eduarda Liberador dos Santos Nunes, Ph.D., is a Neuroscience PhD student at Rutgers University–Newark in the Center for Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience (CMBN). She conducts research under the mentorship of Dr. László Zaborszky, Ph.D., M.D., D.Sc., investigating the hierarchical architecture and function of the basal forebrain cholinergic system. Her work integrates circuit-mapping techniques, large-scale neural recordings, and theoretical modeling to uncover how neuromodulatory systems implicated in Alzheimer’s disease and schizophrenia implement adaptive control in the brain.

Maria earned her Bachelor of Arts in Neuroscience and Behavior with a minor in Psychology from Rutgers University–Newark. She is dedicated to connecting neuroscience research with community needs through culturally responsive engagement that increases awareness of brain health and aging.