BRAIN (Business & Research Administration In Neuroscience) supports the science, education, outreach, and people that advance the Department of Neuroscience’s mission. In support of the Department’s vision to advance neuroscience, empower minds, and benefit society, we partner with faculty, staff, and trainees to provide the administrative, operational, and strategic support that helps research, education, and community engagement thrive.
From research administration and finance to people, technology, operations, communications, and beyond, BRAIN connects our neuroscience community with the resources and expertise needed to move its work forward.
General Business Office Inquiries:
neuroscience-businessoffice@wustl.edu
Wendy Bridges
Pre-Clinical Business Director
- Phone: 314-362-3033
- Email: wendybridges@nospam.wustl.edu
Wendy provides strategic leadership and oversight of the department’s financial management, research administration, human resources, facilities, and business operations. She leads the BRAIN team and partners with department leadership, faculty, and university offices to support departmental priorities, resource planning, and operational effectiveness.
Brian Hopkins, MBA
Executive Assistant to the Chair
- Phone: 314-362-3033
- Email: brian.hopkins@nospam.wustl.edu
Brian provides executive and administrative support to the Department Chair, including calendar management, meeting coordination, communications, and special projects. He serves as a key point of contact for matters involving the Chair’s office.
Serina DeSalvio, PhD
Manager, Communications & Strategic Marketing
- Email: serina@nospam.wustl.edu
Serina leads the department’s communications and strategic marketing efforts, showcasing the research, people, and accomplishments of the Neuroscience community. She works with faculty, staff, and trainees to strengthen the department’s visibility through storytelling, website content, digital communications, and outreach initiatives.
Kim Finney, CPP
Manager, HR & Payroll Operations
- Email: finney@nospam.wustl.edu
Kim oversees departmental human resources and payroll processes, supporting faculty, staff, and trainees throughout the employment lifecycle. She coordinates appointments, compensation changes, payroll matters, and immigration-related employment processes in partnership with university offices.
Nancy Reidelberger
Manager of Research & Core Services
- Email: nreidelb@nospam.wustl.edu
Nancy leads the department’s research administration team, overseeing pre- and post-award grant administration, sponsored research financial management, and related compliance and reporting activities. She partners with faculty and research administrators to support effective management of research funding and serves as a resource for complex research administration matters.
Faculty Portfolio: Richards.
Dominic “Nick” Thompson, MA
Manager, Scientific Services
Nick oversees scientific services and laboratory support operations, coordinating resources and services that support the department’s research activities. He works with faculty, laboratory personnel, and university partners to address operational needs and maintain effective research support services.
Gwen Yates
Manager, Financial Planning
- Email: g.yates@nospam.wustl.edu
Gwen manages departmental financial planning and accounting operations, including budgeting, financial analysis, purchasing, and expense management. She oversees the purchasing and accounting team and partners with faculty and departmental leadership to support responsible financial stewardship.
Kristin Abraham
Events Specialist II
- Email: kristin.abraham@wustl.edu
Kristin coordinates departmental events, seminars, meetings, and special programs, managing event logistics, scheduling, communications, and related arrangements. She works with faculty, staff, and departmental leadership to support engaging and well-organized departmental activities.
Brenda Archie, MBA
Research Administrator
- Email: b.archie@wustl.edu
Brenda provides pre- and post-award research administration support, including proposal submissions, award management, financial monitoring, and sponsor requirements.
Faculty Portfolio: Chen, Goodhill (CTCN), Hiratani, Huang, Li, Oviedo, Tavoni, Yi.
Zana Bolleke
Administrative Coordinator II
- Email: suzana@wustl.edu
Zana provides administrative and operational support for the department, coordinating meetings, scheduling, communications, and general business office activities. She assists faculty, staff, and departmental leadership with day-to-day administrative needs.
Johnisha Brown
Laboratory Assistant I/Glasswasher
- Email: johnisha@wustl.edu
Johnisha provides glass washing and autoclaving services, along with various support for department activities.
Blanka Hodzic, BS
Neuroprep Program Coordinator
- Email: bhodzic@wustl.edu
Blanka provides support for the WashU Neuroprep Program.
Troy Jones
Supervisor, Inventory Control/Purchasing
- Phone: 314-362-3547
- Email: troyj@wustl.edu
Troy oversees departmental purchasing and inventory control activities, supporting the procurement of goods and services needed for research and departmental operations. He helps ensure purchasing processes are efficient, accurate, and aligned with university requirements.
Nikki Jose
Faculty Affairs and Academic Operations Coordinator
- Email: nikki.jose@wustl.edu
Nikki coordinates faculty affairs and academic administrative processes, including faculty appointments, promotions, onboarding, and related activities. She works with faculty, department leadership, and university offices to support academic personnel processes and departmental operations.
Sanela Kulelija
Senior Research Administrator
- Email: sanela.k@wustl.edu
Sanela provides comprehensive pre- and post-award research administration support, including proposal development and submissions, award management, financial oversight, and sponsor compliance. In her senior role, she serves as a resource for complex research administration matters and leads departmental efforts related to funding opportunity searches, research administration reporting, and RADAR processes.
Faculty Portfolio: Kepecs, Livi, Nonet, O’Malley, Padoa-Schioppa, Shaw, Taghert.
Stephanie McGee, BA
Research Administrator
- Email: s.mcgee@wustl.edu
Stephanie provides pre- and post-award research administration support, including proposal submissions, award management, financial monitoring, and sponsor requirements.
Faculty Portfolio: Autio, Bagnall (Zebrafish Facilities), Bayguinov, Gaidica (Neurotech Hub), Han, Snyder, Van Essen.
Alma Mulalic, BS
Senior Accounting Coordinator
- Email: alma.mulalic@wustl.edu
Alma supports departmental financial and accounting operations, including transaction processing, account reconciliations, financial recordkeeping, and related administrative activities. She assists faculty and staff with financial transactions and departmental accounting needs.
Shane Piromsuk
Office Assistant
- Email: pshane@wustl.edu
Shane provides accounting and administrative support for departmental financial operations, including transaction processing, documentation, and purchasing-related activities. He assists the accounting team in maintaining accurate financial records and supporting day-to-day business needs.
Jason Spaetti
Senior Research Administrator
- Email: jspaetti@wustl.edu
Jason provides comprehensive pre- and post-award research administration support, including proposal development and submissions, award management, financial oversight, and sponsor compliance. In his senior role, he serves as a resource for complex research administration matters and leads departmental efforts related to effort reporting, unallocated account management, and specialized financial reporting.
Faculty Portfolio: Bauernfeind, Burkhalter, Cavalli, Dikranian, Franken, Gabel, Holy, Jankowsky, Morhardt, Pappas, Papouin, Prufrock, Salkoff, Taylor.
Josh Stewart
Technical Support Specialist II (IT)
- Phone: 314-362-3534
- Email: joshs@wustl.edu
Josh provides technical support for departmental faculty and staff, assisting with computers, software, equipment, and technology-related issues. He coordinates with university information technology partners to troubleshoot problems, facilitate technical solutions, and support the department’s computing needs.
Emily Williams, MA
Senior Director of Advancement in the Office of Medical Advancement
- Email: williams.e@wustl.edu
Emily helps facilitate private gifts and engagement in support of faculty, research and programs in the Department of Neuroscience.