About
Kaela S. Singleton, PhD
Director of Grants Managment
I’m a Black, Samoan, and Queer woman with a PhD in neuroscience, a proud blend of identities that shape who I am and how I move through the world.
Born at Fort Hood in Killeen, Texas (thanks to my parents’ slightly frowned-upon Army fraternization), I was raised in Grayson, Georgia. Though my roots are in small country towns, I’m a city girl at heart with a love for sweet tea, sports, and the thrill of thrifting and antiquing. On any given day, you’ll find me soaking up the sun with a good book, cracking jokes on the internet, or prepping for the nearest holiday!
Education & Training
I started my journey in 2014 with a BSc in Neuroscience & Classical History from Agnes Scott College, a small historically all-women’s liberal arts school that taught me to follow my curiosity everywhere, even into the classics. From there, I dove into a PhD in Neuroscience at Georgetown University, where I fell even more in love with discovery, problem-solving, and the thrill of figuring things out.
During my postdoc in the Faundez Lab at Emory University, I sharpened my skills in cellular neuroscience, mentorship, and teaching, and learned just how satisfying it can be to build structured systems that help people and research thrive. After three years, I realized the traditional academic path wasn’t the perfect fit for me—and that’s okay!
With guidance from the amazing Dr. Lydia Soleil, I redefined my purpose, stepping into the nonprofit world where I now get to combine my love of science, community, and social impact. I’m still exploring what life beyond the lab looks like, and I’m excited to keep learning, connecting, and building in this next chapter.
Honors & Awards
I’ve earned several national honors and recognitions, but the ones that mean the most to me are the ones that make my family beam with pride. Their favorites? Most Likely to Succeed (shoutout to Mrs. Harris’ 7th Grade Class), Future Perfect 50 (Vox), and 30 Under 30 (Forbes Magazine).
Hobbies & Fun Facts
Astrology: Aquarius Sun, Leo Moon, Cancer Rising, with a hefty Capricorn Stellium
Myers-Briggs: ISFJ, "The Protector" Enneagram: Type 6, "The Loyalist"
I’m a die-hard UGA football fan (Go Dawgs!) and, by extension, a proud Philadelphia Eagles fan (Go Birds!) despite never attending UGA or living in Philly. I am also a lover of pop-punk music and pop culture, and I never miss an episode of NPR’s Pop Culture Happy Hour.
When I’m not working, you’ll find me taking classes at my local community art center, diving into literary fiction (and eagerly discussing it with anyone who’ll listen), or tackling a new puzzle. I’m also a classically trained violinist and a self-proclaimed foodie who loves cooking (and eating!) elaborate meals.
I’m always up for a good conversation—whether it’s about work, life, or the latest pop culture obsession. Don’t hesitate to reach out; I’d love to connect and hear your story!