As a child, Youssef Kousa had an insatiable curiosity. “I always had questions,” he said, recalling his eagerness to explore beyond the given facts. This inquisitive nature has guided him from Egypt to the United States and into a prominent role in medical research.
Kousa’s journey began when he moved to Bayonne at age 10, seeking opportunities in America. He graduated from Kean University with degrees in biology and biotechnology before enrolling in Michigan State University’s physician/scientist training program.
Currently, Kousa is a prenatal and neonatal critical care neurologist at Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C. He leads an international consortium and lab focusing on viral impacts on brain development. “It wasn’t foretold that I would come to the U.S. or that I would become a doctor,” Kousa noted, expressing gratitude for his path and opportunities to ask unique questions alongside creative collaboration.
Laura Lorentzen, chairperson of Kean’s Department of Biological Sciences, mentored Kousa during his master’s studies. She praised his dedication: “Dr. Kousa was the best M.S. biotechnology student I have mentored… His work ethic is second to none.”
Kousa’s academic achievements were bolstered by an internship with the Clinton Global Initiative, which helped secure his place at Michigan State. Reflecting on this pivotal moment, he said, “My interest in outreach showed leadership potential that was unusual for a basic scientist.”
A decade ago, Kousa founded a consortium to study how the Zika virus affects pregnant women and their babies’ brains. “Now we have 33 investigators in six countries who have collected data on 8,000 mothers and infants,” he explained.
Living in Bethesda with his family, Kousa balances research with treating newborns and consulting expectant mothers about potential brain injuries in their children.
Mark L. Batshaw of Children’s National Research Institute lauded Kousa as “a force of nature” whose innovative research is complemented by mentorship and clinical skills: “He works from day to night… Youssef is a treasure.”
