Dr. Zeynab Alshelh is a distinguished researcher and educator, specializing in chronic pain and neuroinflammatory disorders. She received her PhD in Medicine from the University of Sydney, Australia, in August 2018. Her doctoral research, titled "Infra-slow Oscillations in Chronic Neuropathic Pain and the Effects of Palmitoylethanolamide," showcased her dedication to unraveling the complexities of orofacial neuropathic pain. During this time, she also led a groundbreaking Phase I clinical trial exploring the impact of palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) on pain intensity and functional brain activity.

Following her doctoral studies, Dr. Alshelh embarked on a postdoctoral journey at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital, under the mentorship of Marco Loggia. Here, she furthered her expertise by mastering cutting-edge PET/MR imaging techniques. Her research contributions have been published in prestigious journals, including "Brain, Behavior, and Immunity" (2019) and "BRAIN" (2022), where she investigated neuroinflammatory signals in conditions such as Gulf War Illness and chronic back pain.

Beyond her academic pursuits, Dr. Alshelh is deeply committed to community enrichment. She established a volunteer-based karate club, instilling discipline, self-defense skills, and confidence in children and young adults. Her dedication to martial arts also extends to national and international karate competitions, where she continually demonstrates her competitive spirit and commitment to excellence. She also volunteers and teaches Arabic and Religion to teenage girls to provide guidance on how to successfully navigate the world while protecting their identity. Outside of her professional life, Dr. Alshelh finds solace in nature, often indulging in horseback riding, hiking, and enjoying the serenity of the beach.