Maya Theresia Laughton is a scientist, storyteller and artist. At Tufts University, Maya earned a B.S. in biomedical engineering with a minor in computer science, squeezing in art classes at the SMFA in Boston whenever she could.

In 2021, Maya’s fascination with how the brain works led her to begin her post-baccalaureate training in systems neuroscience at NYU. As a Senior Research Associate in the Peron Lab, Maya wrote and received an NIH grant to study how circuits in the brain drive the perception of touch and influence behavior in mice. Maya has since transitioned to the biotech industry. Currently, she conducts research in neuro-immunology at Nilo Therapeutics, as a Senior Research Associate, to find novel therapeutics for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.

Maya’s diverse multicultural background has deeply influenced her approach to both her scientific and artistic pursuits. Born in the States to Indo-Guyanese/ African-American/ German parents and raised in Australia, Maya has always defied labels. For Maya, storytelling and science are both tools to make sense of our world. The stories of our history inform our traditions, create our culture, influence our perception, and shape our interpretations. The integration of different perspectives, not only enhances creativity and innovation, but also advances science.

As a science communicator, Maya explores the intersections of science and humanity, using narrative to question, explore and imagine. In 2023, Maya wrote and performed a story for the Story Collider: Random Walks show in NYC, pondering science as religion. In October 2024, Maya and her filmmaking partner, Janna Kyllästinen, won first place with their film Noumenon in the Symbiosis competition, as part of the Science New Wave Film Festival. Maya produced, directed, wrote and performed in Noumenon, an experimental short film reflecting on the parallels between the neuroscience of perception and the Hindu concept of cosmic illusion.

Click here to read Maya’s take on how the intersection of science and art can enhance science communication.