In its most recent episode, the People Behind the Science podcast interviews Umesh “Umi” Venkatesan, PhD. Umi is an Institute Scientist at MRRI and Director of the Brain Trauma and Behavior Laboratory. In his interview, Umi discusses his research on medical and psychosocial risk factors that may contribute to outcomes and outcome trajectories after traumatic brain injury. He also shares his path to becoming a scientist at MRRI, from his very first psychology class in high school to getting a job offer and launching his independent research lab. In addition to academic topics, the podcast’s host Marie McNeely, PhD, explores Umi’s interests outside of science, including his passion for music, dance, culture, and cuisine.

You can listen to Umi’s full interview on the People Behind the Science website.