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UCLA Professor Faces Backlash Over Emails With Epstein
Tramo's communications with convicted sex offender spark protests and calls for his firing
Published on Feb. 12, 2026
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A UCLA professor, Dr. Mark Tramo, is facing backlash after emails surfaced showing his communications with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Tramo, an adjunct professor of neurology, had sought a $500,000 donation from Epstein to fund research on how sound could help reduce stress and pain in premature infants. While Tramo ultimately received only a fraction of the requested funds, his name appearing hundreds of times in Epstein-related emails has led to protests, a petition calling for his firing, and the removal of his faculty profile from UCLA's website.
Why it matters
The release of Epstein's emails has jolted higher education institutions, putting a spotlight on how professors pursued donations from the financier, even tolerating or ignoring his inappropriate comments about female students. This case highlights the broader academic fallout from Epstein's connections to the university community.
The details
Tramo's emails with Epstein date back to around 2006, when Epstein first faced charges in Florida for a sex crime involving a minor. The emails show Tramo frequently corresponded with Epstein or his assistant, discussing neuroscience and music research. Epstein gave at least $125,000 to Tramo's institute. The backlash centers on three specific email exchanges, including one in 2007 where Tramo offered support to Epstein amid his prostitution charges, and another in 2010 where Tramo forwarded messages from female students to Epstein, who then asked if they were 'cute'.
- In 2007, Tramo offered support to Epstein as he faced charges of solicitation of prostitution.
- In 2010, Tramo forwarded messages from female students to Epstein, who then asked if they were 'cute'.
- In 2017, Tramo emailed Epstein about a $500,000 funding proposal to study premature infants' responses to auditory stimulation.
The players
Dr. Mark Tramo
An adjunct professor of neurology at the UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine who researches the connection between neuroscience and music.
Jeffrey Epstein
A convicted sex offender and financier who died by suicide in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex-trafficking charges.
UCLA
The university where Tramo is employed as an adjunct professor.
What they’re saying
“I wish I never had anything to do with him. I never visited his island, never flew on his planes, and never saw him with young girls... I have been subjected to harassment, false accusations and threats via email, telephone and fax.”
— Dr. Mark Tramo, UCLA Professor
What’s next
UCLA is currently reviewing Tramo's conduct and emails, and has removed his faculty profile from the university's website. It remains to be seen if further disciplinary action will be taken against Tramo.
The takeaway
This case highlights the broader academic fallout from Epstein's connections to the university community, as institutions grapple with how professors pursued donations from the convicted sex offender, even tolerating or ignoring his inappropriate comments about female students.
