Ph.D. biomedical scientist with an extensive foundation spanning immunology, oncology, pharmacology, neurology, and safety pharmacology. My work decodes the epigenetic regulation of the blood-brain barrier and how it can be manipulated to move therapeutics across it into the CNS - reaching the final destination without roadblocks.
I have always been driven by a single, powerful goal: overcoming one of the greatest challenges in modern medicine to bring life-changing treatments to patients who need them most.
As a Ph.D. biomedical scientist and American Heart Association awardee, my research focuses heavily on the blood-brain barrier (BBB). While the BBB is crucial for protecting our brains, it also acts as a strict gatekeeper that blocks vital, life-saving medications from reaching the central nervous system. By blending insights across immunology, oncology, pharmacology, and neurology, I study the microscopic "switches" (epigenetics) that control this barrier. My goal is to find innovative, safe ways to open the door for next-generation drug delivery, offering new hope to individuals fighting complex neurological diseases and cancer.
Great science, however, only makes an impact if it can be shared. Beyond the bench, I use my background in technical writing and data analysis to bridge the gap between complex discoveries and real-world execution. Whether I am designing robust experiments, translating intricate data, or writing the grants and manuscripts that secure vital funding, I ensure our science has the momentum it needs to move from the lab to the clinic.
Three core pillars drive my work from early discovery to strategic execution: uncovering the deepest scientific insights, translating data into decisive action, and communicating complex science so teams can move their projects forward and patients have quicker access to therapies.
I don't just describe mechanisms - I interrogate them. My approach spans immunology, oncology, pharmacology, and neurology, utilizing advanced tools like CRISPR/Cas9, scRNA-seq, and stereotactic in vivo models to uncover deep biological insights and drive discovery.
Translating clinical science into compliant, market-ready therapies. My background bridges the gap between laboratory discovery and regulatory approval. I pair deep technical experience in PK/PD, ADME, and MoA characterization with a deep understanding of GLP and GCP standards, FDA CFR Title 21, and the strategic milestones of the regulatory pipeline (IND, NDA, BLA).
Securing funding and articulating complex science. As an AHA-funded grant writer and published author, I excel at making complex biology accessible and compelling to any audience, whether through high-stakes manuscripts, strategic rebuttal letters, major posters, or podium talks at major conferences.
My biomedical training shaped the way I approach hard problems: define the challenge, design the approach, and translate the impact.
The blood-brain barrier blocks most therapeutics from reaching the CNS, and the chromatin-level programs that govern its integrity were largely uncharted.
Characterized Znhit1-mediated regulation of receptor tyrosine kinase signaling in the CNS microvasculature using advanced molecular assays, next-generation sequencing, innovative imaging methods, and absorbing the feedback from other leading scientists.
Uncovered a novel, high-impact mechanism controlling brain microvascular permeability and neuroinflammation, a critical breakthrough given that CNS vascular breakdown is a hallmark of major disease pathologies. This discovery identifies Znhit1 as a pivotal regulator of the blood-brain barrier, opening entirely new therapeutic avenues for targeting neurodegenerative and inflammatory disorders.
Target validation and gene modulation.
Deciphering genetic programs through multi-omic analysis.
Overcoming physiological barriers to therapeutics.
Ensuring the safety, efficacy, and compliance of emerging therapies.
Reprogramming the immune system to fight disease.
Scientific evidence with clarity.
Selected peer-reviewed articles, theses, and manuscripts in review.
Verba M. · Doctoral dissertation
Verba M., et al. · Angiogenesis (in review)
Thompson M, Sakabe M, Verba M, et al. · Frontiers in Physiology
Sakabe M, Thompson M, Chen N, Verba M, et al. · eLife
Jallaq SA, Verba M, et al. · Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology
Verba M. · Master's thesis
University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
Cincinnati, OH
University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
Cincinnati, OH
Widener University
Chester, PA
I'm based in New Jersey and I'm open to all roles in pharma, biotech, medical affairs, and life-science consulting. If my background looks aligned with your team's needs, I'd be thrilled to chat and talk in more detail.
