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Dr Magdalena Martínez-García
Name:
Dr Magdalena Martínez-García
Job title:
Scientific Director of Maternal Health, Ann S. Bowers Women’s Brain Health Initiative
Place of work / study:
University of California Santa Barbara
Area of Research:
Neuroscience of human pregnancy and motherhood
How is your work funded:
In recognition of my academic record, I have received a Fulbright graduate fellowship, a BBRF Young Investigator Grant, a Ramon Areces scholarship for international postdoctoral studies, and a Seal of Excellence by the Marie Curie Postdoctoral Fellowship.
Tell us a little about yourself:
I am the Scientific Director of Maternal Health in the Ann S. Bowers Women’s Brain Health Initiative at the University of California Santa Barbara, a University of California-wide brain imaging consortium designed to accelerate the pace of discovery for women’s health. I have a degree in Biotechnology from the Universidad Politécnica de Valencia (2015), a master’s degree in Neuroscience from the Universitat de Barcelona (2016), and a PhD in Biomedical Science and Technology from the Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, Spain.
As a neuroscientist, I specialize in the impact of hormonal transitions on the structure and functioning of women’s brains. I have 9 years of experience applying neuroimaging techniques to characterize the brain remodeling and neuroplasticity in women during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum periods. This journey has equipped me with the skills to effectively recruit and work with expectant mothers, a special group that presents unique challenges and requires precise timings due to the sensitive nature of pregnancy. I also serve as a co-chair of the Pregnancy and Motherhood working group within the ENIGMA Neuroendocrinology initiative, which aims to aggregate neuroimaging data from mothers around the globe to create longitudinal, large-scale databases of pregnancy and the postpartum periods.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself:
I am originally from Valencia, Spain, the land of paella, and now based in Santa Barbara, California. The two places share a similar weather and landscape, but very different cultures. I am the mother of an 8-month-old baby girl, Celia. Becoming a mother has deepened my awareness of how essential social, medical, and caregiving support is during the postpartum period. My motto is: Let’s value maternal health as much as we value infant health.
Why did you choose to work in dementia?
N/A
What single piece of advise would you give to an early career researcher?
Try to choose supervisors who want to see you thrive and who believe in work-life balance.
What book are you reading right now? Would you recommend it?
I am reading Matrescence by Lucy Jones. Absolutely recommended.
Favourite film of all time?
Honestly… The Parent Trap (don’t judge)
Favourite ways to unplug and unwind?
Discovering new walk paths around my city. Stretching. Watching a good show.
What’s the best decision you ever made?
Starting a family with my husband.
What’s your favourite vacation spot?
Las Negras, Almeria, Spain
Do you collect anything?
Not really.
Rebecca Williams