Biography

Brandon Zamora is a junior at the University of Central Florida, majoring in Biomedical Sciences with a Neuroscience track and minoring in Cognitive Sciences. With a strong background in research and a passion for advancing scientific knowledge, he aspires to pursue an MD-PhD, focusing on neuroscience and psychedelic science.

Brandon has conducted research across multiple institutions, including Vanderbilt University through The Leadership Alliance’s SR-EIP program, where his project explored how eye movement patterns influence learning and performance in nursing simulations. At UCF, he began work on a SURF project analyzing dendritic spine density in mice brains to explore the effects of novel compounds on neuroplasticity. In the Fedorka Lab, he investigated how agrochemical use impacts mosquito immune systems and their role as disease vectors. Additionally, he completed a personal research project evaluating executive function in habitual caffeine users during a two-semester research methods sequence at Valencia College.

Currently, Brandon interns at CNS Healthcare, where he witnesses firsthand the impact of clinical trials, including studies on psychedelic therapies—an experience that directly connects to his passion for advancing treatments in neuroscience and mental health.

As a member of the Women’s Global Health Lab, Brandon is eager to contribute to research exploring cannabis use and its impact on health outcomes.

Outside of research, Brandon is an active volunteer, serving as a long-term alumni mentor for the CBYX/CIEE high school study abroad program, drawing from his experience as an exchange scholar in Germany. He is proficient in English, German, and Spanish.

With a commitment to scientific discovery and interdisciplinary research, Brandon strives to contribute meaningful advancements to neuroscience and global health.