Courtney Brown
Biography
I am a Molecular and Cell Biologist beginning my PhD at the University of the Witwatersrand, where I also completed my undergraduate, Honours, and Master’s degrees, working on therapeutic development for neurodegeneration. My fascination with the brain was sparked during my first undergraduate neurodegeneration course. I realised that the brain is the seat of everything that makes us human and that, as a scientist, there is no greater honour than trying to preserve that essence. This led me from early research into Alzheimer’s disease toward a broader focus on Parkinson’s disease and neurodegeneration as a whole.
Although my training is rooted in biochemistry, I have transitioned into quantum computational approaches after leading my laboratory’s in silico development and attending IBM and SA QuTI seminars. As a Woman in STEM (who is almost certainly powered by more caffeine than is scientifically recommended), my main goal remains the endless pursuit of knowledge and the tireless advancement of science.
Research
My research lies at the intersection of quantum computing and drug discovery. My project, “From Code to Cure: Development of a Drug-Discovery Pipeline Integrating Classical and Quantum Computing with Experimental Validation for Parkinson’s Disease,” focuses on developing an integrated pipeline that combines classical computing, quantum simulations, and in vitro assays.
The goal is to overcome critical bottlenecks in drug discovery to enable more efficient identification of Parkinson’s disease therapeutics, with broader implications beyond neurodegeneration.
Leadership
Postgraduate Representative
School of Molecular & Cell Biology
University of the Witwatersrand, 2025.
Awards & presentations
Postgraduate Merit Award
University of the Witwatersrand, 2025.
1st Prize Master’s poster presentation
CHPC National conference, 2025.
Oral presentation, CHPC National Conference, Western Cape, 2025.
From algorithms to action: combatting the neurodegenerative pathology in Parkinson’s disease with novel agonists.”
1st Prize oral presentation
LSIF Symposium, Johannesburg, 2025.
Silver Prize Poster presentation
MBRT Symposium, Johannesburg, 2024.