Neuroscientist · Educator · Born in Chihuahua
Carlos R. Ponce
I’m curious about how we see the world—and how our experiences shape the questions we ask.
Assistant Professor of Neurobiology
Harvard Medical School
Born in Chihuahua · Based in Boston
A little about me
I was born in Chihuahua and grew up on a farm in Tlazala de Fabela, Mexico State, fascinated by animals. That curiosity led me to biology at the University of Utah, medical and doctoral training at Harvard, and a career studying the brain.
Today I lead the Ponce Lab at Harvard Medical School. Outside the lab, I enjoy museums, hiking, and looking for fossils.
Read my Harvard interview
For the science
Come meet the lab.
Our people, experiments, publications and opportunities live at poncelab.org.
Visit poncelab.orgA few stories & conversations
The person behind the science
Growing up in Mexico, finding biology, and returning to Harvard.
On childhood, migration and belonging
My perspective on family separation and the developing brain. Republished by the World Economic Forum.
From Chihuahua to a life in science
A recognition of my journey as an immigrant and neuroscientist.
What a neuron wants to see
A public introduction to the work that drives my curiosity.
In conversation · English & Spanish
Sharing what we learn.
A short introduction to my work, from Harvard Medical School.
Watch the 80-second introduction