This fall, Stuart Zola — neuroscientist, entrepreneur, visionary leader and resident amateur magician — will close the latest chapter of his Emory journey after more than two decades of transformative service to the university.
Zola’s numerous roles through the years helped shape scientific research and academic leadership at Emory. He retired in 2017 as professor emeritus of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, after leading Emory’s primate center, co-directing its Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center and serving as interim provost. But he remained actively connected to Emory, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship among students as an advisor and innovator-in-residence at The Hatchery, Emory’s Center for Innovation — a role he steps down from this month.
“Stuart Zola has had a meaningful impact at Emory University since he joined us in September 2001 as director of the National Primate Research Center,” says Lanny Liebeskind, Emory’s interim provost and executive vice president of academic affairs. “With his ample experience in successful startup ventures, after his formal retirement he continued to serve Emory in a meaningful role as a senior advisor and consultant to The Hatchery and its students.
“On a personal level, I have benefited from Stuart’s wisdom, experience and mentorship over the years as we have partnered in various endeavors serving the university,” Liebeskind adds. “He leaves a rich legacy at Emory.”
As a scientist, Zola made groundbreaking contributions to the understanding of memory and memory impairment. However, his leadership at Emory extended far beyond scientific research. In 2016, he was appointed interim provost and executive vice president for academic affairs, a role in which he guided the implementation of the university’s strategic plan.
“Having had the privilege of appointing Stuart as the interim provost at Emory when the university’s strategic plan and its priorities were rolled out was a gift to the academic community,” recalls Claire Sterk, president emerita of Emory University and Charles Howard Candler Professor of Public Health. “I witnessed firsthand his transformative approach to all parts of academic affairs. His innovative vision challenged traditional approaches and barriers towards collaboration. Stuart’s unique perspective as a neuroscientist brought valuable insights to organizational change and progress.”
As an amateur magician, Stuart Zola often uses magic tricks to illustrate a point or entertain students and colleagues. Photo by Christina Steiner.
Whether in the lab or in a leadership role, he is known for his clarity of vision, thoughtful approach and willingness to reimagine systems for the better. That mindset made him a natural fit for The Hatchery, where he has worked closely with student entrepreneurs since 2022, offering guidance and mentorship drawn from his own entrepreneurial journey, including co-founding MapHabit, a neurotechnology company supporting those with memory impairment.
“Stuart has brought an incredible combination of scientific rigor, entrepreneurial experience and genuine care for our students,” says Ben Garrett, director of The Hatchery. “His mentorship and insight have been instrumental in shaping The Hatchery’s culture. Whether he’s consulting with students or teaching key workshops on decision making or pitch crafting, his knowledge and fun approach have made a lasting impression. He has also been an invaluable voice to The Hatchery team as we think through how best to serve our students and the university.”
His impact has also been deeply personal for those he has mentored, as he empowered students and colleagues alike to think differently, take bold steps and believe in the power of their ideas.
“From day one, Dr. Zola believed in me and the mission of my nonprofit organization for the humanitarian crisis and families in Afghanistan,” says Shakila Ali, founder of Doste Afghan. “He has continuously invested his time and support into my organization’s progress over the years. Since then, Dr. Zola has truly shaped the trajectory of my journey as a social entrepreneur and public speaker. I’m truly so grateful to have such an amazing and kind mentor.”
“Stuart was a driving force behind our growth at The Hatchery,” adds Yujin Kwon, co-founder of Quency, a startup focused on making ultrasound viewing an immersive experience for physicians. “As our mentor, his advice was always practical and full of fresh perspectives that often challenged us to reposition ourselves for the better. We learned a great deal from him — professionally and personally. And, of course, his magic tricks were delightful.”
Though Zola is stepping back from his official capacity at The Hatchery, he won’t vanish from Emory. An entrepreneur himself, he will be dedicating more time to grow his own business, MapHabit, while continuing as a volunteer coach and mentor to student entrepreneurs.