Thesis Advisor: Dr. Kathy Conant
Research Interests: Neuropharmacology, psychopharmacology, neurocircuitry and plasticity
Education: Virginia Commonwealth University. B.S. in Biology (2017), B.S. in Psychology (2017)
About: During her undergraduate studies, Katie conducted research on genetic risk and resilience factors for PTSD and related neuropsychiatric disorders. This experience inspired her to pursue a graduate degree in pharmacology, with a focus on understanding the mechanisms and therapeutics of neuropsychiatric disorders. Katie joined the Kat Lab for her thesis work, where she studies the role of perineuronal nets (PNNs) in depression and antidepressant efficacy. Her research specifically investigates the role of the C-C chemokine receptor type 5 (CCR5) in PNN-regulated mood and behavioral pathology using rodent models. She employs techniques such as rodent behavioral paradigms, EEG, immunofluorescence, and biochemical methods to gain a deeper understanding of how chemokines influence plasticity and the excitatory/inhibitory balance of mood disorders.
Rotations:
Dr. Ken Kellar
Dr. Katherine Conant
Academic Appointment(s)
- Primary
- PhD Student, Ph.D. Program in Pharmacology & Physiology
- PhD Student, Conant Lab, Department of Neuroscience