We are thrilled to celebrate our very own Celena Lozano – PURA mom, board member, and neuroscience PhD student – for winning a Summer Writing Award through the National Association of Science Writers (NASW) 2025 Perlman Virtual Mentoring Program!
In her award-winning article, Celena offers a powerful and insightful look at the future of gene therapies for rare neurodevelopmental disorders like PURA Syndrome. She highlights the gap between media hype and the current scientific reality, calling for stronger collaboration and clearer communication among researchers, clinicians, journalists, policymakers, and rare disease families.
Celena’s NASW piece, “When Will Our Kids Be Next? What Baby KJ’s Story Means for the Future of Gene Therapy,” can be read here: NASW Article
She later expanded her perspective into a compelling opinion piece published by STAT, titled “After CRISPR Cured Baby KJ, What Comes Next for Rare Diseases and Personalized Gene Editing Drugs?”, available here: STAT Article
And the recognition doesn’t stop there — Celena will also be featured on an upcoming podcast to discuss her work and the promise (and limits) of next-generation gene therapies.
Beyond her writing, Celena channels her passion for neuroscience into award-winning Neuro Art. After growing human brain cells in the lab, she transforms her microscopic images into stunning artistic pieces — one of which earned her the Best Science Communication Poster Design Award at UC Davis.
As Celena beautifully demonstrates, the human brain is as inspiring as it is complex. We’re proud to share that a selection of her Neuro Art will be featured in our spring silent auction — don’t miss the chance to experience her work up close.
Congratulations, Celena, on your incredible achievements and for shining such a bright light on the intersection of science, communication, and art!