About
Dr. Joel Acevedo-Nieto is an interdisciplinary research scientist with a strong foundation in cognitive neuroscience, clinical research, and health innovation. Currently a postdoctoral scholar in Clinical & Translational Research at the University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus, his work explores the associations between gait performance and global cognitive function in aging populations, particularly individuals with Alzheimer's disease. His academic trajectory spans neuroscience, psychology, and neurotechnology, earning international recognition, including selection as one of the "Top 100 Young Scientists" by the World Laureates Association. Dr. Acevedo is deeply committed to translational science and serves as an Associate Scholar in the Society for Neuroscience's Neuroscience Scholars Program (NSP).
Education
2025 - Currently
University of Pitsburgh, Institute for Clinical Research Education (ICRE).
Leading Emerging and Diverse Scientists to Success (LEADS) training program.
2025 - Currently
University of Michigan, Michigan Program for Advancing Cultural Transformation (M-Pact)
Multicultural academic leadership training for early-career investigators
2023 - 2025
University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus
Postdoctoral Master in Clinical & Translational Research
Awards, Scholarships and Grants
• Neuroscience Scholars Program (NSP) Scholar, Society for Neuroscience (2014–2026)
• MIT-Harvard Medical School Healthcare Innovation Bootcamp Alumnus
• 1st Place, 3-Minute Thesis (Postdoc Category), ACTS Conference, Washington D.C. (2025)
• Young Scientist Award, World Laureates Association (Shanghai, China, 2019)
• American Heart Association, $10,000 Innovation Grant
• Parallel18 / PR Science Trust, $20,000 for "Sharp Focus VR"
• Startup.pr, $15,000 Grant (2018)
• Winner, SAP Innomarathon Pitch Competition (Puerto Rico, 2018)