Liz Spurlock

Liz received a BS in Molecular and Cellular Biology and a BS in Psychology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2022. As an undergraduate, she studied traumatic brain injury (TBI) and post-traumatic epilepsy (PTE) in Veterans and athletes using MRI and magnetic resonance elastography (MRE). She also conducted a study with Veterans that served to better understand their needs, educate researchers on performing research with Veterans, and encourage Veteran engagement in brain health research.

Liz joined the CTE Center in July of 2022. Here, she assists with research projects aimed at understanding the mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases, is involved in human neuropathology studies, and assists with the daily operation of the brain bank. Additionally, she serves as Tissue Request Coordinator, performing meticulous dissections and facilitating collaborations with investigators worldwide. Liz is also part of our Virtual Brain Cutting team, which offers a unique educational opportunity to groups interested in neuroanatomy and neurodegenerative disease.

Liz’s strong military connection and experience as an athlete drive her interest in studying neurodegenerative diseases. She is particularly interested in better understanding the molecular mechanisms and clinical manifestations of CTE and aspires to contribute to the development of diagnostic and treatment options for living persons.