Constantina Theofanopoulou
Constantina Theofanopoulou is an Assistant Professor at Rockefeller University, Visiting Scholar at New York University, and Research Associate at Emory University and the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs. Her research aims to understand the neural circuits of sensory-motor behaviors, specifically, speech and dance, and to identify arts-based therapies for speech and motor disorders.
Dr. Theofanopoulou's scientific findings in the neurobiology of dance have garnered worldwide media attention (e.g., New York Times, Dance Magazine). She has received over 20 scientific awards for her research, including her selection as a Next Generation Leader by the Allen Institute, and her inclusion in the Forbes 30 Under 30 list in 2021. Dr. Theofanopoulou is also actively involved in disseminating science to non-scientists and supporting underrepresented minorities and women in science. Among her roles, she has served as a STEM mentor in the New York Academy of Sciences, a Council member of the Rockefeller Inclusive Science Initiative, and a Board member of the International Brain Research Organization’s Early Career Committee. Additionally, Constantina is a flamenco dancer, having performed in numerous solo and group shows worldwide; she has been awarded with the first flamenco prize by the Spanish Dance Society.