A Columbia University professor is making headlines for her involvement in pro-Hamas protests and her controversial research linking brain health to racism. Jennifer J. Manly, a neuropsychologist, has reportedly been associated with over $100 million in research grants over the past two decades. This funding comes from various sources, including the National Institutes of Health.
Last April, Manly participated in a protest aimed at stopping the university from dismantling unauthorized encampments. Her activism has sparked discussions about her research, which suggests that racism can contribute to brain diseases. In a recent interview, she stated that lifestyle choices should not be blamed for brain health issues, instead pointing to "systems of oppression" as significant factors. She argued that racism plays a crucial role in the health disparities seen in dementia rates among Black individuals.
Manly has coauthored several papers discussing the impact of historical racism on cognitive health. One study connected higher dementia rates in Black populations to "historical patterns of segregation." Another paper explored how "structural sexism" affects memory, particularly among Black women. Her research has received significant funding, including a grant of approximately $700,000 to study the link between historical lynchings and cognitive health in older Black adults.
The findings from her studies have drawn criticism. Psychiatrist Kurt Miceli, who serves as the medical director for Do No Harm, labeled her conclusions as political rather than scientific. He pointed out that the health marker she uses, C-reactive protein (CRP), can be influenced by various health conditions like obesity and diabetes, rather than solely by stress from racism.
Despite the controversy, Manly continues to lead a multimillion-dollar government project focused on brain aging and maintains over $20 million in active grants for her research at Columbia’s Gertrude H. Sergievsky Center and the Taub Institute. Her work raises important questions about the intersection of race, health, and societal factors, sparking ongoing debate in both academic and public spheres.