Hi, I’m Elle Murata—a PhD candidate in Neuroscience at University of California, Santa Barbara, where I work in the Cognitive Neuroendocrinology Lab with Dr. Emily Jacobs. My research uses neuroimaging to explore how disruptions to the endocrine system—such as birth control, endometriosis, and menopause—shape brain structure and cognitive function.

I earned my B.A. in Neuroscience from Middlebury College and worked in Clinical Endocrinology at Brigham and Women’s Hospital before starting graduate school.

When I’m not in the lab, you’ll probably find me running along the beach, hiking in the Los Padres, cooking an Alison Roman recipe, or tracking down the best eats along the Central Coast.

I’m currently seeking Europe-based postdoctoral opportunities in neuroendocrinology beginning Fall 2026—feel free to reach out!