Dr. Michelle Jones-London is a nationally recognized executive leader, neuroscientist, and workforce strategist with more than 20 years of success driving systemic change across the biomedical research ecosystem. Known for delivering transformative results, she brings a powerful combination of scientific expertise, policy influence, and visionary leadership to every engagement.

 

As the founding Chief of the Office of Programs to Enhance the Neuroscience Workforce (OPEN) and later as Associate Director in the Office of the Director at the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), Dr. Jones-London led initiatives that reshaped how the neuroscience field recruits, trains, and retains scientific talent and has impacted thousands of researchers across career stages. She is the architect behind landmark NIH programs like ENDURE and DSPAN, both of which dramatically improved retention and career outcomes for underrepresented scientists.

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Widely sought after for her ability to turn vision into action, Michelle has advised institutional leaders, federal agencies, and scientific societies on building scalable, data-driven programs that advance equity, workforce sustainability, and measurable outcomes. She created and directed award-winning NIH training efforts under the NIH Blueprint, BRAIN Initiative, and Common Fund, and served as the federal lead for the Society for Neuroscience’s Neuroscience Scholars Program, one of the longest-running neuroscience mentoring initiatives in the country. She also drove capacity-building through NIH programs to support research infrastructure and scientific leadership at Minority Serving and resource-limited institutions nationwide.

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A certified executive coach and systems thinker, Michelle’s approach blends strategy, neuroscience, and a growth mindset to activate leadership potential and drive lasting organizational change. Michelle earned her Ph.D. in Neuroscience from Penn State College of Medicine and completed her postdoctoral training in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Pennsylvania. She brings a research foundation rooted in molecular and behavioral neuroscience, alongside an understanding of institutional systems. She has earned six NIH Director’s Awards and two national honors: the 2024 Louise Hanson Marshall Special Recognition Award from the Society for Neuroscience and the 2024 Dolores Shockley Award from the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology.

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Now, through Open Insight LLC, Michelle partners with mission-driven organizations, institutions, and leaders to:

• Design high-impact training and talent development programs

• Build resilient, inclusive leadership pathways

• Navigate growth, change, and transformation with clarity and purpose

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Her work is results-oriented, values-driven, and uniquely tailored to the needs of each client. Whether strengthening or executing a strategic plan, revitalizing a program, or guiding a leadership team, Michelle brings unmatched insight, credibility, and a track record of success to every partnership.

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