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Dr. Ben Barres, Renowned Neuroscientist and Advocate

June 19, 2018

Dr. Ben Barres, Renowned Neuroscientist and Advocate

Maddie O'Brien, 22 (NIH, neuroscience)

A blog about gender in neuroscience would be remiss without speaking of Dr. Ben Barres, who passed away last year after a distinguish career at Stanford University where he pioneered advances in both science and diversity.

Dr. Barres was assigned female at birth and named Barbara. In 1997 he transitioned from male to female, and has a unique perspective on gender issues in the sciences. He recounts being treated with more respect after his transition by those who did not know he was transgender. As he said: "I've lived in the shoes of a woman, and I've lived in the shoes of a man. It's caused me to reflect on the barriers women face."

Dr. Barres became a strong advocate for diversity in the sciences and played an important role in moving the field forward on gender issues. Not only that, he also advanced the field of study on the interactions between neurons and glia. 

Read some great articles about Dr. Barres' life here, and here.

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