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Egle Cekanaviciute

Egle Cekanaviciute

Space biologist and neuroscientist, Deputy Chief at NASA Ames Research Center

Moffett Field, California
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Joined May 2024
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NASA Space Bio

Summary

Egle is a leading space biologist and neuroscientist at NASA Ames Research Center, where she currently serves as Deputy Division Chief in the Space Biosciences Division. Her work focuses on understanding and mitigating the impact of space radiation and other spaceflight stressors on the human brain and immune system, utilizing organ models and genetic engineering approaches. nasa+3
Beyond her research, Egle is deeply committed to science education, mentorship, and communication. She directs the NASA STAR Program, an intensive training course designed to introduce new investigators to space biology and prepare them for conducting spaceflight experiments. She also engages in public outreach, sharing her passion for science. nasa+2
Her academic background includes a PhD in Neuroscience from Stanford University and a BA in Neurobiology from Harvard University. Her research contributions are significant, with highly cited publications on topics such as the gut microbiome's influence on multiple sclerosis and central nervous system responses to cosmic radiation. nasa+4
Originally from Lithuania, Egle expresses a lifelong fascination with space exploration, inspired by childhood observations of planets and shuttle launches. She channels this interest into her work and creative pursuits, including writing science fiction. She advocates for balancing work with diverse interests and embracing failure as a part of growth. storycorps+2

Work

Education

Writing

Spatially resolved multiomics on the neuronal effects induced by spaceflight in mice

January 1, 2024

Study utilizing advanced multiomics techniques to analyze the neuronal effects of spaceflight on mouse brains, providing insights into the molecular changes occurring during space travel.

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Fundamental Biological Features of Spaceflight: Advancing the Field to Enable Deep-Space Exploration

January 1, 2020

A comprehensive review outlining key biological features of spaceflight and advancements needed to enable deep-space exploration, contributing to the understanding of space biology.

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DNA Damage Baseline Predicts Resilience to Space Radiation and Radiotherapy

January 1, 2020

Research indicating that an individual's baseline level of DNA damage can predict their resilience to clinical complications following radiotherapy and space radiation exposure.

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Central Nervous System Responses to Simulated Galactic Cosmic Rays

January 1, 2018

Research investigating the effects of simulated galactic cosmic rays on the central nervous system, a critical area for understanding astronaut health during deep space missions.

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Gut bacteria from multiple sclerosis patients modulate human T cells and exacerbate symptoms in mouse models

January 1, 2017

Research showing that specific gut bacteria associated with multiple sclerosis can influence human T cells and worsen symptoms in mouse models, highlighting the microbiome's role in autoimmune diseases.

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Astrocytes: integrative regulators of neuroinflammation in stroke and other neurological diseases

January 1, 2016

Review article focusing on the role of astrocytes as key regulators of neuroinflammation in various neurological conditions, including stroke.

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Hobbies

She enjoys writing fantasy and science fiction stories, often incorporating space themes, and has been an avid reader since childhood. youtube

She is passionate about exploring the Earth through hiking, running, biking, and traveling the world, and enjoys learning new languages. youtube

Notes

ATAlex Teichmansaid they've seen
ECEgle Cekanaviciute
do an exceptional job leading research engineering teams.

Jan 22, 2026

ATAlex Teichmansaid
ECEgle Cekanaviciute
is one of the most insightful science writers they know with a neuroscience background.

Jul 2, 2025

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