
Principal Investigator

Edmarie Guzmán Vélez, PhD
Assistant Professor
Department of Neurology, Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
Rutgers Institute for Health, Center for Health Aging Research
Pronouns: She/Her/Ella
Edmarie is a clinical neuropsychologist and neuroscientist committed to understanding why some brains age resiliently while others become vulnerable to dementia. Her research focuses on identifying early risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, uncovering the biological and social mechanisms that shape brain aging, and testing interventions that promote brain health.
A central goal of her work is understanding what drives variability in blood-based biomarkers of Alzheimer's pathology, neurodegeneration, and neuroinflammation, knowledge that is critical for advancing these tools toward early diagnosis, clinical trial selection, and disease monitoring. Edmarie also investigates the neuro-immune mechanisms underlying long COVID-related neurological symptoms, integrating biomarkers, neuroimaging, and cognitive science to clarify how viral infection affects the brain.
Her passion for brain health is not only scientific but also personal. From a young age, Edmarie has prioritized habits that support healthy aging, including regular exercise, strong social connections, and lifelong learning, and one of her life goals is to dance to her very last day. She believes that the science of brain health should translate into everyday life, empowering people to take meaningful steps toward protecting their brains.
Beyond her research, Edmarie is deeply committed to training the next generation of scientists. She has developed multiple educational and mentorship programs, including a nonprofit organization and NIH-funded initiatives, designed to expand access to research opportunities, foster inclusive excellence, and support emerging scholars.
Outside the lab, she LOVES dancing, exploring art, wearing bold earrings, and spending time with family and friends. She enjoys meeting new people, traveling, and learning about different cultures, experiences that continually shape her perspective on community, diversity, and what it means to live well.
Through rigorous science, mentorship, and community engagement, Edmarie aims to transform how we understand dementia risk and help people age with clarity, strength, joy, and, of course, plenty of dancing.

Faculty Positions
Education & Training
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Awards & Fellowships
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Dra. Edmarie Guzmán Vélez: "la participación de la mujer es esencial para la ciencia"





