Emery Neal Brown 

Emery Neal Brown 

he/him
Health Sciences and Technology
Inclusive and empathetic

Brown is the Edward Hood Professor of Medical Engineering and Computational Neuroscience at MIT and a practicing anaesthesiologist at Massachusetts General Hospital. Brown’s experimental research has made important contributions towards understanding the neuroscience of how anesthetics act in the brain to create the states of general anesthesia. 

Holistic Mentorship

One of the biggest challenges in academic environments is knowing how to chart a course. Brown takes the time to connect with students individually, helping them identify meaningful pathways that they may not have even considered for themselves. In addition to mentoring his graduate students and postdocs, Brown also hosts clinicians and faculty from around the world. Their presence in the lab exposes students to a number of career opportunities and connections outside of MIT’s academic environment.

Brown continues to support former students beyond their time in his lab, offering guidance on personal and professional development even after they have moved on to other institutions. “Each time, his response has been simple, yet enlightening, and exactly what I needed to hear at that moment”, one nominator shared. “Knowing that I have Emery at my back as someone I can always turn to… is such a source of confidence and strength as I go forward into my own career.” 

When Brown faced a major career decision last year, he turned to his students to ask how his choice might affect them. He met with students individually to understand the personal impact that each might experience. Brown was adamant in ensuring that his professional advancement would not jeopardize his students, and invested a great deal of thought and effort in ensuring a positive outcome for them. His students were deeply appreciative of the extraordinary level of care he displayed. 

Empathy for Personal Experiences

Brown is deeply committed to the health and well-being of his students, with many nominators sharing examples of his constant support through challenging personal circumstances. When one student reached out to Brown, overwhelmed by research, recent personal loss, and career uncertainty, Brown created a safe space for vulnerable conversations. 

“He listened, supported me, and encouraged me to reflect on my aspirations for the next five years, assuring me that I should pursue them regardless of any obstacles,” the nominator shared. “Following our conversation, I felt more grounded and regained momentum in my research project.”

In another case,  one nominator faced serious health issues during their first month in the lab and worried about their performance. Brown was extremely understanding, accommodating the student’s needs by adjusting the lab environment and making meetings hybrid, ensuring they could continue their work comfortably during recovery. 

Several mentees also mentioned Brown’s support for his students’ funding situations. When he saw graduate students struggling financially, Brown sought department assistance and offered personal support as well. In another instance, he helped with  funding for a postdoc to work on a project they were both passionate about, and the postdoc was ultimately able to apply for and receive a grant.