Dr. Joanne Conover

Professor

Lab Focus

Neuroepithelial Stem Cell Lineage Tracking | Neuroblast Migratory Pathways | Aging, Injury and Repair

"Our research focuses on developmental neurobiology and stem cell biology with an emphasis on understanding neural stem cell distribution, maintenance, and function in the brain as well as applications of stem cell biology in the treatment of Hydrocephalus and other developmental disorders."

Dr. Alexander Jackson

Associate Professor

Lab Focus

Cellular and Synaptic Neurophysiology of Hypothalamic Neural Circuits | Heterogeneity of LHA Functional Subpopulations

"Research in our lab is focused on the cellular and synaptic neurophysiology of hypothalamic neural circuits that regulate fundamental behavioral states such as sleep, arousal and feeding. In particular, we study cells and circuits in the lateral hypothalamic area (LHA), which orchestrates fundamental aspects of behavior including arousal, stress, feeding and motivated behavior."

Dr. Rahul Kanadia

Associate Professor

Lab Focus

Post-transcriptional Gene Regulation | Role of Minor Spliceosome in Development and Disease

"Our long-term objective is to understand the role of post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression in embryonic development and disease pathogenesis. Specifically, we focus on understanding the role of the minor spliceosome, which is responsible for the splicing of a rare type of intron called the U12-type or minor intron."

Dr. Joseph LoTurco

Professor

Lab Focus

Development of the Neocortex | CRISPR Models of Pediatric Glioma

"Research in our lab focuses on how and why disruptions in development alter the physiology of neurons and astrocytes in Cerebral Neocortex, and how such alterations cause pathologies in the developing brain. We have a particular interest in the impact of somatic mutations on the physiology of neurons and circuits in the developing neocortex."

Dr. Karen Menuz

Assistant Professor

Lab Focus

Chemosensation in Insects | Olfactory Signaling in Drosophila

"Our lab studies the cellular and molecular basis of chemosensation in insects. Our research aims to provide insight into fundamental principles of sensory neuroscience by addressing questions regarding the mechanisms underlying olfactory neuron physiology and behavior. Knowing that insect vectors of disease often rely on olfaction to detect their human hosts, our work is also motivated by the goal of identifying targets for the development of novel insect repellents."

Dr. Daniel Mulkey

Professor and Associate Department Head

Lab Focus

Autonomic Control of Breathing | Neuron-Astrocyte-Vascular Coupling

"Our research is centered in understanding the electrophysiological characteristics of mammalian neurons in brainstem regions associated with cardiorespiratory control. We are currently using a combination of slice-patch electrophysiology, fluorescent imaging and genetic approaches to identify ion channels that regulate activity and neurotransmitter modulation of neurons that provide the CO2/H+-dependent drive to breathe (i.e., respiratory chemoreceptors)."

Dr. Akiko Nishiyama

Professor and Department Head

Lab Focus

Role of Oligodendrocyte Precursor Cells in the Neural Network

"Our research focuses on molecular and cellular mechanisms of heterogeneity and lineage plasticity of NG2 glial cells (also known as polydendrocytes or oligodendrocyte precursor cells) and neuron-glial interactions in normal development and in lesion repair. Techniques used in the lab include mouse genetics combined with immunohistochemistry, tissue culture, fluorescence and confocal microscopy, and biochemical and molecular biological techniques including RNA-sequencing and ChIP sequencing."

Dr. Scott Rich

Assistant Professor

Lab Focus

Computational Neuroscience | Role of heterogeneity in driving physiological neuronal circuit function

"Our lab utilizes a wealth of tools from computational neuroscience, including the detailed modeling of individual neurons, the study of in silico microcircuits, and mathematical analysis of abstract models of large-scale brain activity, towards understanding how experimentally characterized sources of heterogeneity and diversity in the brain contribute to physiologically relevant brain function. We are also interested in understanding how disruption to this diversity might contribute to neuropathology."

Dr. Natale Sciolino

Assistant Professor

Lab Focus

Neural Circuitry of Motivated Behaviors | Role of Locus Coeruleus Neurons in Feeding

"Our research focuses on defining the connectivity and function of brain circuits that regulate motivational processes related to feeding and reward. We utilize intersectional genetic and optical imaging approaches with the goal to provide future treatments for obesity and psychiatric disorders, such as addiction and anxiety."

Dr. Jianjun Sun

Associate Professor

Lab Focus

Reproductive Physiology and Ovarian Cancer | Secretory Cell Differentiation

"Research in the laboratory focuses on reproductive physiology and ovarian cancer. Powerful genetic tools in Drosophila will be applied to decipher the formation and physiological function of the secretory cells in the female reproductive tract, the cells of origin of ovarian cancer."

Dr. Geoffrey Tanner

Assistant Professor-in-Residence

Lab Focus

Nutrition/Diet and Neurological Disease | Drosophila Model for Neuropathology

"Our group is interested in the connection between diet and the progression of neuropathological conditions. Using Drosophila melanogaster fruit flies as a model system, our group studies specifically how caloric restriction, or diets that mimic caloric restriction (particularly the ketogenic diet), may prevent onset—or ameliorate symptoms—of prevalent neuropathies in fly models of diseases such as epilepsy, chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), and Alzheimer’s disease."

Dr. Anastasios Tzingounis

Professor

Lab Focus

Molecular and Cellular Physiology of Epilepsy-Associated Genes | KCNQ Channels in the Brain

"Our interest is to reveal the mechanisms by which epilepsy-associated molecules and signaling networks lead to epileptogenesis in the neonatal and infantile brain. In the current genomic era, gene mutations are identified in pediatric patients with increasing frequency, but it is unclear how the myriad of identified proteins and signaling networks are organized to regulate neuronal excitability."

Dr. Randall Walikonis

Associate Professor and Director of Graduate Studies

Lab Focus

Postsynaptic Signal Transduction Systems | Novel Protein Identification

"Our research is focused on the identification and characterization of proteins found at the postsynaptic density (PSD), a structure at the postsynaptic membrane of excitatory glutamatergic synapses at the tips of dendritic spines. The PSD contains proteins that organize the glutamate receptors, transduce signals initiated by receptors, promote adhesion between the postsynaptic and presynaptic membranes, and modify the synapse in response to neurological activity."

Dr. Jianzhong Yu

Assistant Professor

Lab Focus

Organ Size Control and Tumorigenesis | Therapeutic Targets for Parkinson's Disease

"Our lab has two major research directions. 1) Basic research of cancer biology, with the aim of understanding the molecular mechanisms of organ size control and tumorigenesis. 2) Aging and neurodegenerative diseases, specifically molecular mechanisms underlying Parkinson’s disease (PD)."

Dr. Georgia Zarkada

Assistant Professor

Lab Focus

Mechanisms of Brain and Retina Vascularization | Neurovascular interactions | Regulation of Vascular Barriers

"Research in our lab focuses on the mechanisms regulating endothelial cell growth, and blood and lymphatic vessel function. We use a combination of genetic mouse models, single-cell transcriptomics, biochemical and molecular approaches, and state of the art imaging techniques. By discovering novel mechanisms driving endothelial cell behavior, we aim to develop new therapeutic approaches to treat cardiovascular diseases."

Dr. Alexander Jackson

Associate Professor

Lab Focus

Cellular and Synaptic Neurophysiology of Hypothalamic Neural Circuits | Heterogeneity of LHA Functional Subpopulations

"Research in our lab is focused on the cellular and synaptic neurophysiology of hypothalamic neural circuits that regulate fundamental behavioral states such as sleep, arousal and feeding. In particular, we study cells and circuits in the lateral hypothalamic area (LHA), which orchestrates fundamental aspects of behavior including arousal, stress, feeding and motivated behavior."

Dr. Linnaea Ostroff

Assistant Professor and Faculty Director of Bioscience Electron Microscopy Laboratory

Lab Focus

Neuroanatonomical Basis of Learning and Memory | 3D Electron Microscopy Reconstructions of Synapses

"Our lab is interested in the neuroanatomical basis of learning and memory, and specifically how synaptic circuits are reorganized when emotional memories are formed. Memories of safety can suppress fear, anxiety, and stress responses, and understanding how they are encoded at the cellular level can shed light on the pathophysiology of anxiety disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder. We use serial section electron microscopy reconstructions to study changes in synaptic connectivity, along with immuno-electron microscopy, behavioral pharmacology, and viral vector based neuroanatomical tracing."

Dr. Andrew Moiseff

Professor and Associate Dean for Behavioral and Life Sciences

Lab Focus

Synchronous Flashing of Fireflies | Neuroethological Approach to Information Processing

"Our laboratory is currently focused on the study of synchronous flashing by fireflies. Studying synchrony gives us insights into how behavioral and neural systems evolve unique solutions to unique problems. Our long-term goal is to understand general principles of signal processing and how the brain is organized to enable neurons to carry out complex tasks."

Dr. Daniel Mulkey

Professor and Associate Department Head

Lab Focus

Autonomic Control of Breathing | Neuron-Astrocyte-Vascular Coupling

"Our research is centered in understanding the electrophysiological characteristics of mammalian neurons in brainstem regions associated with cardiorespiratory control. We are currently using a combination of slice-patch electrophysiology, fluorescent imaging and genetic approaches to identify ion channels that regulate activity and neurotransmitter modulation of neurons that provide the CO2/H+-dependent drive to breathe (i.e., respiratory chemoreceptors)."

Dr. Scott Rich

Assistant Professor

Lab Focus

Computational Neuroscience | Role of heterogeneity in driving physiological neuronal circuit function

"Our lab utilizes a wealth of tools from computational neuroscience, including the detailed modeling of individual neurons, the study of in silico microcircuits, and mathematical analysis of abstract models of large-scale brain activity, towards understanding how experimentally characterized sources of heterogeneity and diversity in the brain contribute to physiologically relevant brain function. We are also interested in understanding how disruption to this diversity might contribute to neuropathology."

Dr. Natale Sciolino

Assistant Professor

Lab Focus

Neural Circuitry of Motivated Behaviors | Role of Locus Coeruleus Neurons in Feeding

"Our research focuses on defining the connectivity and function of brain circuits that regulate motivational processes related to feeding and reward. We utilize intersectional genetic and optical imaging approaches with the goal to provide future treatments for obesity and psychiatric disorders, such as addiction and anxiety."

Dr. Geoffrey Tanner

Assistant Professor-in-Residence

Lab Focus

Nutrition/Diet and Neurological Disease | Drosophila Model for Neuropathology

"Our group is interested in the connection between diet and the progression of neuropathological conditions. Using Drosophila melanogaster fruit flies as a model system, our group studies specifically how caloric restriction, or diets that mimic caloric restriction (particularly the ketogenic diet), may prevent onset—or ameliorate symptoms—of prevalent neuropathies in fly models of diseases such as epilepsy, chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), and Alzheimer’s disease."

Dr. Joanne Conover

Professor

Lab Focus

Neuroepithelial Stem Cell Lineage Tracking | Neuroblast Migratory Pathways | Aging, Injury and Repair

"Our research focuses on developmental neurobiology and stem cell biology with an emphasis on understanding neural stem cell distribution, maintenance, and function in the brain as well as applications of stem cell biology in the treatment of Hydrocephalus and other developmental disorders."

Dr. Rahul Kanadia

Associate Professor

Lab Focus

Post-transcriptional Gene Regulation | Role of Minor Spliceosome in Development and Disease

"Our long-term objective is to understand the role of post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression in embryonic development and disease pathogenesis. Specifically, we focus on understanding the role of the minor spliceosome, which is responsible for the splicing of a rare type of intron called the U12-type or minor intron."

Dr. Joseph LoTurco

Professor

Lab Focus

Development of the Neocortex | CRISPR Models of Pediatric Glioma

"Research in our lab focuses on how and why disruptions in development alter the physiology of neurons and astrocytes in Cerebral Neocortex, and how such alterations cause pathologies in the developing brain. We have a particular interest in the impact of somatic mutations on the physiology of neurons and circuits in the developing neocortex."

Dr. Akiko Nishiyama

Professor and Department Head

Lab Focus

Role of Oligodendrocyte Precursor Cells in the Neural Network

"Our research focuses on molecular and cellular mechanisms of heterogeneity and lineage plasticity of NG2 glial cells (also known as polydendrocytes or oligodendrocyte precursor cells) and neuron-glial interactions in normal development and in lesion repair. Techniques used in the lab include mouse genetics combined with immunohistochemistry, tissue culture, fluorescence and confocal microscopy, and biochemical and molecular biological techniques including RNA-sequencing and ChIP sequencing."

Dr. Jianjun Sun

Associate Professor

Lab Focus

Reproductive Physiology and Ovarian Cancer | Secretory Cell Differentiation

"Research in the laboratory focuses on reproductive physiology and ovarian cancer. Powerful genetic tools in Drosophila will be applied to decipher the formation and physiological function of the secretory cells in the female reproductive tract, the cells of origin of ovarian cancer."

Dr. Anastasios Tzingounis

Professor

Lab Focus

Molecular and Cellular Physiology of Epilepsy-Associated Genes | KCNQ Channels in the Brain

"Our interest is to reveal the mechanisms by which epilepsy-associated molecules and signaling networks lead to epileptogenesis in the neonatal and infantile brain. In the current genomic era, gene mutations are identified in pediatric patients with increasing frequency, but it is unclear how the myriad of identified proteins and signaling networks are organized to regulate neuronal excitability."

Dr. Jianzhong Yu

Assistant Professor

Lab Focus

Organ Size Control and Tumorigenesis | Therapeutic Targets for Parkinson's Disease

"Our lab has two major research directions. 1) Basic research of cancer biology, with the aim of understanding the molecular mechanisms of organ size control and tumorigenesis. 2) Aging and neurodegenerative diseases, specifically molecular mechanisms underlying Parkinson’s disease (PD)."

Dr. Georgia Zarkada

Assistant Professor

Lab Focus

Mechanisms of Brain and Retina Vascularization | Neurovascular interactions | Regulation of Vascular Barriers

"Research in our lab focuses on the mechanisms regulating endothelial cell growth, and blood and lymphatic vessel function. We use a combination of genetic mouse models, single-cell transcriptomics, biochemical and molecular approaches, and state of the art imaging techniques. By discovering novel mechanisms driving endothelial cell behavior, we aim to develop new therapeutic approaches to treat cardiovascular diseases."

Dr. Alexander Jackson

Associate Professor

Lab Focus

Cellular and Synaptic Neurophysiology of Hypothalamic Neural Circuits | Heterogeneity of LHA Functional Subpopulations

"Research in our lab is focused on the cellular and synaptic neurophysiology of hypothalamic neural circuits that regulate fundamental behavioral states such as sleep, arousal and feeding. In particular, we study cells and circuits in the lateral hypothalamic area (LHA), which orchestrates fundamental aspects of behavior including arousal, stress, feeding and motivated behavior."

Dr. Rahul Kanadia

Associate Professor

Lab Focus

Post-transcriptional Gene Regulation | Role of Minor Spliceosome in Development and Disease

"Our long-term objective is to understand the role of post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression in embryonic development and disease pathogenesis. Specifically, we focus on understanding the role of the minor spliceosome, which is responsible for the splicing of a rare type of intron called the U12-type or minor intron."

Dr. Karen Menuz

Assistant Professor

Lab Focus

Chemosensation in Insects | Olfactory Signaling in Drosophila

"Our lab studies the cellular and molecular basis of chemosensation in insects. Our research aims to provide insight into fundamental principles of sensory neuroscience by addressing questions regarding the mechanisms underlying olfactory neuron physiology and behavior. Knowing that insect vectors of disease often rely on olfaction to detect their human hosts, our work is also motivated by the goal of identifying targets for the development of novel insect repellents."

Dr. Akiko Nishiyama

Professor and Department Head

Lab Focus

Role of Oligodendrocyte Precursor Cells in the Neural Network

"Our research focuses on molecular and cellular mechanisms of heterogeneity and lineage plasticity of NG2 glial cells (also known as polydendrocytes or oligodendrocyte precursor cells) and neuron-glial interactions in normal development and in lesion repair. Techniques used in the lab include mouse genetics combined with immunohistochemistry, tissue culture, fluorescence and confocal microscopy, and biochemical and molecular biological techniques including RNA-sequencing and ChIP sequencing."

Dr. Natale Sciolino

Assistant Professor

Lab Focus

Neural Circuitry of Motivated Behaviors | Role of Locus Coeruleus Neurons in Feeding

"Our research focuses on defining the connectivity and function of brain circuits that regulate motivational processes related to feeding and reward. We utilize intersectional genetic and optical imaging approaches with the goal to provide future treatments for obesity and psychiatric disorders, such as addiction and anxiety."

Dr. Daniel Schwartz

Associate Professor and Director of COR²E

Lab Focus

Short Linear Protein Motifs | Development of Bioinformatic Programs

"Our Research is focused on computational and experimental techniques to discover, catalog, and functionally understand short linear protein motifs. Specific projects include: i) the continued improvement of the motif-x and scan-x web-tools, ii) the development of experimental methodologies to uncover kinase motifs, and iii) the analysis of motif signatures on viral protein primary structure toward the goal of elucidating mechanisms of viral propagation and developing therapeutic agents."

Dr. Jianzhong Yu

Assistant Professor

Lab Focus

Organ Size Control and Tumorigenesis | Therapeutic Targets for Parkinson's Disease

"Our lab has two major research directions. 1) Basic research of cancer biology, with the aim of understanding the molecular mechanisms of organ size control and tumorigenesis. 2) Aging and neurodegenerative diseases, specifically molecular mechanisms underlying Parkinson’s disease (PD)."

Dr. Georgia Zarkada

Assistant Professor

Lab Focus

Mechanisms of Brain and Retina Vascularization | Neurovascular interactions | Regulation of Vascular Barriers

"Research in our lab focuses on the mechanisms regulating endothelial cell growth, and blood and lymphatic vessel function. We use a combination of genetic mouse models, single-cell transcriptomics, biochemical and molecular approaches, and state of the art imaging techniques. By discovering novel mechanisms driving endothelial cell behavior, we aim to develop new therapeutic approaches to treat cardiovascular diseases."

Dr. Xinnian Chen

Assistant Professor-in-Residence and Director of Undergraduate Studies

Research Focus

"Our research focuses on the processes involved in the implementation of evidence-based inclusive teaching (EBT) practices in higher education. Currently, we are studying the eco-system that influences faculty adoption of EBT and factors that affect student learning outcomes."

Dr. John Redden

Assistant Professor-in-Residence

Research Focus

"As a discipline based educational researcher, I am focused on designing and assessing student centered Physiology classrooms, creating successful peer to peer learning and mentoring networks, and training undergraduates to be effective science communicators."