Dr. Lalitha Madhavan is an associate professor of neurology, and a member of the Evelyn F. McKnight Brain Institute and the BIO5 Institute at the University of Arizona. She has long-standing interests and significant expertise in stem cell biology, aging and age-related neurodegenerative disorders. For the past 18+ years, she has studied fundamental aspects of stem cell function, disease biology and potential novel therapeutics, especially in relation to Parkinson’s disease (PD). Current endeavors in her laboratory mainly center on investigating stem cell potential within the framework of aging and neural degeneration, understanding the cellular and molecular underpinnings of PD and developing novel approaches for the early diagnosis and treatment of PD. In addition to successfully directing her laboratory-based research program, which has been actively funded through federal and other diverse sources, she engages in meaningful outreach to seniors and individuals affected by PD in the local community.