Monica Chau, PhD

As the Chief Scientific Officer at the Hydrocephalus Association (HA), Dr. Monica Chau directs and implements the Association’s research initiatives and oversees funding. With her background in scientific and community leadership, she advances hydrocephalus research and advocates for those living with hydrocephalus.

To steer hydrocephalus research, Dr. Chau has led the publication of multiple research priority papers and developed and directed annual research workshops. She has also executed strategic plans that significantly expanded hydrocephalus research to new audiences, including device developers and engineers, neuropsychologists, and drug developers.

Dr. Chau created new initiatives to support hydrocephalus research, including networks for hydrocephalus engineers and medical residents, and launched a first-of-its-kind research symposium featuring advances in hydrocephalus treatment, devices, diagnosis, neuropsychology, and basic science. Dr. Chau collaborates with two clinical research networks, and leads two of HA’s advisory groups, the Scientific Advisory Board and the Research Committee.

Dr. Chau is a neuroscientist with nearly two decades of experience in basic science, translational, and clinical research in neurodegenerative diseases. She received her PhD from Emory University in neuroscience. Prior to joining HA, she was appointed to the faculty at the University of Kentucky as a Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Neurosurgery, where she conducted clinical research. Her scientific expertise is in treatments for neurodegenerative diseases including ischemic stroke and Parkinson’s disease.

Dr. Chau is passionate about building communities, and collaborating across scientific, medical, industry, and patient communities.