Melissa DeLeeuw, PhD, is a neuroscientist from Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC), Department of Neurology, in Nashville, TN. Her research focuses on the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying SLC6A1-related developmental epileptic encephalopathies (DEEs) and the development of novel therapeutic strategies. Her work centers on defining variant-specific trafficking defects in GABA transporters and investigating new compounds, mechanisms of action, and gene-directed approaches to restore GABAergic function. She collaborates closely with patient-advocacy groups, including SLC6A1 Connect, to accelerate translational progress for rare epilepsies and ensure that patient and family needs remain at the core of research priorities.
Melissa earned her PhD in Biomedical Science with concentrations in Neuroscience and Pharmacology from Meharry Medical College in partnership with Vanderbilt University. Her dissertation research and predoctoral training were conducted at VUMC in the Kang Lab under the mentorship of Dr. Jing-Qiong (Katty) Kang, MD, PhD, where she developed foundational mechanistic models comparing SLC6A1 missense variants and produced the first biochemical characterization of 3p- deletion syndrome and therapeutic proposal. Her favorite aspects of research include maintaining a strong patient-centered focus in every experiment and mentoring the next generation of scientists.
Outside of research, Melissa enjoys staying active through hiking, golfing, dancing, and attending sporting events (especially cheering for the Miami Hurricanes, her alma mater). She loves spending time with her family, traveling with her husband, and being with her two cats, Beetle and Sunny.
