Dr. Huda Zoghbi, an internationally renowned neurogeneticist and pioneer in the field of brain research, will serve as the speaker at Rice University’s 112th commencement ceremony May 10 at Rice Stadium. Zoghbi’s groundbreaking work has transformed the understanding of brain development and neurodegenerative diseases, making her a trailblazer in the scientific community.
Zoghbi is the founding director of the Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children’s Hospital, a Howard Hughes Medical Institute investigator and a distinguished service professor at Baylor College of Medicine. She is best known for her discovery of the genetic basis of Rett syndrome, a severe neurological disorder affecting young girls, as well as her research into the genetic causes of adult-onset neurodegenerative diseases such as spinocerebellar ataxia and Alzheimer’s disease. Her work has not only advanced scientific knowledge but also provided hope for countless families affected by these conditions.
Zoghbi’s many accolades include the Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences, the Kavli Prize in Neuroscience and the Shaw Prize in Life Science and Medicine. She is a member of the National Academy of Sciences, the National Academy of Medicine and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, among others.
A Rice trustee emerita, Zoghbi has had a long-standing relationship with the university. She has been a vital part of the Rice community, serving on various boards and continuing to mentor future generations of researchers and leaders.
“Undoubtedly, Huda’s contributions to neuroscience serve as a powerful example of how scientific discovery can transform lives,” Rice President Reginald DesRoches said. “At this moment in history, when the world is increasingly shaped by advancements in research and technology, her insights could not be more timely or relevant. Our graduates — many of whom will go on to make an impact in research, medicine and innovation — will be inspired by her journey and her dedication to discovery.”
Zoghbi’s journey to success began in Lebanon, where she was born and raised. After completing her undergraduate degree in biology at the American University of Beirut, she transferred to Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee, due to the outbreak of the Lebanese Civil War. She later completed a pediatric residency and a residency in pediatric neurology at Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children’s Hospital in 1985, before embarking on a postdoctoral fellowship in molecular genetics. She joined Baylor College of Medicine’s faculty as an assistant professor in 1988.
For additional information about this year’s commencement, please click here.