Biography
Nella C. Delva, Ph.D.
Neuroscientist. Fulbright Scholar. Global research advisor. A story shaped by Haiti, Florida, and Berlin — and by the conviction that resilience and curiosity travel well across borders.
Neuroscientist. Fulbright Scholar. Global research advisor. A story shaped by Haiti, Florida, and Berlin — and by the conviction that resilience and curiosity travel well across borders.
During my Ph.D. training at Florida State University, I delved into understanding the neurodevelopment of neuropsychiatric disorders, before my venture to Berlin on a Fulbright scholarship. At the Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, I expanded my research to explore the mechanisms underlying psychiatric disorders from a pre-translational perspective. My work aims not just to advance scientific knowledge, but to forge pathways toward better therapeutic strategies.
Throughout my academic and professional journey, I've faced challenges that have tested my resilience — transitioning cultures, navigating the competitive world of academia, and managing the pressures of research. These experiences taught me the importance of a balanced work-life philosophy, one that treats well-being as integral to sustained success rather than a luxury separate from it.
My blog, STEM-azing, is where I share these experiences — a glimpse into the life of a scientist who bridges diverse cultures and champions mental health. Through my story, I hope to inspire others, especially young women and immigrants, to pursue their passions in STEM, and to remember that resilience and persistence can outlast the greatest of challenges.
Today, that same throughline — bridging rigorous science with real-world impact — is what drives NeuroPenetrance, my venture applying stem cell models and machine learning to one of genetics' most stubborn unsolved problems.
I'm always open to new collaborations, speaking opportunities, and conversations about science, resilience, and building something new.
Book a callBeyond research, I'm an advocate for mental health awareness and balanced work-life design in academia — and I mentor the next generation of scientists through programs like Polygence, alongside my past role as an adjunct professor at Hillsborough Community College.