Biography

Noori Chai, Ph.D., is the science education coordinator in the Education Branch of NCATS’ Office of Policy, Communications and Education. She works with colleagues to support the education, mentoring and training of the translational science workforce.

Prior to joining NCATS in 2024, Chai was an education specialist at the University of California, Santa Cruz’s Teaching and Learning Center. While there, she created and facilitated opportunities for graduate students, postdoctoral fellows and faculty to develop new, evidence-based skills in mentoring. As part of campus-wide student success initiatives, she analyzed undergraduate outcomes for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) faculty and departments. She also co-led learning communities for STEM educators who want to enhance their teaching practices to improve the learning experience for all students.

Chai received her doctorate in neuroscience from Stanford University. In a translational research laboratory, she used genome-wide genetic screens in yeast and human cell lines to better understand and identify potential treatments for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in neuroscience from Brown University.

Professional Interests

Chai is committed to sharing effective mentoring practices that improve trainee retention along the research pipeline. Her goal is to support the holistic professional development of NCATS fellows to ensure their success as translational scientists.