PhD Student Bios

Click on the student’s name for more information about them. To find all students interested in a certain topic or who worked with a certain faculty member, search in the box below.

Name	Mentor(s)	Thesis Title	Class Year	Contact Info	Research Interest(s)
Mai Abdel-Ghani	Pre-thesis	Pre-thesis	2017
Education: George Mason University, B.S. Biology, 2014; Georgetown University, M.S. Pharmacology, 2017 Prior Research: Functional and structural MRI at the UGA Neuropsychology and Memory Assessment Lab. The interaction of cardiovascular disease risk, age, and cognitive status in predicting functional ability in older adults. Thesis Research: Pre-thesis Rotations: Peter Turkeltaub: Multivariate lesion-symptom mapping of post-stroke alexia Rhonda Friedman: Lexical decision and word form familiarity in surface alexia Xiong Jiang: resting state connectivity of the visual word form area
David Castellano	Pre-thesis	Pre-thesis	2017
Education: George Mason University, B.A., 2015 Prior Research: Previous research focused on using MRI to investigate HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND). Additional research involved using eye tracking to explore sustained attention and the relationship between confidence and accuracy. Thesis Research: Pre-thesis Rotations: Xiong Jiang: Differences in gray matter volume associated with HIV status
Selena Garcia DuBar	Pre-thesis	Pre-thesis	2017
Education: University of Hawaii at Hilo, B.A Psychology, B.A. Philosophy, 2015 Prior Research: Previous research included investigation of connectivity of the primate claustrum through anatomical tract tracing, examination of the pharmacology of habit formation through systemic administration of antagonist drugs, and study of the neural correlates of auditory spatial attention utilizing in vivo electrophysiology. Thesis Research: Pre-thesis Rotations: Ludise Malkova: Differential effects of reward revaluation on goal-directed and habitual behavior. Xiong Jiang: Differences in implicit learning associated with mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease.
Amanda Schneeweis	Pre-thesis	Pre-thesis	2017
Education: University of Minnesota, B.S., 2017 Prior Research: I have previously studied estradiol-mediated sensitization to cocaine in female rats. Additionally, I studied complex pitch perception in cochlear implants using vocoder simulations. Thesis Research: Pre-thesis Rotations: Stefano Vicini
Seham Alaiyed	Katherine Conant, MD	Antidepressant drugs induce protolysis of preineuronal nets and enhance neuroplasticty through matrix metalloproteinases dependent mechanism.	2016
Education: Boston University, B.A. Neuroscience, 2014 Prior Research:Cognitive and neurodevelopmental predictors of substance use in adolescence (multimodal MRI and behavioral measures); neurobiology of language recovery in aphasia (semantic feature therapy and multimodal MRI) Thesis Research: Pre-thesis Rotations: Peter Turkeltaub: Changes in right hemisphere functional connectivity after left-hemisphere stroke in adults relative to age-matched control Elissa Newport: changes in functional parcellation of the right hemisphere across development, and after left-hemisphere perinatal stroke
Safwan Hyder	Patrick Forcelli, PhD	Optogenetic and chemogenetic approaches for seizure control in basal ganglia.	2016
Education: Austin College, B.A. Biology, 2017 Prior Research:Utilizing cell signaling pathways, investigated the role of the proteasome activator, PA28γ, and its interactions with the tumor suppressor, P53, in cancerous cell transformation. Thesis Research: Pre-thesis Rotations: Jeffrey Huang: Examine amino acid metabolism in CNS remyelination
Evan Wicker	Patrick Forcelli, PhD		2016	ew521@georgetown.edu
Education: University of Maryland Baltimore County, BS in Biochemistry, 2014 Prior Research:I most recently worked at Johns Hopkins Hosptial with Argye Hillis, working as a RA on stroke and aphasia recovery. I also did a summer internship at the NIMH wth Mortimer Mishkin working on adutiory connections in the macaque brain. Thesis Research: Pre-thesis Rotations: Guinevere Eden: Visualizing resting reading area connectivity using ROI to ROI and Seed to Voxel analysis Dan Pak: Determining areas of interest in hypothalamus that are connected to the locus coeruleus in the mouse brain John VanMeter: Brain activity changes pre- and post-substance use in juvenille subjects Rhonda Friedman: Studying the potential of tDCS to enhance the effects of existing treatment for alexia patients
Kim Duncan	Richard Gillis, PhD; Niaz Sahibzada, PhD		2015
Education:Massachusetts Institute of Technology, ScB, 2014 Prior Research:I studied the role of dorsomedial and dorsolateral striatum in cost/reward based decision-making using optogenetics in Anne Graybiel’s lab at MIT. I then spent a year in Derek Leroith’s lab at Mount Sinai studying connections between cholesterol, obesity, and triple negative breast cancer. Thesis Research: Pre-thesis Rotations: Rhonda Friedman: Eyetracking study on how patients with phonological alexia read functor/semantically poor words. Mark Burns
Andrew Heitman	Sorell Schwartz, PhD; Charbel Moussa, PhD	Quantitative Systems Pharmacology Applications in the Treatment of Parkinson’s Disease	2015		Quantitative Systems Pharmacology, Parkinson’s Disease, Advanced Pharmacometrics
Education: College of William and Mary, B.S. 2010. Georgetown University, M.S. 2016 Prior Research:In the Griffin lab at William & Mary, I researched the role of adrenergic receptors on hypothalamic neurons in maintaining a core temperature set point. At Georgetown University, I investigated the effects of chemotherapeutic agents on cognition in an APOE knock-in mouse model with Dr. Rebeck. Thesis Research: Pre-thesis Rotations: Mark Burns
Hannah Waguespack	Pre-thesis	Pre-thesis	2017		Behavioral Neuroscience Systems Neuroscience Neural Networks
Education: Sewanee: The University of the South, BS, 2015; Georgetown University, MS, 2016 Prior Research: Prior to starting graduate school, I worked as a full-time research assistant in the laboratory of Dr. Ludise Malkova at Georgetown University. During this time, I studied neuronal circuitry surrounding reward processing and decision making behavior. Thesis Research: Pre-thesis Rotations: Pawel Kusmierek/Josef Rauschecker Rhonda Friedman
Kathleen Ammerman	Pre-thesis	Left in 2016	2016		Cognitive Neuroscience Language Development
Education: B.S. Psychology, Pennsylvania State University, 2016 Prior Research: Child and adult second language learning (EEG/ERP and behavioral methods), cognitive and affective processing of behaviorally inhibited children (EEG/ERP and behavioral methods) Thesis Research: Pre-thesis Rotations: Elissa Newport: Analyzing fMRI data of healthy children ages 4 to 12 and healthy adults to investigate potential age related differences in activation patterns when participants listen to mini-stories
Kevin Cook	Pre-thesis	Pre-thesis	2016		Cognitive Neuroscience Neuroimaging Behavioral Neuroscience
Education: Skidmore College, BA in Psychology, 2010; University of Hartford, MA in Clinical Psychology, 2012 Prior Research: Previously, Kevin has worked in worked in the area of social and affect neuroscience examining topics such as empathy, theory of mind, and social attributions in various psychiatric populations using EEG/ERP and fMRI. Thesis Research: Pre-thesis Rotations: Adam Green: Utilizing tACS to entrain oscillations to mediate creative and relational reasoning John VanMeter: Exploring functional connectivity changes in the default mode network after acute alcohol administration
Srikanth Damera	Maximillian Riesenhuber	Pre-thesis	2016		Cognitive Neuroscience Computational Neuroscience Neuroimaging
Education: Columbia University, B.S. Applied Mathematics, 2012 Prior Research: Started in organic chem, but most recently in studying working memory via intracranial EEG recordings at the NIH Thesis Research: Pre-thesis Rotations: Patrick Forcelli: Optogenetic Control of Seizures through activation of CA1 Maximilian Riesenhuber: Using EEG data to classify patterns of neural activity into stimulus categories
Alan Fowler	Pre-thesis	Pre-thesis	2016		Neurodegeneration and Neural Injury Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience Neurophysiology
Education: Hampden-Sydney College, B.S., 2014 Prior Research: The effect of neuropeptides on glucose homeostasis in the lab of Dr. D. Kong at Tufts University. Fructose metabolism in the liver in the lab of Dr. M. Herman, the central actions of endocrine factor FGF21 on fertility, and the role of the SNS on adaptation to macronutrients in the lab of Dr. T. Maratos-Flier and Dr. J. Flier at BIDMC-Harvard Medical School. Thesis Research: Pre-thesis Rotations: Charbel Moussa: alpha-Synuclein: A Potential biomarker in Parkinsons’s Disease Mark Burns: The Role of Annexin A2 in Traumatic Brain Injury Patrick Forcelli
Nahdia Jones	Pre-thesis	Pre-thesis	2016		Neurodegeneration and Neural Injury Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience Glia
Education: Boston University, BA in Neuroscience, 2016 Prior Research: Researched memory and the hippocampus using electrophysiology in Dr. Howard Eichenbaum’s Lab at BU. In particular, studied the effects of stimulation on hippocampal firing patterns, and behavior. Thesis Research: Pre-thesis Rotations: Bill Rebeck: Analyzed levels of CYP46 in TBS and TBSX fractions Kathy Maguire-Zeiss: Quantifying morphological changes in microglia Mark Burns: comparing lesion sizes of mice that underwent rmTBI to those that underwent CCI
Mondona McCann	Pre-thesis	Pre-thesis	2016		Neurodegeneration and Neural Injury Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience Neuropharmacology
Education: University of Maryland, B.S. Psychology Prior Research: Biomedical Research Institute of NJ: Intracellular beta-amyloid accumulation within lipid rafts in Alzheimer’s disease; University of Maryland: Hepatic gene expression and biomarkers of PCB exposure; Johns Hopkins University: Ultrasonic vocalization detection in AD mice; Decision, Attention and Memory Lab (UMD): Secondary language acquisition and working memory Thesis Research: Pre-thesis Rotations: Kathleen Maguire-Zeiss: Toll like Receptor 5 and Caveolin-1 in Microglia Katherine Conant: Investigating the effects of monoamines on matrix metalloproteinase levels and activity in hippocampal neurons Mark Burns: Pericyte signaling and altered blood brain barrier permeability as a result of traumatic brain injury in APOE3/4 mice
Lauren Rosko	Pre-thesis	Pre-thesis	2016		Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience Neurodegeneration and Neural Injury Neuroanatomy
Education: B.S. Biology & Psychology, Stony Brook University, 2011; M.S. Biotechnology, New York University, 2015 Prior Research: The effects of addiction on brain and behavior at Brookhaven National Laboratory. Brain and hormonal changes due to early life maternal separation at Columbia University Medical Center. Thesis Research: Pre-thesis Rotations: Charbel Moussa: Collagen structure in Tau overexpressing mouse model Dan Pak: The role of glycogen synthase kinase 3 in synaptic plasticity and Alzheimer’s Disease Jeffrey Huang: Oligodendrocyte mediated survival of neurons
Hassan Aleem	Pre-thesis	Pre-thesis	2015		Computational Neuroscience Cognitive Neuroscience Neuropharmacology
Education: B.S. Molecular & Cellular Biology, B.S. Physiology, University of Arizona, 2011 Prior Research: Conditional learning in bees, stucture of DTLs in rat kidney, analgesic properties of glycosylated enkephalins, role of sox 17 transcription factor in mylenation Thesis Research: Pre-thesis Rotations: Adam Green: Mental Models and Training Norberto Gryzwacz: Developed a study investigating the neuroaesthetical biases of painters of the Renaissance era. Ran and developed various statistical measures to quantify properties of paintings as well as control images to understand inherent differences. Maximilian Riesenhuber: Developed and troubleshot an analysis pipeline for source localization of EEG data via the beamforming method by using the FieldTrip software.
Adam Caccavano	Stefano Vicini Dan Pak	The Role of Inhibitory PV Cells on Hippocampal Network Activity in Early Amyloid Pathology	2015		Neurophysiology Neural Networks Computational Neuroscience
Education: B.S. Physics & Mathematics, University of Oregon, 2007; M.S. Physics, Portland State University, 2013 Prior Research: Electromagnetic theory, high-energy physics, thermoelectric properties of nanowires. Thesis Research: Pre-thesis Rotations: Michael Ullman: ALE meta-analysis of non-linguistic procedural learning tasks Max Riesenhuber: modeling fast feature recognition within the visual hierarchy; Stefano Vicini: investigating cell assembly variability of sharp wave ripples via Ca imaging of hippocampal slices
Homero Cantu	Pre-thesis	Pre-thesis	2015		Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience Neurodegeneration and Neural Injury Glia
Education: B.S. Biology, University of Texas-Pan American, 2013; M.S. Biology, University of Texas-Pan American, 2015 Prior Research:Characterizing the role of reactive oxygen species in a rotenone mollusk model Lymnaea stagnalis Thesis Research: Pre-thesis Rotations: Kathy Maguire-Zeiss: The role of PAR1 in microglial cells and its possible crosstalk with Toll-like-receptors
Breana Downey	Guinevere Eden	The Impact of Bilingualism on Brain Function and Connectivity	2015		Language Cognitive Neuroscience Development
Education: B.S. Neuroscience, B.A. Spanish, University of Pittsburgh, 2015 Prior Research: In Dr. Julie Fiez’s lab, I studied the role of phonological recoding in orthographic learning in adults. I also studied learning of an artificial orthography of English, to understand how learning to read is carried out by the adult brain. Thesis Research: Pre-thesis Rotations: Elissa Newport: Language learning in children Guinevere Eden: Intrinsic functional connectivity in monolinguals vs. English-ASL and English-Spanish bilinguals Chandan Vaidya: Executive function and its relationship to language experiences
Nelson Jaimes	Pre-thesis	Pre-thesis	2015		Computational Neuroscience Cognitive Neuroscience Neuroimaging
Education: B.S. Computer Science, University of South Florida; M.S. Computer Science, George Washington University Prior Research: During his time at Georgetown, he has worked at the Laboratory for Computational Cognitive Neuroscience (MAXLAB) under Dr. Riesenhuber. He continues to be involved with the project by using machine learning techniques to classify EEG data using Matlab and LibSVM. Thesis Research: Pre-thesis Rotations: Max Riesenhuber: MVPA analysis of EEG data Rachel Barr: Developed an n-back experiment for children ages 3-5 for use with NIRS. Andrei Medvedev: Finished development of tablet based app that implemented the n-back experiment designed in Dr Barr’s lab. Learned how to run subjects on NIRS imaging. Peter Turkeltaub: Using automatic segmentation using FEM to model tDCS electical fields through lesioned brains to evaluate connection between electrical field and patient behavioral outcomes.
Patrick Malone	Max Riesenhuber	Neural mechanisms of vibrotactile speech perception M.D./Ph.D.	2015		Cognitive Neuroscience Neuroimaging Computational Neuroscience
Education: B.S. Neuroscience, Emory University, 2012 Prior Research:I completed my undergrad thesis with Keith Tansey in the area of spinal cord plasticity and electrophysiology. After graduation, I moved to DC and spent a year at the NIH in Mark Hallett’s lab, studying patients with movement disorders using various imaging techniques such as fMRI and DTI. Thesis Research: Pre-thesis Rotations: Kareem Zaghloul: Investigating the neural correlates of reward guided learning and decision making using intracranial EEG recordings in neurosurgical patients Max Riesenhuber: Semantic representation of words in temporal cortex decoded with multivariate pattern analysis of fMRI data Xiong Jiang: Using somatosensory speech and non-speech stimuli to test the brain’s general principles of perceptual learning
Cameron McKay	Guinevere Eden	Structural and Functional Neural Correlates of Reading and Arithmetic	2015		Cognitive Neuroscience Neuroimaging
Education: B.S. Neuroscience, Duke University, 2014 Prior Research: Previously, I worked as a lab manager and associate in research in the lab of Dr. Marty Woldorff at Duke University. There, I utilized EEG and behavioral methods to invesitgate the neural cascade of conflict processing. Thesis Research: Pre-thesis Rotations: Guinevere Eden: Investigating the development of resting state functional connectivity in healthy children and adults Max Riesenhuber: The “when” of semantic categorization using EEG rapid adaptation Andrei Medvedev: Resting-state EEG biomarkers of healthy aging
Nathanael Lee	Daniel Reich (NINDS) Jeffrey Huang	Role of Iron in Inflammatory Demyelination: MRI, Histopathology, and Gene Expression Studies in Marmoset Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis M.D/Ph.D.	2015		Neurodegeneration and Neural Injury Neuroimaging Computational Neuroscience
Education: Rice University, B.S., B.A., 2013 Prior Research: I conducted neuroimaging research at the Nantz National Alzheimer Center in Texas Medical Center during my undergraduate years. I also researched molecular neuroscience at Baylor College of Medicine. Thesis Research: Pre-thesis Rotations: Hyang-Sook Hoe: Studying dendritic spine formation through RasGRF1-ERK dependent pathway Maximilian Riesenhuber, Xiong Jiang: Investigating white matter integrity of patients with HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders using DTI tractography analysis Daniel Reich, Brent Harris: Using high-resolution MRI to study the pathophysiology of multiple sclerosis
Katherine O’Connell	Abigail Marsh	Affective Processes in Human Empathy and Prosocial Behavior	2015		Neuroimaging Cognitive Neuroscience Neural Networks
Education: B.S. Biology, Pennsylvania State University, 2013 Prior Research: Previous research used fMRI and psychophysiological techniques to investigate neural mechanisms underlying normal and maladaptive anxiety. Additional work explored white matter structural integrity in cigarette smokers. Thesis Research: Pre-thesis Rotations: Guinevere Eden: Brain connectivity in children with and without dyslexia John VanMeter: Tractography based segmentation of the striatum in adolescents Abigail Marsh: Amygdala-midbrain connectivity in altruism
Stephanie Sloley	Mark Burns	Changes in Hippocampal Synaptic Plasticity Following Repetitive Mild Traumatic Brain Injury	2015		Neurodegeneration and Neural Injury Glia Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience
Education: B.S. Biopsychology, Tufts University, 2011 Prior Research: I have previously conducted psychopharmacology research on the role of GABA-A receptor subunits in modulating anxiety, as well as on environmental and dietary factors that influence the use of drugs of abuse. More recently, I worked at the Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, where I studied deep brain stimulation as a treatment for traumatic brain and spinal cord injury, and a preventative measure against neurodegeneration. Thesis Research: Pre-thesis Rotations: Jeff Huang: Examining the role of anti-inflammatory macrophage signaling in repair following traumatic brain injury. Mark Burns: Examining the role that the gene IL4i-1 plays in modulating microglial activation following injury using IL4i-1 knock out mice. Patrick Forcelli: Using optogenetic manipulation of the deep layers of the superior colliculus and the substantia nigra pars reticulata in order to attenuate amygdala kindled seizures.
Sikoya Ashburn	Guinevere Eden	Cerebellar Involvement in Reading	2014		Cognitive Neuroscience Neuroimaging Language
Education: Duke University, Neuroscience B.S. & Spanish B.A., 2012 Prior Research: At Michael Platt’s Cognitive Neuroscience Lab, I investigated the role of serotonin in risk-behaviors. I also designed a study involving fMRI and a language task at BIAC with Michele Diaz. Thesis Research: To investigate cerebellum involvement in higher cognitive functions in typically developing pediatric populations in comparison to those who have math and reading disorders. Rotations: Max Riesenhuber: Reading and VBM: Grey matter differences in individuals with dyslexia Brent Harris: Conditionally reprogramming cells and 3D constructs Guinevere Eden: Cerebellum’s role in the reading network: functional connectivity in typical readers
Lorenzo Bozzelli	Katherine Conant	The role of MMPs in impaired paravascular clearance pathways	2014		Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience Neurodegeneration and Neural Injury Behavioral Neuroscience
Education: George Mason University, MA, 2014 Prior Research: I investigated the role of metal ions in Alzheimer’s disease and examined the effect that human APOE targeted replacement in mice has on neuroinflammation and astrogliosis. Thesis Research: I am investigating the role of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in HIV-associated impairments in pathways that clear waste products from the brain Rotations: Bill Rebeck: IgG subclasses in CSF as potential biomarkers for Alzheimer’s disease Kathy Conant: Gliosis and matrix metalloprotease levels in a mouse model of fragile X syndrome Gerard Ahern: Desensitization of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors by menthol
Edith Brignoni-Pérez	Guinevere Eden	The Neural Bases of Reading in Bilingual Children and Adults	2014	(202) 687-0760 Office: Bldg D, Suite 150 Lab: Bldg D, Suite 150	Cognitive Neuroscience Neurodegeneration and Neural Injury Neuroimaging
Education: University of Puerto Rico, B.A. in Psychology, 2013 Prior Research: Edith explored the neural circuits for active avoidance relevant to PTSD, and the influence of acute stress on extinction recall. In addition, she studied the glutamatergic-signaling role on social-emotional behavior development relevant to negative symptoms of Schizophrenia. Thesis Research: Edith’s thesis research focuses on examining the role of bilingualism, orthographic depth, and age in the brain systems for reading. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging, she studies brain activity and functional connectivity in bilinguals and monolinguals, children and adults. Rotations: Adam Green: Creativity Enhancement Using tDCS in Non-Clinical Population Peter Turkeltaub: Speech Comprehension and Perception: Auditory Lexical decision in Adults with Stroke-caused Aphasia Guinevere Eden: Brain Connectivity Patterns for Visual Word Processing in Typically-Reading Bilingual Adults
Stephanie Davis	Jeff Huang Anton Wellstein	Exploring IL4i1 As A Potential Biomarker And Treatment Option In MS M.D./Ph.D.	2014		Neurodegeneration and Neural Injury Behavioral Neuroscience Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience
Education: Barnard College, BA in Behavioral Neuroscience, 2011 Prior Research: In college I studied the effects of L-type voltage-gated calcium channels in the basolateral amygdala on fear learning and fear extinction. Thesis Research: I’m characterizing the cytokine profile in different stages of multiple sclerosis, and looking at a protein called IL4i1 as a potential treatment option and biomarker. Rotations: Micheal Ullman: Theoretical methods of memory enhancement Jeffery Huang: The role of oligodendrocytes in axonal repair and remyelination Rhonda Friedman: Inner speech in primary progressive aphasia (PPA)
Catherine Elorette	Ludise Malkova	Rapid Visual Threat Processing in Non-Human Primates	2014
Education: Saint Joseph’s University, B.S. in Biology, 2014 Prior Research: Catherine’s previous research utilized the computer modeling software SNNAP to simulate circadian rhythms in the suprachiasmatic nucleus. Her undergraduate thesis focused on the role of sudden light activation in subjective night conditions. Thesis Research: There is evidence from rodent and lower-order primate studies for a fast acting subcortical visual threat processing pathway that passes from the superior colliculus through the pulvinar nucleus of the thalamus to the basolateral amygdala. This project uses a combination of pharmacological, behavioral, and anatomical approaches to investigate the presence of this pathway in the rhesus macaque. Rotations: Guinevere Eden: The relationship between brain structure and arithmetic ability Ludise Malkova: Anatomical Connectivity of the Superior Colliculus, Pulvinar, and Amygdala Italo Mocchetti: Influence of CCL5 on Opiod Drug-Seeking Behavior in Rats
Kelly Michaelis	Peter Turkeltaub	Using EEG and TMS to Investigate the Neural Mechanisms of Speech Perception	2014		Cognitive Neuroscience Neurodegeneration and Neural Injury Neuroimaging
Education: University of Virginia, B.A. in International Development, 2009 Prior Research: Previous research focused on using TMS to measure the relationship between temporal processing and motor excitability. Additional research involved neural mechanisms of spatial navigation and biomotion perception. Thesis Research: Using EEG and TMS to Investigate the Neural Mechanisms of Speech Perception Rotations: Michelle Harris-Love: Using TMS to invesitgate mechanisms of motor recovery after stroke Peter Turkeltaub: Piloting combined TMS-EEG John Partridge & Stefano Vicini: Calcium imaging and electrophysiology
Jeremiah Paskus	Katherine Roche (NINDS) Jeff Huang	Adhesion Molecules at Central Synapses and in Glia	2014		Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience Glia Regeneration
Education: Franklin and Marshall College, BA, 2008 Prior Research: Studied optic nerve regeneration in the laboratory of Dr. Larry Benowitz at Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School. Thesis Research: Thesis work is aimed at elucidating the function of adhesion molecules at excitatory synapses, and in neuron-glia signaling Rotations: Patrick Forcelli: Epileptogenesis following knockdown of dendritically-targeted BDNF mRNA Kathy Maguire-Zeiss: Oligomeric α-Synuclein Mediated Expression of Immunomodulatory microRNAs Jeff Huang: Characterization of Macrophage Polarization in Demyelinating Lesions
Alberto Sepulveda-Rodriguez	Stefano Vicini	Probing Seizure-Induced Microglial Activation.	2014	Office: BSB, 228 Lab: BSB, 230	Neuropharmacology Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience Neurophysiology
Education: University of Rochester, B.S. Neuroscience ’14 Prior Research: Under PI Ben Hayden, I collected and analysed electrophysiology and behavior in non-human primates during complex choice tasks. Thesis Research: Microglia can respond to CNS events like injury and hyperactivity. I will study the contribution of Status Epilepticus-induced neuronal damage vs. paroxysmal activity to the activation of microglia post-SE. Rotations: Ludise Malkova: Prepulse inhibition and fear-potentiated startle in non-human primates. Stefano Vicini: Optogenetic probing of physiology and pharmacology of GABAergic neurons in the striatum. Kathy Conant: Triggers and effects of MMP1 and MMP13 ‘transmission’.
Kaela S. Singleton	Maria Donoghue Elena Silva	Cross species Regulation and Function of Sox11 in Neural Development	2014	Office: Regents Hall, 411 Lab: Regents Hall, 411	Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience Neurophysiology Development
Education: Agnes Scott College, BS in Neuroscience & Classical Civilization, 2014 Prior Research: My previous research focused on cross species investigation of the molecular mechanisms underlying neurodevelopmental and affective disorders in the central nervous system at Agnes Scott College, Emory, Vanderbilt, and Georgia State University. Thesis Research: My current research interests revolve around understanding the cellular and molecular singals necessary to seed a well-organized and percisely functioning central nervous system across species. My thesis research investigates microRNA regulation and changes in partner protien interaction domains of Sox11, a transcription factor that plays a critical role in neuronal differentiation and maturation, in two divergent species, Xenopus laevis (frog) and Mus musculus (mouse). Rotations: Maria Donoghue: Investigating microRNA regulation of SOX c genes Elena M. Silva: Examining the role of Sox21 and Sox11 in neurogenesis Thomas Coate: Characterizing Spiral Ganglion Innervations within the Cochlea
Gabrielle-Ann Torre	Guinevere Eden	The Modulatory Roles of IQ and SES on Brain Structure and Reading Ability	2014		Neuroimaging Cognitive Neuroscience Language
Education: University of Arizona, B.S. Neuroscience and Cognitive Sciences, 2014 Prior Research: I researched brain-behavior relationships in the context of healthy aging in the Brain Imaging, Behavior and Aging Lab under Dr. Gene Alexander, specifically using voxel-based morphometry techniques in neuroimaging. Thesis Research: Pre-thesis Rotations: Guinevere Eden: Investigating relationship between gray matter and white matter volume and IQ discrepancy John VanMeter: White Matter Tract Organization in Alcohol-Naïve Adolescents Peter Turkeltaub: Cortical Thickness in Post-Stroke Recovery
John Accardi		Left in 2013	2013		Neuroimaging Cognitive Neuroscience Behavioral Neuroscience
Education:Saint Josephs University, BS, 2011 Prior Research:Two years of post-bac research at the NIH. The first year in a medical genetics lab and the second year in a systems neuroscience lab. Thesis Research:Pre-thesis Rotations: Abigail Marsh
Chinyere Agbaegbu Iweka	Jeffrey Urbach Herbert Geller	Elucidating the role of Plasticity-Related Gene protein-3 in CNS plasticity	2013	(301) 451-3836 Office: Bldg10 Rm6D18 Lab: Bldg10 Rm6D18	Neurodegeneration and Neural Injury Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience Neuroanatomy
Education: B.S. Biology, BSUMBC, 2008; M.S. Biotechnology, Johns Hopkins University, 2011 Prior Research: Prior to joining the IPN program, I worked with Dr. Katagiri and Dr. Yu at NHLBI investigating the interactions of chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans with PRG-3 and determining binding partners of PRG-3. These proteins have been implicated in increased axonal outgrowth in primary neurons and have induced membrane protrusions in cell lines. Thesis Research: I am investigating the role of PRG family of proteins in CNS plasticity. Plasticity-related gene proteins are a family of five integral membrane proteins, 1-5, that are characterized by six transmembrane domains and studies have shown them to promote membrane protrusions and induce dendritic spine formation in primary neuronal cultures and in cell lines. I am interested in the role of these proteins in vivo, particularly PRG-3 and PRG-5, both of which little is known. I am currently characterizing the PRG-3 and PRG-5 knock-out mice and have also begun the process of creating a double KO of PRG-3 and PRG-5. Rotations: Jeffrey Urbach/ Herbert Geller: Understanding the mechanism through which a mutation in Chst 14 sulfotransferase and Chst 15 sulfotransferase contributes to the symptoms of Ehlers Danlos syndrome. Kathy Maguire-Zeiss: MMP-1 Overexpression: Effects on microglial activation Mark Burns: Characterizing cerebral microvessels after Traumatic Brain Injury
Brittany Aguilar	Ludise Malkova Patrick Forcelli	Investigating contributions of intermediate and deep layers of superior colliculus to defensive and emotional behaviors	2013	x7825 Office: NRB, W214 Lab: NRB, W217	Systems Neuroscience Neuropharmacology Behavioral Neuroscience
Education: B.S. Biological Sciences, University of California – Irvine, , 2010 Prior Research: Previous researcPrior to starting graduate school I worked in the Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders at UC Irvine. My research focused on investigating possible therapeutic uses for pluripotent neural stem cells in a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease. Projects included stem cell therapy in transgenic mice, molecular characterization of the effect of beta-amyloid on the ubiquitin proteosome pathway, GWAS studies, and work in the Brain Bank. Thesis Research: The focus of my research is investigating the role that subcortical structures, such as superior colliculus, substantia nigra, and amygdala, play in mediating defensive and emotional responses in an animal model of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). I am interested in the influence that signal changes have on reflexive behaviors such as sensorimotor gating function and classical conditioning, i.e. effects on acquistion and expression of fear and safety learning, as well as socioemotional changes that occur as a consequence of network disruption. Rotations: Gerard Ahern: Characterization and efficacy of ligands blocking TRPA1 receptor Mark Burns: Investigating the role of microvessels in mild traumatic brain injury Stefano Vicini: Effect of inflammatory response on D1/D2 medium spiny neurons in the striatum Ludise Malkova: Anatomical connections between the basolateral amygdala and nucleus accumbens
Jeffrey Bloch		Left with M.S. 2015	2013		Cognitive Neuroscience Neuroimaging Neuroanatomy
Education: Washington University – St. Louis, BA, Biology, 2002 Prior Research: I used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) to study psychiatric illness (schizophrenia, Williams Syndrome), as well as investigate the role of genetics in the development of these illnesses, in Karen Berman’s lab at National Institutes Health. Thesis Research: Pre-thesis Rotations: Guinevere Eden: Investigating the effects of age and sex on the neural mechanisms of reading in both healthy children and adults Ludise Malkova: Functional neuroanatomy of PTSD-related subcortical circuitry in the non-human primate John VanMeter: Neurobiological risk factors for alcohol use disorders in high-risk alcohol-naive adolescents
Shady El Damaty	John VanMeter	Pattern Classification of Neurocognitive and Socio-Emotional Developmental Factors Underlying Violent Outcomes in Adolescents & Utility	2013	Lab: CFMI	Computational Neuroscience Cognitive Neuroscience Language
Education:University of Rochester, B.Sc, 2011; Drexel, M.Sc, 2013 Prior Research: Characterizing Lexical Cohorts revealed by ECoG High Gamma Band Amplitude. Estimating the Free Energy Required for Performing the Sternberg Working Memory Tasks in a Hopfield Network. Thesis Research: This NIJ-funded dissertation research project involves the identification of environmental stressors precluding the development of cognitive-emotional competence and leading to the emergence of aggressive antisocial behavior in children between the onset of puberty and adulthood. Rotations: Maximillian Riesenhuber: EEG Beamforming Source Localization to Identify Neural Networks for Object Recognition Michael Ullman: Development of CLE Algorithm for Nonparametric Meta-analyses of Autism Spectrum Disorder and Selective Language Impairment Elissa Newport: fMRI Meta-analysis of the Language Network
Mackenzie Fama	Peter Turkeltaub Rhonda Friedman	Self-reported Inner Speech In Aphasia: Behavioral Relationships And Neural Correlates	2013	x7-4938 Office: Bldg D, Suite 165 Lab: Bldg D, Suite 165	Language Cognitive Neuroscience
Education: B.A. Linguistics & Philosophy, The College of William and Mary, 2007; M.S. Speech-Language Pathology, University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill, 2009 Prior Research: As an undergraduate student in linguistics, I studied the social impacts of non-standard dialect use. As a speech-language pathologist, I studied methods for differential diagnosis of speech and language disorders and aphasia treatment studies. Thesis Research: I am examining the subjective experience of “successful inner speech” in aphasia, looking for meaningful relationships between subjective reports and objective measures of language function and lesion location. Rotations: Peter Turkeltaub: Investigating self-perceptions of internal naming ability and the use of tDCS to improve naming skills in persons with aphasia Elissa Newport: Statistical Language Learning in Older Adults Rhonda Friedman: Phonological Alexia – Eye tracking patterns during silent reading
Vivianne (Greenwood) Morrison	Jeffrey Huang	The influence of retinoic acid on oligodendrocyte lineage cell progression in development and after injury.	2013		Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience Neurophysiology Neurodegeneration and Neural Injury
Education: Bard College, BA in Psychology, 2009 Prior Research: I have conducted research both in the U.S. and abroad, exploring the regulation of the autonomic nervous sytem, metastasis,and blood-brain barrier permeability, as well as, the use of zebrafish animal models oncology and neuroscience. Thesis Research: Previous research suggests that retinoic acid (RA) influences oligodendrocyte lineage cell (OLC) progression and promotes remyelination following injury, but the source of RA and the outcome of RA signaling in OLCs remain poorly understood, so, to address these questions and uncover potential pro-myelination properties of RA, this project will characterize the development and remyelination of white matter tracts in mice in which OLCs are unable to synthesize RA. Rotations: Dan Pak: We aim to determine the role of NMDAR-like subunits in a process called LTP-induced depotentiation (LID), which allows previously encoded synaptic activity to alter future synaptic strength. Maria Donoghue: Cloning tools to study Epha7 variants in neuronal development Jeff Huang: Retinoic acid signaling in oligodendrocytes
Nathan Helm-Burger		Left in 2015	2013		Neurodegeneration and Neural Injury Behavioral Neuroscience Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience
Education: Humboldt State University, MA in Biological Psychology, 2013 Prior Research: In the field of behavioral neuroscience: investigation of the neural circuitry of proprioception and motor behavior in a transgenic zebrafish model via drug ablation. In the field of regenerative medicine: exploration of alternate regulatory mechanisms of the pluripotency gene OCT4 via AP2/TCF4/c-Jun. Thesis Research: Pre-thesis Rotations: Karen Gale / Patrick Forcelli: Investigating the neural circuitry of fear response by optogenetic stimulation and tailored pharmacological control of CRH neurons in the basal lamina Elena Casey: Sox4 expression patterns in the developing telencephalon of Xenopus Laevis Brent Harris: Primary astrocyte cultures maintained with conditioned media as a potential autologous engraftment source
Rachael Harrington	Michelle Harris-Love	Role of intact hemisphere premotor cortex in recovery after stroke (Ph.D. 2017)	2012	(202) 877-1550 Office: National Rehabilitation Hospital Research Annex Rm 1260 Lab: National Rehabilitation Hospital Murtha Lab Rm 1052	Neurodegeneration and Neural injury Behavioral Neuroscience Cognitive neuroscience
Education: GWU, M.A. 2011 Prior Research: My previous research focused on the acoustic and aerodynamics of male to female transgender voice. Results suggested that MTF transgender speakers use a distinct pattern from cisgender male and female speakers to create a gender neutral voice. Thesis Research: My project focuses on the role of the intact hemipshere premotor cortex in recovery of arm function after stroke. My current project disrupts the premotor cortex using online transcranial magnetic stimulation to demonstrate a greater role of premotor cortex than other motor areas in the reaching task. My future project will use theta burst stimulation to prime the premotor cortex to enhance its effects during a reaching practice. Rotations: Peter Turkletaub: Planning a clinical trial using tDCS and aphasia Rhonda Friedman: Gathering normative data on a naming battery Andrei Medvedev: Evaluating EEG data of closed and open class reading in alexia
William Hayward	Peter Turkeltaub Rhonda Friedman	Objective support for the subjective report of inner speech in aphasia (new window) M.D./Ph.D. (Ph.D. 2016)	2012	wh67@georgetown.edu Office: Bldg D, Rm #169 Lab: Bldg D, Suite #165	Language Neurodegeneration and injury Cognitive Neuroscience
Education: University of Miami, BS (hons), 2008 Prior Research:ERB-B2 and MUC4 regulation and signalling pathways (CAC Carraway); TRF2 structure and function in telomeres (TM Fletcher). Thesis Research: People with aphasia almost always have difficulty with out loud naming, but often report that the word “sounds right in my head”. This study investigates what the self-report of “inner speech” can tell us about word-finding failure in people with aphasia to predict treatment outcomes and improve recovery of language in affected individuals. Rotations: John VanMeter: Analysis of imaging data from a cohort of children with autism Peter Turkeltaub: TMS as a treatment for post stroke naming aphasia: a pilot study Michael Ullman: Methods of non-invasive memory enhancement
Lanier Heyburn	Brent Harris Charbel E. Moussa	TDP-43 pathology: elucidation of mechanisms and treatment with tyrosine kinase inhibition (Ph.D. 2017)	2012		Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience Neurodegeneration and Neural Injury
Education: University of Georgia, BS Biology, 2010 Prior Research: Worked in a biochemistry lab at Emory University investigating oxidative DNA damage and repair mechanisms. Thesis Research: The role of TDP-43 in neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration Rotations: Alexei Kondratyev: DNA Repair in Neurons and Creation of an ROS-detecting assay Brent Harris: TDP-43 Pathology in Astrocytes Kathy Maguire-Zeiss: Does treatment with alpha-synuclein lead to increased microRNA levels in microglia?
Scott Miles	Norberto Grzywacz Josef Rauschecker	The neurocognition of learning a new musical system	2012	x7-2113 Office: Bldg D, Rm 237 Lab: Bldg D, Rm 237	Cognitive Neuroscience Neuroimaging Language
Education: Old Dominion University, BS Psychology, BS Biology, BA Philosophy, 2010 Prior Research: Honors thesis in psychology: Relationship between attention and working memory; Honors thesis in biology: “What is interesting” in a visual field; One year spent working as an MRI technician at the Martinos Center at Massachussetts General Hospital Thesis Research: The goal of the project is to investigate the neurocognitive bases of learning a musical system. Healthy adults from a Western tonal music background will be exposed to recordings of an expert musician performing music from a subset of the North Indian classical musical system. They will be followed, during continuous fMRI administration, from initial exposure until they learn the system to a high level of competence. The design will involve alternating exposure and testing sessions. Their performance in identifying grammatical phrases during testing will provide a measure of rule learning. Rotations: Michael Ullman: Autism spectrum disorder co-localization likelihood estimation Max Riesenhuber: Electroencephalography rapid adaptation Peter Turkeltaub: Specific language impairment co-localization likelihood estimation coding
Erika Raven	John VanMeter Jeff Duyn	Reproducibility and use of myelin imaging methods for the study of adolescent brain development (Ph.D. 2017)	2012	Office: Bldg. D, Rm 150 Lab: NIH, Bldg. 10, Rm B1D72	Neuroimaging Development Myelin
Education: Pepperdine University, BS, 2007 Prior Research: Erika worked for Dr. George Bartzokis at UCLA on MRI techniques to study white matter volume and integrity over the life span as well as iron accumulation in the brain. Subjects with developmental and degenerative diseases were analyzed alongside a base of healthy controls to establish aging trajectories and responses to medication. Thesis Research: Given that myelin facilitates cognitive processing by increasing the speed and synchrony of signal transmission between brain regions, the ability to describe myelin microstructure and detect damage or delays to myelination will prove to be a critical tool for clinicians. I am currently testing the feasibility of novel MRI techniques in healthy adolescents to investigate how myelin-specific changes correlate with rapid behavioral and cognitive maturation during development. Rotations: John VanMeter: fMRI project on pre- vs post-treatment using donepezil in MCI patients and controls Josef Rauschecker: Investigating white matter integrity of normal controls and tinnitus patients using DTI Howard Federoff: Investigate neural processes of healthy older adults with above average memory capacity.
Paul Robinson		Left in 2013	2012		Computational neuroscience Systems neuroscience Neural networks
Education: Saint John’s University, B.A., 2002 Prior Research: Investigations of Schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s disease, cocaine addiction, Binge Eating Disorder, and rare metabolic disorders using multiple magnetic resonance methods (DTI, MRS, fMRI, ASL, volumetrics). Thesis Research: Rotations: Max Riesenhuber: Investigations of the effect depth-of-field may have on rapid visual object recognition. Andrei Medvedev : Method development for correlating resting state NIRS and EEG data
Kathryn Schuler	Elissa Newport	The Acquisition of Productive Rules in Child and Adult Language Learners (Ph.D. 2017)	2012		Cognitive Neuroscience Development Language
Education: University of Rochester, Brain and Cognitive Sciences Prior Research: Language acquisition and the relationship between language acquisition and language structure. Thesis Research:Learning adjacent and non-adjacent syntactic dependencies in a serial time task Rotations: Elissa Newport: Understanding the relationship between linguistic structures and non-linguistic patterns Darlene Howard: Investigating the domain-generality of language via visual pattern learning in children and adults Peter Turkeltaub:
Benson Stevens	John VanMeter Chandan Vaidya	GABAergic and Dopaminergic genes in adolescent impulsivity and risk taking	2012	(202) 687-3592 Office: Pre-Clin, LM14 Lab: Pre-Clin, LM14	Neuroimaging Cognitive Neuroscience Development
Education: Westminster College, BS Neuroscience, 2011 Prior Research: As an undergraduate, I looked at the effects of genetics on executive function and emotional regulation and underlying neural activity using electroencephalography in college students. Later, as a research assistant at CFMI at Georgetown University, I used structural MRI to investigate Gulf War Illness. Thesis Research: I am investigating the effects of polymorphisms in the GABA alpha 2 subunit and dopamine D2 genes, both of which confer risk to adult alcohol abuse, on inhibitory control and risky decision making using fMRI during adolescence. If genes that impart risk for alcohol abuse have an impact before the onset of alcohol use, it is likely they reduce cognitive functioning leading to behaviors that place individuals at risk for initiation of alocohol use. Rotations: Abigail Marsh: Investigating Structural and Functional Brain Connectivity in Altruistic Kidney Donors. Adam Green: Effects of Polymorphisms in ApoE, Clusterin, and ABCA7 on Grey Matter Volume and Working Memory in Young Adults Chandan Vaidya: Development of functional connectivity in response to salient distracters
Theodore Turesky	Guinevere Eden	An fMRI study of motor control in developing and aging brains (Ph.D. 2017)	2012	x7-2823 Office: Bldg D, Suite 150 Lab: Bldg D, Suite 150	Neuroimaging Systems Neuroscience Development
Education: Colorado College, B.A., Physics, 2008 Prior Research: Before joining the IPN, I was part of a team researching tinnitus, an auditory disorder characterized by a perceived ringing in the absence of sound. Using MRI, we compared patients and controls on measures of functional connectivity. Thesis Research: My thesis research investigates how the motor system changes across the lifespan. To carry out this research, I am currently comparing data from children and young adults who performed a finger-tapping task while undergoing functional MRI. For comparison, we hope to soon recruit a third cohort, comprsing old adults, to perform the same task under the same experimental conditions. Rotations: Guinevere Eden: The functional neuroanatomy of finger tapping in children and adults Josef Rauschecker: Resting state functional connectivity of tinnitus patients John VanMeter: Voxel-based morphometry of geriatric populations before and after exercise treatments
Megan Allen	Kathy Conant Kathy Maguire-Zeiss	Differential effects of PAR1 signaling in neurons and glia (new window) (Ph.D. 2017)	2011	687-3249 Office: NRB EP-16 Lab: NRB EP-16	Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience Synapses Glia
Education: Temple University, BA, 2005 Prior Research: I worked as a research technician prior to graduate school. Thesis Research: Glial derived MMP-1 activates PAR1, a GPCR found in neurons and glia. Interestingly, altered MMP and PAR1 levels are found in patients with disorders characterized by aberrant dendritic spine phenotypes. To address the role PAR1 signalling may play in disease, I plan to investigate it using both in vivo and in vitro experimental systems. Rotations: Daniel Pak: Investigated of the localization of MAP2 following LTP in vivo Baoji Xu: Studied the role BDNF plays in spine morphology Kathy Conant: Interrogated the role MMP-1 plays in dendritic spine maturation
Andrew Breeden	Chandan Vaidya	Noradrenergic modulation of functional brain networks underlying executive control (new window) (Ph.D. 2016)	2011	alb226@georgetown.edu x7-8233 Office: WG, 401 Lab: WG, 401	Cognitive Neuroscience Neuroimaging Systems Neuroscience
Education: University of Richmond, B.S., 2007 Prior Research: I researched the neural correlates of dysregulated emotional face processing in Autism Spectrum Disorders with Dr. John VanMeter at the Center fo Functional and Molecular Imaging. Thesis Research: Noradrenergic pathology is associated with numerous psychiatric disorders, but it is still not understood how norepinephrine acts at the large-scale network level in the human brain. We use pupil diameter (a proxy for norepinephrine signaling in the brain stem), and guanfacine (an alpha-2 norepinephrine agonist) in conjunction with fMRI to better characterize how norepinehrphine influences functional brain networks in healthy adults. Rotations: Chandan Vaidya: Investigated changes in resting state functional connectivity after cognitive task performance. Abigail Marsh: Investigated the relationship between uncinate fasciculus white matter integrity and callous unemotional traits in adolescents. John VanMeter: Examined the effect of acute alcohol administration on functional connectivity in the executive control network.
Kelly Chamberlain	Jeffrey Huang	The role of creatine in promoting oligodendrocyte survival and modulating axonal mitochondria in the CNS (new window) (Ph.D. 2016)	2011	kac253@georgetown.edu (571) 275-3870 Office: Regent’s 411 Lab: Regent’s 411	Glia Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience Neurodegeneration and Neural Injury
Education: James Madison University, B.S., 2010 Prior Research: At JMU, I investigated the development and organization of the inferior colliculus in mice under Dr. Mark Gabriele. I then moved to Dr. Tim Harris’ lab at Janelia Farm Research Campus where I worked on a high-resolution imaging technique known as array tomography. Thesis Research: Oligodendrocytes are glial cells primarily known for their role in CNS myelination, which serves to enable rapid saltatory conduction. However, new evidence also implicates oligodendrocytes in trophic and metabolic support, suggesting that these cells may exert neuroprotective influences independent of their role in myelination. We aim to elucidate novel oligodendrocyte-neuron interactions by studying the influence of oligodendrocytes on neuronal mitochondria. Rotations: Hyang-Sook Hoe: FE65 as a link between VLDLR and ApoER2 to regulate their processing. Baoji Xu: Role of Kalirin-7 and dendritically-synthesized BDNF in spine maturation. Charbel Moussa: The effect of tyrosine kinase inhibition on the ubiquitin-proteasome system in vivo.
Lynda K. Cortes-Avallaneda		Left in 2012	2011		Neurodegeneration and Neural Injury Cellular & Molecular Neuroscience
Education: University of Florida, B.A. Anthropology, 2007 Prior Research: Electrophysiology; behavioral studies in neuropharmacology; inmunocytochemistry Thesis Research: Pre-thesis Rotations: Kathy Maguire-Zeiss: Effects of direct striatal injection of alpha-synuclein in C57BL/6 mice.
Valerie L. Darcey	John VanMeter	Investigating the relationship between Omega-3 Fatty Acid intake and neurocognitive development in healthy adolescents.	2011	vld8@georgetown.edu (202) 687-4076 Office: Pre-Clin LM-14 Lab: Pre-Clin LM-14	Cognitive Neuroscience Neuroimaging Development
Education: U Penn, B.A., 2003; Drexel, M.S., 2010; NIH, R.D. 2011 Prior Research: With a BA in Biological Basis of Behavior, Val coordinated weight management research at Penn where her main interest was the effect of nutrition on cognition/behavior. She’s since completed nutrition research at Drexel & NIH. Thesis Research: Any delay in PFC development during adolescence may heighten an individuals propensity for impulsivity and risk-taking. DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid abundant in the PFC,is an integral component of membrane phospholipids. Optimal prefrontal development in adolescence may, in part, be dependent on DHA supply in diet. My thesis research seeks to explore the relationship between omega-3 status and variation in frontal lobe structure, function and behavior (impulsivity and risk-taking) in a cross-sectional sample of typically developing adolescents. Rotations: Guinevere Eden: Correlations of reading skill and gray matter volume in novice English and Chinese readers. Chandan Vaidya: Integrity of white matter tracts passing through amygdala and correlations with Autistic traits. Abigail Marsh: Amygdala activations to empathy: Altruistic kidney donors compared to children with high psychopathy scores. John VanMeter: Investigating the role of DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid, on brain development (Review)
Amanda DiBattista	G. William Rebeck	Alzheimers disease risk gene (APOE) predicts differences in the absence of disease (new window) (Ph.D. 2015)	2011	202-687-1620 Office: NRB, WP-04 Lab: NRB, WP-04	Neurodegeneration and Neural Injury Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience Synapses
Education: University of Virginia, BA, 2011 Prior Research: I have studied the neuroanatomy of how animals learn in response to repeated stress, axonal pathfinding in the development of epilepsy, and developed methods to study the neuronal mechanisms underlying emotion. Thesis Research: I study ways in which the strongest genetic risk factor for Alzheimers disease, apolipoprotein E (APOE), may alter brain function before disease onset. Rotations: Dr. G. William Rebeck: Investigated the effects of APOE genotype and aging in the brain Dr. Mark Burns: Studied neuronal remodeling following mild traumatic brain injury Dr. Hyang-Sook Hoe: Examined the function of ApoE receptor VLDLR at the synapse
Laura Erickson	Peter Turkeltaub Josef Rauschecker	Examinations Of audiovisual speech processes, the McGurk Effect and the heteromodal superior temporal sulcus in the human brain across numerous approaches (new window) (Ph.D. 2016)	2011	Office: Bldg D, Rm 165; NRB, Rm WP 19	Systems Neuroscience Neuroimaging Language
Education: UC San Diego, BS, 2008 Prior Research: Laura was a research assistant in the lab of Dr. Beatrice Golomb at UC San Diego and worked on clinical research involving the elderly, Gulf War veterans, and children/adolescents with autism spectrum disorder. Thesis Research: My thesis project will evaluate different aspects of cross-modal and multisensory processing in the brain, including audiovisual speech integration, with a special emphasis on the superior temporal sulcus. Rotations: Josef Rauschecker: fMRI data analysis project on the neural correlates of the McGurk effect and normal audiovisual speech. John VanMeter: Proton Echo Planar Spectroscopic Imaging (PESPI) analysis of regional brain ethanol concentrations in vivo over time. Peter Turkeltaub: Activation Estimation Likelihood (ALE) meta-analysis of fMRI and PET studies that assess different types of audiovisual speech integration.
Carrie Leonard	Maria Donoghue	Distinct Roles of EphA7 Splice Variants in Cerebral Cortical Development	2011	Office: Regents Hall, Rm 401 Lab: Regents Hall, Rm 401	Development Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience Synapses
Education: James Madison University, B.S. Health Sciences, 2009 Prior Research: My previous research was conducted in the Pathology Dept at the University of Virginia, studying the effect of dietary compounds on inflammatory pathways. Specifically, I investigated inhibitory effects of sulforaphane (found in broccoli) on the NF-kappaB pathway. Thesis Research: Previously, our lab found that EphA7, a receptor tyrosine kinase, is necessary for many processes in neuronal development, including dendrite guidance and outgrowth, dendritic spine formation, and synaptic activity. I am investigating whether two splice variants of EphA7, a full length and a truncated form, are responsible for the differing roles during cortical development using a variety of techniques including primary cultures, electroporation, western blot, etc. Rotations: Dan Pak: Effect of long term potentiation on MAP-2 localization in dendritic spines. Maria Donoghue: Role of Eph receptors in parcellation of thalamic nuclei. Stefano Vicini: Role of EphA7 in electrophysiological maturation of synapses.
Summer Rozzi	Italo Mocchetti	Investigating mitochondrial dynamic impairment by HIV viral protein Tat and the protective capacity of Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP)	2011	sjr65@georgetown.edu 1033454 Office: NRB EG17B Lab: NRB EB19	Neurodegeneration and Neural Injury Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience
Education: Bucknell University, BA, 2008 Prior Research: Her honors thesis research with Dr. Andrea Halpern examined implicit and explicit memory for music in younger and older adults. In Dr. Vaishali Bakshi’s lab, Summer conducted research centered on delineating the noradrenergic networks associated with dysfunctional behavioral processes in various mental illnesses. Thesis Research: Summer examines a new alternative mechanism of HIV neurotoxicity by focusing on a possible cause of synaptic simplification. In particular, she tests the hypothesis that HIV viral protein, tat, directly interacts with the mitochondrial network, thus, impairing energy metabolism and causing axonal injury. Rotations: Josef Rauschecker: Trained non-human primates in a primate model of tinnitus Italo Mocchetti: Assessed the usefulness of H4, human glioblastoma, cells as an in vitro model of HIV associated dementia (HAD). Gerard Ahern: Investigated the functional role of BDNF in MG-63 cells (human osteoblasts)
Carissa Winland	Kathleen Maguire-Zeiss Stefano Vicini	Activated Microglia and AMPAR Mediated Excitatory Post Synaptic Currents (new window) (Ph.D. 2017)	2011	cdw53@georgetown.edu (202)-687-2791 Office: NRB EP12 Lab: NRB EP08	Neurodegeneration and Neural Injury Neurophysiology Glia
Education: Southwestern University, Psychology, B.S., 2011 Prior Research: Previously, I researched methampetamine’s affect on female sexual motivation in rats, testosterone and mate selection, and kin recognition, in a behavioral neuroscience laboratory. Thesis Research: My goal is elucidate mechanisms of glial-neuronal interaction in neurodegenerative diseases. In both Parkinsons and Huntingtons disease, there is a disruption of glutamatergic signaling of striatal GABAergic medium spiny neurons as well as greater glial activation. Activated glia release a number of factors that are neurotoxic, neuroprotective, and contribute to the maintenance of synapses. I’m examining synaptic remodeling after neuronal injury using molecular and electrophysiological techniques. Rotations: Ludise Malkova: Systemic administration of diazepam and betacarboline in an anxiety behavior paradigm with rhesus monkeys. Barry Wolfe: Determined the physiological properties of nACh receptors with a SNP in the alpha 5 subunit. Niaz Sahibzada: Examined electrophysiological properties of glucose sensitive neurons in the habenula. Kathleen Maguire-Zeiss and Stefano Vicini: Examined inflammatory and physiological response of oligomeric alpha-synuclein on primary microglia and acute striatal slices.
Patrick Cox	Maximilian Riesenhuber	The Effects of Extensive Single Task and Dual Task Training on the Neural Bases of Visual Object Categorization: Escaping the frontal bottleneck (Ph.D. 2017)	2010	202-687-7837 Office: NRB WP-01 Lab: NRB WP-01	Computational Neuroscience Cognitive Neuroscience Neuroimaging
Education: Georgetown, B.S. in Physics, 2008 Prior Research: Prior to entering the IPN I worked in th Optics Lab of Dr. Edward Van Keuren characterizing nanoparticles in solution using a number of techniques, primarily fluorescence correlation spectroscopy. Thesis Research: My Thesis Research is focused on how the brain recognizes visual objects and produces appropriated behavioral responses. My recent work has focused on the effect of distractor objects of varying degrees of similarity on the detection of a target obeject in scenes containing multiple objects. I use a combination of computational modeling, human psychophysics, and brain imaging (EEG/fMRI). Rotations: John Van Meter: Discerning atypical in amygdala connectivity in autism spectrum disorders using resting state functional connectivity fMRI (rs-fcMRI) Maximilan Riesenhuber: Object recognition in cluttered scence: modeling and human psychophysics David Egolf: Influence of the ratio of excitation and inhibition in spiking network models
Frank Fishburn	Chandan Vaidya	Investigating functional connectivity in developmental and clinical populations using NIRS (new window) (Ph.D. 2017)	2010		Cognitive Neuroscience Computational Neuroscience Development Neuroimaging
Education: University of South Florida, B.A. Psychology, 2009; University of South Florida, B.A. Biochemistry, 2010 Prior Research: Developed a protocol for quantification of bird vocalizations. Undergraduate thesis explored an evolutionary precursor to self-recognition in pigeons. Thesis Research: While fMRI is an excellent neuroimaging method for adults, its susceptibility to motion artifacts and intimidating scanning environment make it unsuitable for some developmental and clinical populations. Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is an alternative neuroimaging method that is both resilient to motion and comfortable for subjects. We are working towards using NIRS to investigate functional connectivity during working memory and at rest in subjects that cannot be scanned with fMRI. Rotations: Jian-young Wu: Carbachol-induced oscillations decrease in frequency and amplitude over many hours in mouse hippocampal slice Chandan Vaidya: Using support vector machines and independent components analysis to correct motion artifacts in fMRI Maximilian Riesenhuber: Real-time ERP feature extraction with CUDA
Margot Lawton		Left with M.S. 2012	2010		Molecular Neuroscience Neurodegeneration and Neural Injury Synapses
Education: Brown University, BS, 2007 Prior Research: Studied the role of aspartyl-asparginyl-beta-hydroxylase on neuronal cell motility. Additionally, examined effects of high-fat diet consumption on ceramide production in the liver and brains of mice with the goal of determining a mechanism for peripheral obesity-induced neurodegeneration. Thesis Research: Two isoforms of the mRNA transcript that codes for Huntingtin protein have been isolated.These isoforms, created through different polyadenylation sites, result in one transcript with a short 3’UTR and one with a long 3’UTR. I will attempt to determine the significance of these two isoforms by assessing whether they are localized in different regions of the cell. Determining these differences will hopefully further clarify the role of Huntingtin protein in the development of Huntington Disease pathology. Rotations: Baoji Xu: Do Huntington Disease Gene mRNA Isoforms Have Distinct Localizations in Neuronal Components? Bill Rebeck: Basal Levels of Inflammation among ApoE2, ApoE3, and ApoE4 Human Target Replacement Brent Harris: Role of TDP-43 in the Pathogenisis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Brad Randall		Left with M.S. 2012	2010		Neural Networks Neurophysiology Computational Neuroscience
Education: University of Pittsburgh, BA & BS, 2009; Georgetown University, MS, 2010 Prior Research: Inducing neurons to regenerate their neurites, or neural stem cells to differentiate into neurons, by electrically stimulating them via a conducting polymer surface in vitro. The purpose was to improve the biocompatibility of implanted neural prosthetic devices. Thesis Research: Long-term potentiation is classically studied at the single synapse level, but its larger-scale role in neuronal network activity remains poorly understood. Using a dissociated hippocampal culture in an in vitro multi-electrode array, we apply conditional probability and graph theory analyses to assess the LTP-induced changes in functional connectivity patterns within the neuronal network. This analysis reveals the effects of long-term potentiation on network functional organization and efficiency. Rotations: Jagmeet Kanwal: Extracting emotive value from sounds: a spiking neural network model of the basolateral amygdala. Tim Mhyre: Developing surrogate peripheral biomarkers of valproic acid therapy in Alzheimer’s disease. Rhonda Dzakpasu: The effect of proteinase-activated receptor agonists on bursting in an in vitro multi-electrode array. Katherine Conant: Spatial memory impairments resulting from a knockout of matrix metalloproteinase-1 in a mouse model.
Kyle Shattuck	John VanMeter	Investigating the Cholinergic Regulation of Human Learning and Memory Using Functional Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (new window) (Ph.D. 2016)	2010		Cognitive Neuroscience Neuroimaging Computational Neuroscience
Education: Tufts University, BA, 1999 Prior Research: Kyle worked as a research assistant at the Center for Functional and Molecular Imaging at Georgetown University Medical Center for two years before joining the IPN on various projects utilizing MRI, fMRI, DTI, and MRS. Thesis Research: Pre-thesis Rotations: Kathy Maguire-Zeiss: Diffusion Tensor Imaging in a Parkinson’s Disease Mouse Model Andrei Medvedev: EEG Studies of Language Deficits in Aphasia John VanMeter: An Investigation of Visuospatial Performance Using fMRI
Caitlin Taylor	Guinevere Eden	Age- and experience-dependent modulation of coherent visual motion processing (new window) (Ph.D. 2016)	2010	x7-2823 Office: Bldg D, Suite 150	Development Neuroimaging Language
Education: Indiana University-Bloomington, BS-Psychology, BA-French, 2007 Prior Research: Worked on studies of rehabilitation outcomes in traumatic spinal cord injury, health literacy and public reporting of quality information, developing data collection tools for Medicare and Medicaid, and quality of life after stroke. Also involved in a longitudinal study of children and adolescents with Spina Bifida and their transitions into adolescence. Thesis Research: Behavioral and imaging evidence indicate a connection between poor reading performance (e.g., dyslexia) and deficits in visual motion perception. The magnocellular visual pathway (specifically, area V5/MT) is purported to play a role as a source of these motion processing deficits. Despite evidence of a connection between V5/MT functioning and reading development, the nature of this relationship is not fully understood. We are asking whether the acquisition of reading is accompanied by a change in response in MT. Our aim is to longitudinally track MT functioning in typically developing, early school-aged children as they acquire reading skills. Rotations: Guinevere Eden: Age and sex effects on human brain anatomy Abby Marsh: Moral judgments in psychopathy Bill Rebeck: Basal levels of inflammation among the ApoE genotypes
Charisse Winston	Mark Burns	Neuronal Remodeling and Genetic Vulnerability After Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (new window) (Ph.D. 2015)	2010	Lab: WG-03	Neurodegeneration and Neural Injury Molecular Neuroscience Synapses
Education: B.S. Biochemistry,UVA; M.S. Biochemistry, Georgetown Prior Research: Conducted Bcl-xL confocal neuronal transduction and cell death protection studies in order to determine if there is neuroprotection after serum withdrawal of Bcl-xL versus GFP expressing PC12 cell lines with the overall goal of developing a retroviral delivery system of anti-apoptotic proteins for neuronal gene therapy. Thesis Research: Golgi Stain analysis to determine dendritic spine density changes after concussion model of TBI. Animals are given either a single injury or a repetitive injury in order determine if there is significant spine density changes after TBI. Rotations: Lee Eiden (NIH): Pharmological Analysis of PACAP Induced Cell Survival after Serum/NGF Withdrawal H. Sook Hoe: Interactions of CaMKII and APP Mark Burns: Investigation of Dendritic Spine Changes after mTBI Bill Rebeck : Investigation of Dendritic Spine Changes after TBI in APOE-TR mice
Teal (Connor) Burrell	Bill Rebeck	A novel role for Fyn in ApoER2 regulation (new window) (Ph.D. 2014)	2009	x7-4238 Office: NRB, WP04 Lab: NRB, WP04	Neurodegeneration and Neural Injury Molecular Neuroscience Cellular Neuroscience
Education: University of Richmond, BS, 2007 Prior Research: At the University of Richmond, I investigated neuroendocrine activity in the brain following reproduction. After graduation, I worked at Mass General Hospital studying molecular mechanisms of Huntington’s Disease. Thesis Research: The Reelin receptors ApoER2 and VLDLR are required for the development of the six layered cortex. I study downstream interactions between these receptors and various adaptor proteins that contribute to proper development and also play a role in synaptic plasticity. Rotations: Baoji Xu: Examined role of neurotrophins (BDNF and NT-3) in mouse striatal development Bill Rebeck: Studied competition between APP and ApoER2 for adaptor proteins in vitro Kathy Maguire-Zeiss: Infected AAV-MANF into a dopaminergic cell line and tested for protection from paraquat-induced cell death
Ghazaul Dezfuli	Richard Gillis Baoji Xu	Experimental studies of subdiaphragmatic vagotomy and nicotine for reducing body weight (new window) (Ph.D. 2014)	2009	x7-1074 Office: Med-Dent NW-407 Lab: Med-Dent NW 409, 411	Neuropharmacology Neurophysiology Other
Education: Smith College, B.A 2007 Prior Research: Studied the molecular and cellular mechanisms of rejection and tolerance to allogenic transplanted organs in mice, focusing in particular on the biology of T cells. Also worked on a project examining the role of cross -talk between complement and chemokine receptors in the pathogenesis of graft-versus-host disease. Thesis Research: Use pharamcological methods and stereotaxic injections of viral vectors based on AAV to understand how the melanocortin system interacts with the GABAergic system at the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus (DMV) to control energy balance. Rotations: Bill Rebeck: Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) Regulation in Early Development and Glial Cells Tim Mhyre: The Characterization of ?-Synuclein (?-SN) in Peripheral Immune Cells Richard Gillis: The Effects of Melanocortin 4 Receptor (MC4R) Activation in the Dorsal Motor Nucleus of the Vagus (DMV) on Gastric Motility
Brannon Green	Josef Rauschecker	Sound, Memory, and Audiomotor Interactions (new window) (Ph.D. 2016)	2009	(202) 687-8842 Office: NRB WP19 Lab: NRB WP19	Cognitive Neuroscience Neuroimaging Computational Neuroscience
Education: CSU Chico, B.A., 2004; M.A., 2009 Prior Research: Previous research included work as an assistant in a lab studying the role of p75 in spinal cord injury and repair. My master’s thesis work included a study of cannabinoid antagonist AM251 on spatial working memory in mice. Thesis Research: My Thesis Research investigates the role of dorsal and ventral stream structures in the processing of auditory information in the forms of music or speech, as well as understanding the audio-motor interactions involved in their perception or production. Measurement approaches include behavioral testing, functional and structural MRI, and MEG. Rotations: Bob Yasuda: Investigating neuronal nicotinic receptor subunit configurations and their role in addiction John VanMeter: The effects of alcohol on the default mode network Josef Rauschecker: Corticolimbic networks involved in processing the tinnitus signal
Jessica Ihne	Joseph Callicott (NIH) Adam Green	An investigation of working memory: Influences of COMT, sex, and urbanicity on cognitive performance and neuroimaging measures (new window) (Ph.D. 2014)	2009	Office: WGR 305	Neuroimaging Cognitive Neuroscience Neurogenetics
Education: The College of William and Mary, B.S., 2008 Prior Research: I investigated various effects of alcohol in mice (NIH) and rats (William & Mary), as well as the impact of stress in different mouse strains (NIH). Thesis Research: I study the influence of genetic polymorphisms on differences in cognitive function and associated brain activation using functional MRI. Rotations: Guinevere Eden: Investigated the effects of audition on gray matter volume in deaf signers. Ludise Malkova: Investigated the role of the orbitofrontal cortex in flexible goal-directed behavior in monkeys. John VanMeter: Investigated the processing of social interaction in individuals with autism using fMRI. Abigail Marsh: Investigated the processing of emotion and morality as related to psychopathy using fMRI.
Justyna Mach	Guinevere Eden	Left with M.S. 2011	2009		Cognitive Neuroscience
Education: Case Western Reserve University, B.S., 2008 Rotations: Guinevere Eden
Lauren Pepe	Caroline Zink (NIMH)	Left with M.S. 2012	2009		Cognitive Neuroscience Neuroimaging Behavioral Neuroscience
Education: Boston University, BA Psychology, 2008 Prior Research: Investigated potential treatments for cocaine dependence under S. Barak Caine at McLean Hospital/Harvard Medical School; was a co-author on a paper about aripiprazole’s effect on cocaine-versus-food choice in rats. Thesis Research: Flagel et. al (2011) demonstrated that midbrain dopamine bursting to the ventral striatum depends on incentive salience: the value rats ascribe to reward-predicting cues. Our goal is to use fMRI and novel tasks to investigate the role of the human ventral striatum, including the influence of individual dopamine system-related genetic variation, in coding incentive salience in a manner that allows for idiosyncrasy. Detrimental incentive salience assignment has been associated with schizophrenia and addiction. Rotations: Ludise Malkova: Corticolimbic circuitry involved in evaluating reward Zofia Zukowska: The role of NPY and its receptors in stress- and diet-induced obesity Chandan Vaidya: Effects of methylphenidate on functional network connectivity differ by DAT1 in children with ADHD
Bridget Queenan	Dan Pak Stefano Vicini	Synapse- and cell-specific plasticity in the mature hippocampus (new window) (Ph.D. 2014)	2009	x7-1567 Office: Med-Dent C405 Lab: BSB 228	Synapses Neurophysiology Cellular Neuroscience
Education: Harvard College, BA, 2006 Prior Research: I researched programmed cell death (apoptosis, autophagy, necrosis) with Dr. Joan Brugge (Harvard Medical School) and Dr. Santos Susin (Pasteur Institut) Thesis Research: I research the mechanisms of homeostatic and Hebbian plasticity in the hippocampus Rotations: Jagmeet Kanwal: Neuronal processing of social calls amidst echolocation clutter in the mustached bat auditory cortex Dan Pak: Role of the activity-dependent kinase, Plk2, in tau hyperphosphorylation in synaptic plasticity and Alzheimer’s disease Katherine Conant/Seung Lim: Role of matrix metalloproteases and cadherins in synaptic reorganization and plasticity Stefano Vicini: NR2D expression and kinetics in dopaminergic neurons of the substantia nigra pars compacta
Gustavo Rodriguez	G. William Rebeck Rhonda Dzakpasu	Human APOE4 affects microglial reactivity and spatial cognition in a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease risk (new window) (Ph.D. 2014)	2009	7-0107 Office: NRB WP-27 Lab: NRB WP-27	Neurodegeneration and Neural Injury Neurophysiology Neuroanatomy
Education: Texas State University, B.A., 2006 Prior Research: Prior to my time in the IPN, I studied behavioral pharmacology in the laboratory of Dr. David Morilak at the UT Health Science Center – San Antonio. My research focused on chronic stress-induced alterations in cognition and anxiety-like behavior in rats, with the goal of understanding how norepinephrine can help modulate these responses to stress. Thesis Research: My Thesis Research interests lie in understanding the neuronal circuitry subserving spatial information processing in rodents. Importantly, proper functioning of these circuits is essential for spatial navigation and is critical for long-term memory formation. I am interested in exploring the molecular, anatomical, and functional aspects of these cell assemblies in targeted replacement mice that express a human gene shown to dramatically increase the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Rotations: Gerard Ahern: Activation of Group 1 metabotropic glutamate receptors by a cationic peptide: A paradoxical role for Dynorphin in nociception Zofia Zukowska: Epigenetic mechanisms that regulate adipogenesis in the mouse: Effects of stress and diet on NPY system modifications Jian-Young Wu: Carbachol induced gamma oscillations in the mouse hippocampus: Establishing an in vitro model of high-frequency oscillatory activity in CA3
Michael (Misha) Smirnov	Jeff Urbach Herb Geller	Controlling growth cone behavior through substrate patterning (new window) (Ph.D. 2014)	2009	202-687-6004 Office: Reiss 559 Lab: Reiss 559	Cellular Neuroscience Neural Injury Development
Education: Union College, BS, 2007 Prior Research: Senior Honors Thesis on the lizard visual system in college, 2 years at NIDA/NIH with drug effects on electrophysiology/brain temperature of rats. Thesis Research: In concordance with the Georgetown Physics Dept., I currently study the structural and mechanical guidance of neurons in vitro. My research focuses to identify the structural influence on the chemical sensitivity of both developing as well as mature injured neurons. Rotations: Jagmeet Kanwal: Bat EEG and modulation of behavioral calls Jeff Urbach: Confocal analysis of structural guidance on collagen of developing neurons Mark Burns: Gamma-secretase inhibition in A-beta pathway of brain-injured mice Linda Noble: Matrix metalloproteinase role in hippocampal injury (summer rotation in UCSF)
Lauren Stamps		Left in 2010	2009
Education: Ursinus College, B.S., 2009 Rotations: Sook Hoe/Scott Turner Karen Gale
Sheeva Azma	John VanMeter	Left with M.S. 2013	2008	202-687-2721 Office: Pre-Clin LM14 Lab: Pre-Clin LM14	Cognitive Neuroscience Neuroimaging Systems Neuroscience
Education: B.S., MIT, 2005 Prior Research: Research Assistant at Massachusetts General Hospital, investigating the effects of alcohol intoxication on the neural substrates of cognitive control and executive function using MEG and fMRI. Thesis Research: Presently, I study (1) brain structure changes associated with symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and (2) the neural correlates of reward in adolescents at risk of developing alcohol use disorders. Rotations: Barbara Schwartz: Programmed an antisaccade task for use in investigating cognitive-emotional interactions in schizophrenia Michael Ullman: stimulus development for an Artificial Grammar Learning task Rhonda Friedman: Eyetracking of a reading intervention in Phonological Alexia John VanMeter: Arterial Spin Labeling in acute alcohol intoxication: Sex differences analysis
Nancy Cowdin	John VanMeter Thomas Mellman Andrei Medvedev	A Comparison of Frequency-Specific Activity During REM Sleep in Trauma-Exposed Subjects with PTSD and Resilience (new window) (Ph.D. 2014)	2008		Cognitive Neuroscience
Education: University of Colorado (Boulder), B.S., 1980; Colorado Sate University (Fort Collins), M.S., 1986 Rotations: James Gnadt Guinevere Eden Darlene Howard
Sonya Dumanis	G. William Rebeck	Using APOE genotypes to identify new biomarkers for Alzheimer’s disease risk (new window) (Ph.D. 2013)	2008	x7-0107 Office: NRB WP27 Lab: NRB WP27	Neurodegeneration & Neural Injury Molecular Neurosceince Glia
Education: Columbia University, BA, 2007 Prior Research: I worked at the Uniformed Services University and NIH where I researched Wallerian Degeneration in a WLDS mouse model. Thesis Research: ApoE is the largest genertic risk factor for Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). There are three isoforms: apoE2, E3 and E4. I study apoE’s isoform effects on neuronal morphology and inflammation independent of any AD pathology. Rotations: G. William Rebeck: Investigated apoE isoform effects on neuronal morphology Italo Mochetti: Investigated the feasability of using a BDNF mimetic peptide in HIV Dementia Gerard Ahern: Investigated Mylein Basic Protein’s (MBP) effects on calcium signalling
Alfredo Gonzalez-Sulser	Stefano Vicini Rhonda Dzakpasu	Mechanisms behind the GABA-mediated field potential in hippocampus in the in vitro 4-aminopyridine model of epilepsy (new window) (Ph.D. 2012)	2008	Office: Basic Science Building, 228	Neurophysiology Neural Networks Cellular Neuroscience
Education: University of Pennsylvania, B.A., 2005 Prior Research: I worked on the analgesic properties of nicotinic acetyl choline receptor agonists post-college and on plant genetics as an undergraduate. Thesis Research: I currently research the neural dynamics of the 4-aminopryridine (4-AP) model of epilepsy through the use of a mutli-electrode array. 4-AP, a potassium channel blocker, produces spotaneous field potential phenomena in hippocampal brain slices that resembles what is seen in patients with epilepsy. I investigate how synchronization in neuronal networks comes about and how this phenomena propagates across vast expanses. Rotations: Ken Kellar: The effects of the nicotinic acetylcholine partial agonist, Sazetidine-A, on neuropathic pain Gerard Ahern: TRPA1 chimeras and General Anesthetics Rhonda Dzakpasu and Stefano Vicini: Network activity from slice preparations in an in vitro epilepsy model using a perforated multi-electrode array.
Anthony (TJ) Krafnick	Guinevere Eden	Functional and structural brain imaging studies of developmental dyslexia (new window) (Ph.D. 2013)	2008	x7-2823 Office: Bldg D Suite 150, Rm 149 Lab: Bldg D Suite 150, Rm 149	Neuroimaging Development Cognitive Neuroscience
Education: Saint Joseph’s University, B.S., 2008 Prior Research: As an undergraduate: plant-pathogen relationship of Eastern Redbud and fungal pathogens of the genus Cercospora; isolation of predatory genes from the bacterium Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus. Thesis Research: Using fMRI I study two different groups in order to understand how written language experience effects brain function. One project examines brain function and structure as it relates to reading intervention success in children with dyslexia. The other project examines the brain basis of reading development from 1st-3rd grade in typically developing children. Rotations: Karen Gale : Effect of seizure activity on striatal neuron survival in P5-7 rats Rhonda Friedman : Eye-tracking of alexic patients before and after single word reading training Guinevere Eden : Gray matter changes after reading intervention in children with dyslexia
Mark Niedringhaus	Rhonda Dzakpasu	The development of bursting networks following chemical long term potentiation (new window) (Ph.D. 2012)	2008	202-687-4901 Office: Med-Dent SE108 Lab: Med-Dent SE108	Neural Networks Neurophysiology Develoment
Education: U. Virginia, BA, 2003; Georgetown, MS, 2004 Prior Research: I worked in the laboratory of Dr. Richard Gillis studying autonomic control of the lower esophageal sphincter and stomach. In addition, I looked how how normal function of these are compromised in the diabetic state. Thesis Research: I examine how different physiological (e.g. developmental), potentiating (e.g. pharmacological and electrical protocols of LTP), and pathological (e.g. pharmacological, genetic or electrical perturbations) affect network activity. By utilizing multi-electrode array (MEA) technology, I can observe and study changes in activity patterns across a significant area of the network and record from the same neurons within the network over very long (days) periods of time. Rotations: Ludise Malkova: Interaction between the primate deep layers of superior colliculus and the amygdala: effects on social behavior Rhonda Dzakpasu: Effects of Eph B3 knockdown on neuronal network development in vitro Dan Pak: Interactions of Gamma2 (Stargazin) in homeostatic plasticity
Lauren Orefice	Baoji Xu	Role of Local BDNF Synthesis in Dendritic Spine Morphogenesis (new window) (Ph.D. 2013)	2008	(202) 687-0970 Office: Bldg D, 285 Lab: Bldg D, 276	Synapses Cellular Neuroscience Molecular Neuroscience
Education: Boston College, B.S., 2006 Prior Research: I spent 4 years as an undergrad performing epilepsy research in the EL mouse in the labs of Drs. Thomas Seyfried and Stephen Heinrichs. I then worked for 2 years as a lab manager for Dr. Raghu Kalluri at BIDMC in Boston and performed research regarding extracellular matrix and cancer metastasis. Thesis Research: Alterations in dendritic spine density and morphology are associated with a number of neurological diseases, including mental retardation, epilepsy, and neurodegenerative diseases. The goal of this research project is to elucidate how BDNF, a key protein involved in cell survival and maintenance, may regulate the development and maturation of dendritic spines. These studies will provide insight into processes fundamental for brain development and synaptic plasticity, as well as offer insight into the etiology of some neurological diseases. Rotations: Kathleen Maguire-Zeiss: Determination of the best method for isolating alpha synuclein from mouse brains to be used in Western blotting. Daniel Pak: The role of the N-type calcium channel (cav2.2b) in homeostatic plasticity, via knock-down of the channel using RNAi in primary hippocampal cells. Baoji Xu: To investigate the cellular localization of BDNF protein, specifically where in the cell the BDNF pro-peptide is cleaved into the mature form of the peptide.
Patricia Washington	Mark Burns	Production, accumulation and clearance of amyloid-beta after experimental traumatic brain injury (new window) (Ph.D. 2013)	2008	202-687-2961 Office: NRB, WG03 Lab: NRB, WG03	Neurodegeneration and Neural Injury Cellular Neuroscience
Education: University of Virginia, BS in Biomedical Engineering, 2007 Prior Research: For my undergraduate thesis I designed and validated a computational model of non-lethal stangulation. After graduation I worked as a lab technician at Walter Reed Army Institute of Research studying traumatic brain injury. Thesis Research: My Thesis Research focuses on characterizing the production, accumulation and clearance of the Alzheimer’s disease-related peptide amyloid-beta (A?) after traumatic brain injury (TBI) and investigating therapeutic approaches to decrease levels of A? after trauma. Rotations: John Van Meter: “Biphasic effects of alcohol on regional cerebral blood flow in humans” Mark Burns: “Effect of ?-secretase inhibition on alpha-secretase cleavage of amyloid precursor protein (APP) after traumatic brain injury” Kimberly Byrnes: “Delayed microglial gene and protein expression after spinal cord injury”
Rachel Wurzman	Larry Kromer Stefano Vicini	A-ephrins in neuropsychiatric spectrum disorder models (new window) (Ph.D. 2014)	2008	(202) 687-2996 Office: NRB EG-11 Lab: NRB EG-11, BSB 228	Development Systems Neuroscience Neuropharmacology
Education: Smith College, B.A. in Neuroscience, 2005; Georgetown University, M.S. in Physiology and Biophysics, 2007 Prior Research: As a summer student and then Post-Bacc IRTA, I studied basal ganglia physiology, movement disorders, and human motor control in the laboratories of Judith Walters and Mark Hallett at NINDS, NIH. Thesis Research: Rotations: Karen Gale & Stefano Vicini: Immunohistochemical and electrophysiological investigation of changes in striatal synnapses following anti-epileptic drug exposure. Richard Gillis: Opioids in the Nucleus Tractus Solitarius (NTS): Roles in Immunomodulation and Gastrointestinal (GI) Motility. Milton Brown: Identification of candidate molecular targets for therapeutic intervention in perineural invasion (PNI) seen in prostate cancer.
Drew Emery	Jarda Wroblewski	Neuroprotective Signaling through Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor 1a (new window) (Ph.D. 2011)	2007		Neuropharmacology
Education: George Mason University, B.A., 2006; M.A., 2007 Prior Research: As an undergraduate, Drew conducted psychological research on members of an incarcerated population with Dr. June Tangney. For his master’s, Drew conducted studies on the impact of psychotropic drugs on gene expression in patients with schizophrenia and tardive dyskinesia. Thesis Research: In addition to its role in synaptic transmission and plasticity, mGlu1 has been shown to be involved in neuroprotection and neurodegeneration. My research shows that the protective effect of glutamate at mGlu1a is mediated by a novel, G protein-independent pathway which involves the activation of the MAPK pathway and a sustained phosphorylation of ERK, which is distinct from the G protein-mediated transient ERK phosphorylation. Moreover, the protective signaling through mGlu1a receptors require expression of beta-arrestin-1, suggesting a possible role for receptor internalization. Rotations: Anita Sidhu Gerard Ahern Jarda Wroblewski
Tanya (Gerner) Evans	Guinevere Eden	The brain basis of arithmetic, reading and reading disability (new window) (Ph.D. 2013)	2007	(202) 784-4405 Office: Bldg D, Suite 150 Lab: Bldg D, Suite 150	Cognitive Neuroscience Neuroimaging Language
Education: Lehigh University, B.S. Chemical Engineering, 2003 Prior Research: I conducted research studying surfactants, clot detection in medical diagnostic instruments, gene therapy for Spinal Muscular Atrophy, fluidics, and crystal formation in both industry and academia. Thesis Research: I currently study (1) the developmental trajectory of the neural correlates of reading and calculation and (2) the effects of language and sensory experience on visuospatial processing. Rotations: Guinevere Eden: Utilized voxel-based morphometry to study structural images and behavioral measures of individuals with and without dyslexia Italo Mocchetti: Investigated the release of neurtrophins via application of gangliocides in cell culture John VanMeter: Applied classification methods to functional MRI data to explore subtypes of autism in a pediatric population Peter Bandettini: Investigated correlations between functional connectivity in a verbal fluency task and various behavioral measures in an adult population
Evan Gordon	Chandan Vaidya	Dopamine-regulating genes, executive control, and the network structure of the human brain (new window) (Ph.D. 2012)	2007	202-687-8223 Office: WGR 401 Lab: WGR 401	Cognitive Neuroscience Neuroimaging Systems Neuroscience
Education: Duke University, 2004, BS Prior Research: At Duke University I used fMRI in humans to study neural correlates of risky and uncertain decision-making. Thesis Research: I use fMRI in healthy adult humans to investigate how individual differences in dopamine-regulating genes (such as DAT1, COMT, and DRD2-Taq1A) can alter the network structure of the human brain, both during the “resting state” (when the brain’s activity is relatively unconstrained) and during performance of a complex dopamine-driven working memory task. Rotations: Chandan Vaidya: Development of functional and structural connectivity Maximilian Riesenhuber: Face recognition in crowded environments Michael Ullman: Testing the Declarative-Procedural model of memory
Dawn (Joseph) Beraud	Kathy Maguire-Zeiss	Alpha-synuclein and its direct effects on microglial activation (new window) (Ph.D. 2013)	2007	202-687-6976 Office: NRB EP08 Lab: NRB EP08	Glia Neurodegeneration and Neural Injury Molecular Neuroscience
Education: University of Florida, BS, 2006 Prior Research: Investigating the relationship between the integrity of white matter structures as assessed by diffusion tensor MR imaging, and executive function in healthy older adults. Thesis Research: I study alpha-synuclein-mediated inflammatory events in an effort to understand the mechanism by which this protein activates microglia. Rotations: Anita Sidhu: Investigating neuroprotection in a mouse model of Parkinson’s Disease Darlene Howard: White matter changes in healthy aging: A DTI study Milton Brown: Novel sodium channel inhibitors as a therapy from neuropathic pain Kathy Maguire-Zeiss: Alpha-synuclein directed inflammatory events
Leah Lozier	John VanMeter Abigail Marsh	The Behavioral and Neural Basis of Emotional Face Processing in Atypically Developing Children and Adolescents (new window) (Ph.D. 2013)	2007	(202)687-3592 Office: Pre-Clin, LM14 Lab: Pre-Clin, LM14	Cognitive Neuroscience Neuroimaging Behavioral Neuroscience
Education: B.S. in Psychology, Virginia Tech, 2005 Prior Research: Conducted psychophysiology research at Virginia Tech in the Mind/Body lab with Dr. Bruce Friedman. Measured physiological changes in the presence of physical and psychological stressors. Thesis Research: Using behavioral, eye tracking, and imaging techniques to investigate emotional face processing in children and adults, indcluding inviduals with autism and conduct problems. Rotations: John VanMeter: Investigated how compelementary and alternative medicine modulate the stress response Darlene Howard: Investigating genetic influence on implicit learning Rhonda Friedman: Investigated single word reading in patients with aphasia using eye tracking
Brandon Martin	Molly Huntsman	Slow GABAergic transmission deficits in the basolateral amygdala in a mouse model of Fragile-X Syndrome (new window) (Ph.D. 2012)	2007	(202) 476-4456 Office: Children’s National Medical Center (CNMC) Lab: 6th Floor, Center for Neuroscience Research	Neurophysiology Synapses Neural Networks
Education: University of Virginia, BS Biology, 2004 Prior Research: In undergrad, I studied dopamine receptor activation and modulation following cocaine exposure in Drosophila. Prior to Georgetown, I worked as a Lab Research with Dr. Jaideep Kapur at UVA studying rat models of epilepsy. Thesis Research: My dissertation work focuses on the role of slow forms of inhibition (i.e. tonic GABAa and GABAb transmission) in the amygdala in Fragile-X Syndrome (FXS). FXS is the most common form of inherited mental retardation and a genetic model of autism, anxiety disorders, and epilepsy. Using patch clamp electrophysiology in a mouse model of the disease, I study how changes in slow inhibition in the FXS amygdala contribute to network hyperexcitability in a key CNS structure involved in comorbid FXS symptoms. Rotations: Jean Wrathall: Inhibitory cell death in the rodent spinal cord following contusive spinal cord injury Molly Huntsman: Tonic inhibition controls excitability in the rodent somatosensory cortex Italo Moccheti/Seung Lim: Gangliosides Stimulate neurotrophin release from glia Alberto Bacci (Rome, Italy): Parvalbumin positive interneurons modulate gamma frequency oscillations in the rat prefrontal cortex
Monika Mellem	Rhonda Friedman Andrei Medvedev	Brain oscillatory dynamics of lexical-semantic processing (new window) (Ph.D. 2013)	2007	202-687-2687 Office: Bldg D, 207F	Cognitive Neuroscience Language Neuroimaging
Education: Tufts University, B.S., 2002; University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, M.S. 2003 Prior Research: I researched optimization techniques for 2-D phase unwrapping of radar signals. Thesis Research: When you read, various language networks are enabled to support understanding the meanings of words (lexical-semantics). I use EEG to research how these networks are created through oscillatory synchronization. Rotations: Jagmeet Kanwal: Autonomic responses of bats to communication calls Rhonda Friedman: Neural mechanisms of normal reading and acquired reading disabilities Andrei Medvedev: Modulation of gamma synchronization through attentional allocation during an odd-ball paradigm
Michael Ortiz	Josef Raushecker	Left with M.S.	2007
Education: Interamerican University of Puerto Rico, B.A., 2004 Rotations: Josef Rauschecker John Van Meter
Clara Scholl	Maximilian Riesenhuber	Eeg investigations of the temporal dynamics of visual object categorization in human brain (new window). (Ph.D. 2013)	2007	x7-6983 Office: NRB WP-01 Lab: NRB WP-01	Cognitive Neuroscience Computational Neuroscience Neuroimaging
Education: Kalamazoo College, BA, 2005 (physics) Prior Research: As an undergraduate student, I studied force-driven unfolding events in a muscle protein using atomic force microscopy. I subsequently used high field MRI to explore neural dynamics and pharmacological manipulations in rodent models at the national institute on drug abuse as a postbaccalaureate student. Thesis Research: I am using rapid adaptation EEG to disambiguate the temporal latencies of separate stages of visual categorization predicted by hierarchical models of visual object recognition. Rotations: Maximilian Riesenhuber: Designed a perceptual categorization task and used EEG to probe visual categorization. Jian-Young Wu: Used voltage sensitive dye imaging methods to observe visual stimulus-evoked cortical waves in vivo. Andrei Medvedev: Investigated time-frequency responses to visual stimuli.
Brian Wolff	Jian-Young Wu	Electric fields and slow cortical activity (new window) (Ph.D. 2013)	2007	202-687-1614 Office: Med-Dent SE103	Neurophysiology Neural Networks
Education: UCSB, B.S. in Pharmacology with mathematics minor, 2002 Prior Research: Behavioral pharmacology research as an undergraduate at UC Santa Barbara and as staff at Roche Pharmaceuticals. High-throughput screening and chemoinformatics as a staff research associate at UC San Francisco. Thesis Research: My thesis research is comprised of two topics related to slow oscillations in mouse sensory cortex. The first is investigation of how exogenous electric fields modulate network activity. The second is investigation of how slow oscillations change in the visual cortex during eye-opening. Rotations: Milton Brown: Used molecular modeling to find potential small-molecule modulators of NGF-p75 binding based on cocrystal structure. Jagmeet Kanwal: Took EKG signals from bats and developed quantitative methods for interpreting autonomic responses to auditory stimuli. Maximilian Riesenhuber: Applied a network-based model of human object recognition to elucidate mechanisms behind the discrimination of visual stimuli. Jian-Young Wu: Used voltage-sensitive dye imaging to examine the role of inhibition in network activity in mouse brain slices.
Iain DeWitt	Josef Rauschecker	Word Recognition in Auditory Cortex (new window) (Ph.D 2012)	2006	Office: NRB WP19 Lab: NRB WP19	Cognitive Neuroscience Neuroimaging Computational Neuroscience
Rotations: Jose Maisog Josef Rauschecker Josef Rauschecker
Li Rebekah Feng	Kathleen Maguire-Zeiss	Alpha-synuclein and the multiple hit hypothesis of Parkinson’s disease. (new window) (Ph.D. 2011)	2006	(202) 687-6976 Office: NRB EP08 Lab: NRB EP08	Neurodegeneration and Neural Injury Cellular & Molecular Neuroscience
Education: SUNY at Buffalo, BS, 2006 Prior Research: Calcium imaging and characterization of taste receptors. Current Research: Examination of effects of misfolded alpha-synuclein on membrane integrity and cellular vulnerability. Rotations: Alexei Kondratyev: Determination of effects of electroconvulsive shock induced epilepsy Yasuji Matsuoka: Examination of therapeutic agents targeting AlzheimerÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s disease Stefano Vicini: Testing electrophysiological effects of novel therapeutic agents targeting Alzheimer’s disease Jianyoung Wu: Examination of spiral wave in vitro with voltage sensitive dye imaging
Patrick A. Forcelli	Karen Gale	Sequelae of Neonatal Antiepileptic Drug Exposure (new window) (Ph.D. 2011)	2006	x7-7825 Office: NRB W214 Lab: NRB W217	Behavioral Neuroscience Neuropharmacology Development
Education: B.S., Boston College, 2006 Prior Research: I worked with Steven Heinrichs at Boston College, studying the sequelae of perinatal fluoxetine exposure on anxiety and drug abuse in the rat (Forcelli & Heinrichs, 2008) and the role of stress in the El mouse model of reflex epilepsy (Forcelli, Orefice & Heinrichs, 2007). Thesis Research: My research focuses on the long-term impact of neonatal exposure to antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). I employ histological, electrophysiological and behavioral approaches to determine how exposure alters development and function of limbic and basal ganglia circuits. I have found profound histological, behavioral and physiological changes in the brain following exposure to several common AEDs. Other ongoing research projects employ pharmacological inactivation and optogenetics to understand the neural circuitry of seizures and prepulse inhibition in rats and the role of hippocampus in memory in the monkey. Rotations: Stefano Vicini: Physiological maturation of SVZ-derived GABAergic progenitor cells Larry Kromer: Integration of SVZ progenitor cells into the injured striatum Alexei Kondratyev and Karen Gale: Effect of AEDs on cell death in the developing striatum
Meredith Clifford	Maria Donoghue	Intercellular communication in cortical neuronal elaboration and circuit formation: A role for EphA signaling (new window) (Ph.D. 2012)	2006	303-687-6284 Office: Reiss 334 Lab: Reiss 334	Development Cellular Neuroscience Synapses
Education: BA Prior Research: I studied the role of hormones on memory in college, the decline of hippocampal volume in ApoE4 carriers at the NIMH my first year out of college. After that I moved to a lab at NIMH to study adult neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus. Thesis Research: In some neurodevelopmental disorders, shifts in neuronal form have been described in parts of the cortex, yet little is known about some of the basic mechanisms responsible for normal cortical neuronal maturation. My thesis project aims to examine the roles for a family of signaling molecules, the Eph receptors and ephrin ligands, in directing the initial outgrowth of dendritic arbors of cortical neurons. Understanding how Ephs and ephrins guide the development of cortical neurons could lead to new insights into abnormal states. Rotations: Bill Rebeck: Creation and detection of secreted forms of ApoER2 and VLDLR Baoji Xu: Dendritic Spine characteristics of BDNF klox visual cortical neurons Elena Casey: The role of SoxC genes in early neural development Maria Donoghue: Eph/ephrin signaling in neuronal maturation
Guillermo Palchik	Alexei Kondratyev	Neuronal DNA Double Strand Break Damage and Repair Following Sublethal iGLuR Activation, and the Neuroprotective Effects of Melatonin (new window) (Ph.D. 2013)	2006	x7-7825 Office: NRB W217 Lab: NRB W217	Cellular & Molecular Neuroscience Neurodegeneration and Neural Injury
Education: Georgetown U, M.Sc Ne. 2007; Boston U., B.Sc. 2002 Prior Research: I researched the effects of endocrine modulators on the mitochondrial activity of insulin secreting beta cells with Dr. Orian Shirihai at the MBL. I also worked in the laboratory of Drs. Samuel Deadwyler and Robert Hampson (WFU), studying the effects of cannabinoids on dendritic spine calcium in CA1 neurons. Thesis Research: I study the repair of DNA following double strand breaks (DSBs), following sublethal iGluR activation (mainly NMDA and AMPA) in post-mitotic cortical neurons. Since mitotic cells respond to DSBs by also arresting their cell cycle (a feature already present in mature, G0, neurons), I investigate whether neurons employ similar pathways to repair DSBs, and the role that key proteins involved in DNA DSB damage signaling and repair have along the process. Neurons might repair DSBs using error-prone systems following an initial insult, leading to DNA damage accumulation over its lifespan and the emergence of pathologies later in life. Rotations: Alexei Kondatyev / Karen Gale: I studied the role of antiepileptic drugs on the onset of Schizophrenia.
Scott Paluszkiewicz	Molly Huntsman	Inhibitory synaptic transmission in the Fmr1 knockout mouse model of Fragile X Syndrome: brain region- and circuit-specific deficits (new window) (Ph.D. 2011)	2006		Neurophysiology
Education: McGill University, B.Sc., 2005 Prior Research: Scott investigated the roles of the zonula occludens (ZO) proteins in the early embryonic development of Xenopus laevis. Thesis Research: Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by cognitive impairment and behavioral disturbances. Using live slice electrophysiology, my research has uncovered inhibitory synaptic deficits in the amygdala and somatosensory cortex of the Fmr1 KO mouse model of FXS, and supports the notion that pharmacological approaches targeting the GABAergic system may be a viable therapeutic option in this disease. Rotations: Joe Neale Gerard Ahern Molly Huntsman
Lauren Ullrich	Rhonda Friedman R. Scott Turner	Recognition memory in mild cognitive impairment (new window) (Ph.D. 2014)	2006	x7-2721 Office: Bldg D 207E Lab: Bldg D 207E	Cognitive Neuroscience Neuroimaging Neurodegeneration and Neural Injury
Education: Swarthmore College, B.A., 2006 Prior Research: I researched courtship conditioning in Drosophilla melanogaster with Dr. Kathleen Siwicki at Swarthmore College. Thesis Research: My research focuses on recognition memory in mild cognitive impariment. In the field of recognition memory, there are two opposing camps: the single-process theorists and the dual-process theorists. To help resolve this debate, I use anatomical neuroimaging to investigate the correlation between memory performance and the volumes of structures in the medial temporal lobe (MTL) in controls and patients with degeneration in the MTL. Rotations: Barbara Schwartz: Investigated probabilistic implicit learning in schizophrenia. Rhonda Friedman: Investigated reading of open- and closed-class words in alexia using ERP. Darlene Howard: Investigated implicit memory consolidation during sleep.
Emily Waterhouse	Baoji Xu	Role of dendritic BDNF synthesis in adult neurogenesis and spine morphogenesis (new window) M.D./Ph.D. (Ph.D. 2011)	2006		Cellular & Molecular Neuroscience
Education: UC Santa Barbara, B.S., 2002 Prior Research: As an undergraduate, Emily conducted research using behavioral, fMRI, and single-cell recording data to create computational mathematical models to analyze cognitive function in Parkinson’s disease. Rotations: Baoji Xu Italo Mocchetti
Elizabeth West	Ludise Malkova Karen Gale	Evaluating goals: The roles of the orbitofrontal cortex and amygdala. (new window) (Ph.D. 2011)	2006	77825 Office: NRB, W214 Lab: NRB, W216	Behavioral Neuroscience Systems neuroscience Cognition
Education: University of Delaware, B.A., 2006 Prior Research: 1) Differential unconditioned fear responses to the synthetic fox odor 2,4,5-trimethylthiazoline in three outbred rat strains. 2) Effects of psychotomimetic drugs on prepulse inhibition in the guinea pig. Thesis Research: My research focuses on the role of the basolateral amygdala (BLA) and orbitofrontal cortex in goal-directed behavior, especially in adapting to changes in reward value. I employ behavioral testing, stereotaxic surgery, intracerebral drug infusions, and histological processing in my research. I have found a differential effect of transient inactivation of BLA and OFC on goal-directed behavior. Rotations: Ludise Malkova: The development of a novel task for testing familiarity vs recollection memory in nonhuman primates Alexei Kondratyev: The role of FGF in neuroprotection (by ECS) following status status epilepticus Joe Neale: The reversal of amphetamine induced locomotory activity by NAAG peptidase inhibitors
Mary Adedoyin	Joseph Neale Stefano Vicini	The role of N-acetylaspartylglutamate (NAAG) in the amygdala (new window) (Ph.D. 2010)	2005		Neuropharmacology Neurophysiology Synapses
Education: University College London, BSc, 2004 Thesis Research: Investigating the role of the endogynously-released analgesic dipeptide N-acetylaspartylglutamate (NAAG) in the pain pathway, particularly, at the spinoparabrachial amygdaloid pathway to the central nucleus of the laterocapsular amygdala. Using patch clamp recordings from the amygdala of mouse brain slices, we have characterized the peptide’s effect on prolonged mechanical allydonia.
Mark Chevillet	Maximilian Riesenhuber Josef Rauschecker	Neural computations underlying speech recognition in the human auditory system (new window) (Ph.D. 2011)	2005		Systems Neuroscience Cognitive Neuroscience Neuroimaging
Education: Washington State University, B.S. Physics, 2001 Prior Research: Simulating the effects of general anesthetic agents in computational models of neuronal networks. Thesis Research: Studying the process by which meaningful soundsare recognized by the human auditory system using behavior, functional neuroimaging and computational modeling. Rotations: Maximilian Riesenhuber: Brain-machine interface Steve Schiff: Computer models of spatiotemporal patterns in neuronal networks Josef Rauschecker: Effects of duration on recognition of vowel sounds
Danielle Evers	Daniel Pak	Homeostatic control of AMPA receptor strength and subunit composition by Polo-like kinase 2 (new window) (Ph.D. 2009)	2005		Synapses Molecular Neuroscience Neurophysiology
Education: Boston College, B.S., 2004 Thesis Research: Investigating the molecular mechanism underlying activity-dependent synapse remodeling. Applying molecular and electrophysiological techniques to test the hypothesis that increased synaptic activity leads to decreased AMPA receptor expression via the direct dissociation of N-ethylmaleimide sensitive fusion protein (NSF) from the AMPA GluR2 subunit by Polo-like kinase 2 (Plk2).
Melissa Herman	Richard Gillis	GABA signaling in the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS): Central control of gastric motility and modulation by endogenous opioids (new window) (Ph.D. 2009)	2005		Neurophysiology Neuropharmacology Systems Neuroscience
Education: Boston University, BS, 2001 Thesis Research: Testing the hypotheses that GABA signaling in the medial subnucleus of the tractus solitarius (mNTS) regulates the activity of the vago-vagal circuitry and determines resting gastric tone. By microinjecting drugs in vivo to the mNTS, we have shown that intrinsic GABA signaling in the mNTS regulates gastric motility both tonically and phasically, and that stimulation of mu-opioid receptors in the mNTS inhibits gastric motility by suppressing GABA activity.
Stephanie (Maxfield) Panker	John VanMeter Leonardo Cohen (NIH)	The effects of robotic training and cortical stimulation on reaching skill after chronic stroke (new window) (Ph.D. 2011)	2005	Office: NIH Lab: Building 10	Systems Neuroscience Behavioral Neuroscience
Education: B.A., Biology and Spanish, UVA; M.P.T. and D.P.T, Baylor University Thesis Research: Rotations: Italo Mocchetti Rhonda Friedman Joe Hidler
Sakura Minami	Bill Rebeck	The role of Fyn in the pathogenic processes of Alzheimer’s disease (new window) (Ph.D. 2010)	2005		Neurodegeneration and Neural Injury
Education: University of California, Irvine, B.S., 2005 Prior Research: Sakura worked in the lab of Dr. Michael Leon studying spatial coding in the rat olfactory bulb. She explored the effects of odorant concentration, molecular branching, and carbon number on the differential activation of the dorsal and ventral olfactory bulb. Thesis Research: Investigating the role of Fyn tyrosine kinase in mediating APP processing and tau phosphorylation in the triple transgenic model of Alzheimer’s disease. Establishing a role for Fyn in regulating APP and Dab1 localization to lipid rafts, a major site of amyloidogenic processing. Rotations: Yasuji Matsuoka Ludise Malkova Bill Rebeck
Hilary North Scheler	Maria Donoghue	Roles for EphA4-mediated intercellular signaling in corticogenesis and in the development of the peripheral somatosensory system (new window) (Ph.D. 2010)	2005		Development Molecular Neuroscience Cellular Neuroscience
Education: University of Pennsylvania, BS, 2004 Thesis Research: Studying the role of Eph receptor tyrosine kinases and their ligands, the ephrins, in nervous system development. Using EphA4 knockdown mice, we have characterized two novel roles of EphA4 in development. Namely, EphA4 is essential for the proliferation of cortical progenitor cells, as well as for the proper formation of the trigeminal somatosensory system’s primary sensory organ, the maxillary vibrissae. This investigation additionally revealed a new Eph / ephrin binding pair: EphA4 / ephrin-B1.
Jeremy Purcell	Guinevere Eden	The neural substrates underlying both spelling and reading (new window) (Ph.D. 2012)	2005	(202) 784-4405 Office: Bldg D, Suite 150 Lab: Bldg D, Suite 150	Cognitive Neuroscience Neuroimaging Language
Education: Michigan State, B.S., 2003 Prior Research: Used fMRI to explore the neural basis of episodic memory in a geriatric population in the lab of Andrea Bozoki, MD at Michigan State University. Thesis Research: My Thesis Research involves the use of an fMRI compatible keyboard to examine the functional neuroanatomy of spelling via fMRI. Specfically I am interested in whether the same neural representations used to read a word are used to spell that same word as measured with fMRI-adaptation. Rotations: Josef Rauschecker: An fMRI study of auditory processing in tinnitus patients. Molly Huntsman: Using whole cell patch clamping to examine tonic inhibition in different inhibitory neuron sub-types. Max Riesenhuber: Using psychophisics to examine face processing in cluttered environments.
Filip Vanevski	Baoji Xu	Role of HuD in regulating local dendritic translation of long Bdnf 3’UTR transcripts (new window). (Ph.D. 2012)	2005	x7-0970 Office: Bldg D, 283 Lab: Bldg D, 275	Cellular & Molecular Neuroscience Synapses 0
Education: B.S. Biology Prior Research: Worked at the NIH studying mechanisms of homologous recombination. Undergraduate thesis on characterizing the mercury-resistance gene of a novel marine bacteria. Thesis Research: Using primary cell culture and in vivo techniques to understand the mechanisms governing activity-dependent translation of BDNF mRNAs in dendritic compartments. Rotations: Alexei Kondratyev: Response to DNA damage in brains of young vs aged rats Michael Ullman: Concordant EEG and fMRI recordings to pinpoint brain regions associated with errors of language. Italo Mocchetti: The role GP120 in neuroAIDS
Kristen Ade	Stefano Vicini	GABAergic control of striatal medium spiny neurons (new window) (Ph.D. 2008)	2004		Neurophysiology Neuropharmacology
Education: B.A., Indiana University, 2002 Prior Research: IRTA fellow at the NIAA in the lab of Dr. David Lovinger, where she researched neural plasticity and development of the rat striatum and the role of endogenous cannabinoids. Thesis Research: Investigated the GABA-A sensitivity of medium spiny neurons expressing D1 and D2 receptors. Developed novel methodology for future investigations of phosphorylation effects on ion channel kinetics.
Ericka Burgos Ruiz	Chandan Vaidya	Interaction of attention and emotion across development and disorder (new window) (Ph.D. 2012)	2004		Cognitive Neuroscience Behavioral Neuroscience
Education: B.S., M.S., George Mason University, 2002 Prior Research: Master’s thesis research concerned the effects of haloperidol on pre- and postsynaptic markers of neurotransmitter function in the rat brain, using in situ hybridization & other techniques.
Laura Cocas	Josh Corbin	Genetic regulation of the generation of neuronal diversity in the developing mammalian basal forebrain (new window) (Ph.D. 2010)	2004		Development Cellular & Molecular Neuroscience
Education: B.A., Pitzer College, 2003 Prior Research: During undergraduate years, worked at the Claremont Infant Study Center and the Claremont Memory and Aging Project. Thesis Research: Examined the mechanisms used in the development of forebrain neuronal diversity by examining several important developmental questions using a combination of genetic fate-mapping, mutagenesis, cell birth-dating, migration assays, immunohistochemistry, and electrophysiology. Rotations: Ludise Malkova Jarda Wroblewski
Chris Conti		M.D./Ph.D., returned to M.D.	2004
Education: B.S., Canisius College, 2002 Prior Research: He has a wide range of research experience, including animal behavior and learning studies (in orca whales), growth cone chemotaxis, and most recently PET and SPECT brain scans.
Laurie Glezer	Maximilian Riesenhuber Rhonda Friedman	Investigating the neural code for single-word reading (new window) (Ph.D. 2010)	2004		Cognitive Neuroscience Language Neuroimaging
Education: B.S., U Mass, 1992; M.A, NMSU, 1994 Prior Research: Worked as a Speech Language Pathologist. In Rhonda Friedman’s lab, conducted research testing experimental models of alexia based on a cognitive neuropsychological model of reading. Thesis Research: (a) Probed the selectivity of neurons in visual word form area (VWFA); (b) Examined the evidence for a hierarchical organization of the visual word form representation along the ventral visual stream; (c) examined hemispheric specialization in word form processing Rotations: Chandan Vaidya Max Riesenhuber
Angela Holmes	Ludise Malkova Karen Gale	The role of the intermediate and deep layers of the superior colliculus in the control of posture and movement in the nonhuman primate (new window) (Ph.D. 2011)	2004		Neuropharmacology Behavioral Neuroscience Systems Neuroscience
Education: University of District of Columbia, B.S. 1998; M.S. 2002, Prior Research: Worked in the lab of Drs. Ludise Malkova and Karen Gale at Georgetown, learning to train and test nonhuman primates in studies examining drug effects on behavior. Thesis Research: I examined the role of the intermediate and deep layers of the superior colliculus (DLSC) in the control of posture and motor movement in the nonhuman primate. My research also focused on examining the functional interaction between DLSC and substantia niga pars reticulata for posture and motor movement control. I performed intracerebral microinfusions of GABA-A agonists and antagonists to determine the role of DLSC. My results suggest that activity in DLSC is necessary for the expression of specific abnormal postures and motor movements (e.g. dystonic head tilt). Rotations: Karen Gale & Ludise Malkova: Examined whether deep layers of the superior colliculus is topographic in terms of motor and emotional behaviors. Robert Yasuda: Examined the interaction between NMDA and Eph receptors. Darlene Howard: Examined time of day and age effects on explicit/implicit learning. Barbara Schwartz: Examined learning and memory of schizophrenic and schizoaffective patients.
Elizabeth Lacey	Rhonda Friedman	Generalization and maintenance in aphasia rehabilitation (new window) (Ph.D. 2010)	2004		Language Cognitive Neuroscience Neurodegeneration and Neural Injury
Education: B.A., Connecticut College, 1997 Prior Research: Worked in the Neuroendocrinology lab as an undergraduate; Worked in the lab of Rhonda Friedman for 3 years prior to matriculation in IPN. Thesis Research: Investigated two important factors in the rehabilitation of language disorders: generalization and maintenance. Applied Multiple Oral Re-Reading in clinical use for two acquired reading disorders, pure alexia and phonological alexia. Rotations: Barbara Schwartz Chandan Vaidya
Amber Leaver	Josef Rauschecker	Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) studies of the human auditory brain: Objects, sequences, and dysfunction (new window) (Ph.D. 2010)	2004		Cognitive Neuroscience Systems Neuroscience Neuroanatomy
Education: B.A., Univ of Illinois, 2001; M.A., Bucknell University, 2003 Prior Research: During her Masters, Amber conducted psychophysics research in music perception and color/contrast perception. Worked as a research assistant in Dr. Adriane Seiffert’s laboratory at Princeton assisting with fMRI studies of motion perception and attention. Thesis Research: Conducted MRI investigations of the human auditory brain using fMRI to musical sequence learning, as well as to monitor dysfunction and voxel-based morphometry (VBM) to measure anatomical abnormalities in tinnitus. Rotations: Josef Rauschecker
Esther Krook-Magnuson	Molly Huntsman	Specificity of inhibitory control of cortical interneurons in layer 4 of mouse somatosensory barrel cortex (new window) (Ph.D. 2009)	2004		Neurophysiology Neuropharmacology Cellular Neuroscience
Education: B.S., UC Berkeley, 2004 Prior Research: At Berkeley, worked as a research assistant in the Cognition and Action Lab of Dr. Rich Ivry, studying non-motor learning. Thesis Research: In order to understand the mechanisms of inhibitory control in the cortical processing of sensory information, examined the cell type specificity in layer 4 of mouse somatosensory cortex of two understudied mechanisms of GABA inhibition: (1) tonic inhibition mediated by specific GABA-A receptors and (2) GABA-B receptor mediated inhibition. Rotations: Bob Yasuda Guinevere Eden Molly Huntsman
Robert (Tom) Naumann	Jag Kanwal	Call responses in the amygdala of the mustached bat, pteronotus parnellii: Stimulus-specific excitation, suppression, and spike timing (new window) (Ph.D. 2010)	2004		Systems Neuroscience Behavioral Neuroscience Neuroanatomy
Education: B.A., University of Dayton, 2003 Prior Research: As a research assistant at Wallace-Kettering Neuroscience Institute, he helped to deveop fMRI protocols for presurgical planning, and conducted fMRI experiments and collected data on attention in schizophrenia. Thesis Research: In interactions with their conspecifics, social animals are presented with social signals representing different opportunities and dangers. This work reflects an attempt to elucidate how the amygdala, a brain structure intimately involved in social behavior and behavioral flexibility in challenging situations, responds selectively to communication sounds that differ in their acoustic structure and behavioral significance. Rotations: Josef Rauschecker Josh Corbin Jag Kanwal
Ana Počivavšek	Bill Rebeck	Microglial LRP1 modulates JNK activation: A signaling cascade that also regulates apolipoprotein E levels (new window) (Ph.D. 2009)	2004		Molecular Neuroscience Neurodegeneration and Neural Injury
Education: B.S., Duke University, 2003 Prior Research: Worked in the laboratory of Dr. Ed Levin in the Psychiatry Dept at Duke. In rats, mice, fish and humans (Alzheimer’s patients) she conducted research on cognitive enhancing effects of nicotine, testing memory, learning, and attention. Thesis Research: Used a small bioactive peptide formed from the receptor-binding domain of apoE, apoE peptide (EP), to study LDL receptor family signaling in microglia. In a model of glial activation in which primary mouse microglia and microglia cell line BV2 were treated with lipopolysaccharide, studied two inflammatory responses: an increase in nitric oxide (NO) production and a decrease in apoE production. Rotations: Ludise Malkova Bill Rebeck Vassilios Papadopoulos
Kentaroh Takagaki	Jian-Young Wu	Spatiotemporal patterns of population activity in the rat barrel cortex (new window) (Ph.D. 2007)	2004		Neurophysiology Neural Networks Systems Neuroscience
Education: B.Agr., University of Tokyo, 2002 Prior Research: Bachelor’s thesis was on the role of nuclear receptors in the regulation of bile-acid metabolism in the terminal ileum. Worked in an infectious disease lab assisting with research in AIDS-related signal transduction in astrocytes. Thesis Research: In the rodent barrel cortex, voltage-sensitive dye imaging has revealed wavelike propagation of neuronal population activity, originating from one barrel and spreading throughout the barrel cortex. Tested the hypothesis that this propagation may be correlated with the computations underlying sensory integration.
Casandra Cartagena	Bill Rebeck	Cholesterol 24S-hydroxylase: Involvement in brain injury and disease (new window) (Ph.D. 2008)	2003		Neurodegeneration and Neural Injury Cellular & Molecular Neuroscience
Education: University of Michigan, B.S., Cellular and Molecular Biology; Eastern Michigan University, M.S., Molecular and Cellular Biology Thesis Research: Here we investigated whether traumatic brain injury (TBI) altered the regulation of cholesterol 24S-hydroxylase (Cyp46), an enzyme that converts cholesterol to the more hydrophilic 24S-hydroxycholesterol.
Craig Dietrich	Martin Morad	Endogenous acidification of the inhibitory synapse: Proton amplification of GABAa-mediated neurotransmission (new window) (Ph.D. 2009)	2003		Neurophysiology Cellular Neuroscience
Education: Carleton College Thesis Research: Maintenance of external pH is critical to ensuring proper CNS function. Recent work in excitatory transmission suggests that in vivo synaptic proton buffering is not sufficient to rigidly maintain an extracellular pH of 7.4. The results provide strong evidence that endogenous acidification of the GABAergic synapse via the Na+/H+ exchanger is of sufficient magnitude to enhance inhibitory neurotransmission.
Jason Brek Eaton		Left in 2004	2003
Alexis Jeannotte	Anita Sidhu	Modulation of the norepinephrine transporter by the synuclein family of proteins (new window) (Ph.D. 2007)	2003		Cellular & Molecular Neuroscience
Thesis Research: A definitive endogenous and chronic mechanism for regulating the activity and trafficking of the norepinephrine transporter (NET) is unknown. The purpose of this dissertation research was to examine the regulation of NET by the synucleins, a family of presynaptic proteins. Three hypotheses were tested: (1) a-synuclein decreases NET activity and trafficking to the plasma membrane, (2) a-synuclein regulation of NET is dependent on interactions with the cytoskeleton, (3) altered a-synuclein and ?-synuclein-mediated regulation of NET contributes to the development of depression.
Katherine Meeker		Left with M.S. in 2005	2003
Education: Colgate University, BA, Neuroscience, 2003
Juliet Minton		Left with M.S. in 2005	2003
Education: The College of William and Mary, BS, Neuroscience, 2003
Alexandria Nugent	Barbara Bayer	Morphine activation of stress pathways alters peripheral immune cell signaling (new window) (Ph.D. 2008)	2003		Cellular & Molecular Neuroscience
Education: Trinity University, BA, Psychology, 1991; University of Maryland College Park, BS, Biology, 2002 Thesis Research: Morphine is routinely used as an analgesic for acute and chronic pain often in people at greater risk for infection, in spite of the fact that morphine suppresses immune function. Few studies have examined the effects of morphine on antigen presentation. Therefore, these studies sought to characterize the effect of morphine on MHC-II expression. Morphine (10 mg/kg, 2 hours) was found to significantly reduce basal and IL-4 induced MHC-II expression on circulating B lymphocytes.
Theron (Ted) Russell	Baoji Xu	Left with M.S. in 2006	2003

Sunbin Sylvie Song	Darlene Howard	Explicit/implicit interactions in motor sequence learning (new window) (Ph.D. 2008)	2003		Cognitive Neuroscience
Education: MIT, B.S. in Biology Thesis Research: Implicit/unconscious learning is responsible for the formation of habits and the mastery of complex motor skills. It remains poorly understood how implicit learning is affected by concurrent explicit processes. In the following set of studies, a novel explicit/implicit motor sequencing paradigm was developed. Unlike other paradigms, this paradigm could generate measures of implicit memory in those with and without explicit knowledge during training by removing explicit knowledge from performance measures in certain blocks. This ability is an important one as we could separate the effect explicit knowledge had on the acquisition of implicit learning from the effect explicit knowledge had on performance.
Yi Zhang		Left in 2004	2003
Eddie Billingslea	Benjamin Walker	Comparisons of behavioral phenotypes in multiple methods of serotonin deficiency in the rat brain (new window) (Ph.D. 2007)	2002		Pharmacology Behavioral Neuroscience
Education: Virginia Union University, B.A., 1999 Thesis Research: Attempted to understand serotonin’s role in psychiatric disorders. It has been suggested that diminished brain serotonin plays a role in the behaviors of autistic patients, yet they do not explain why some reuptake inhibitors attenuate these behaviors and others do not. Could it be that there is a certain range of serotonin loss that accounts for some behaviors over others?
Philberta Leung	Jean Wrathall	Lower urinary tract function after spinal cord contusion and transection: Plasticity in the distal spinal cord (new window) (Ph.D. 2007)	2002		Neurodegeneration and Neural Injury
Education: Carleton College, B.A., 2002 Thesis Research: Normal lower urinary tract (LUT) function requires coordination between the bladder and the external urethral sphincter (EUS). Phasic EUS relaxation during bladder contractions, necessary for efficient voiding in rats, is lost initially after complete spinal cord transection, but re-emerges chronically in some rats. Factors relating to LUT function after injury were investigated.
Judith Lytle	Jean Wrathall Vittorio Gallo	Response of NG2-expressing cells to spinal cord contusion: Evidence for the stimulation of oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) and non-OPC populations (new window) (Ph.D. 2007)	2002		Neurodegeneration and Neural Injury
Thesis Research: Contusive spinal cord injury results in both immediate and secondary injury. This project aimed to advance understanding of the progression and physiological response of NG2 + oligodendrocyte progenitor cells in the acute injury phase in a murine model of contusive injury
Danyan Mao	Ken Kellar	Heterogeneity of neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in rat nervous system and their differential regulation by chronic administration of nicotine (new window) (Ph.D. 2007)	2002		Pharmacology
Thesis Research: Neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are present throughout the central and peripheral nervous systems. Native nAChRs are not only heterogeneous in subtypes but also complex in subunit composition. In the present study, we used receptor binding and immunoprecipitation methods to examine the nAChRs in a number of peripheral ganglia and brain regions from adult rat.
Kelly McVearry	Kimford Meador	Antiepileptic drugs as cognitive teratogens: Differential effects on creativity in prenatal exposure to carbamazepine, lamotrigine, and valproate (new window) (Ph.D. 2007)	2002		Development
Education: Harvard University, Ed.M., 2000; American University, M.A., 1996; University of Vermont, B.A., 1992 Thesis Research: This neuroteratology study investigates behavioral outcomes for three commonly used antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) (valproate, carbamazepine, and lamotrigine), with a special emphasis on outcomes indicative of impaired creativity.
Pavel Ortinski	Stephano Vicini	Timing in the cerebellum: Duration of inhibition and mechanisms of control (new window) (Ph.D. 2007)	2002		Neurophysiology
Education: Guilford College, B.A., 2002 Thesis Research: Inhibitory neurotransmission by GABA A receptors powerfully regulates neuronal activity. Previous studies independently observed that a number of GABA A receptor subunits are expressed differently through brain development and that synaptic inhibition undergoes certain developmental changes. I extended these studies to trace a temporal pattern of correlated changes of inhibitory synaptic function and the expression of distinct GABA A receptor subunits by using a combination of electrophysiological, immunocytochemical and pharmacological tools.
Jill Turner	Ken Kellar	Neuronal nicotinic receptors in the rat cerebellum: Nicotinic receptor subtypes, their localization, and potential functional roles (new window) (Ph.D. 2006)	2002		Pharmacology
Thesis Research: The objectives of my thesis research were to quantitatively determine the major heteromeric nAChR subtypes in the cerebellum, determine their distribution within the cerebellum, and to begin to determine the potential functional roles they play there.
Jill Weisberg	Guinevere Eden	The functional anatomy of spatial and object processing in deaf and hearing populations (new window) (Ph.D. 2006)	2002		Cognitive Neuroscience Neuroimaging
Education: George Mason University, B.A, M.A. Thesis Research: Used brain imaging to examine the effects of language and sensory experience on the functional anatomy of object recognition and spatial processing.
Robbin Wood Miranda	Michael Ullman	Double dissociation between rules and memory in the neurocognition of music (new window) (Ph.D. 2007)	2002		Cognitive Neuroscience Language Neuroimaging
Previous Education: Duke University, B.S. Biology, A.B. Music, 2002 Thesis Research: Both language and music depend on rules and memorized representations. Double dissociations between the neurocognition of rule-governed and memory-based knowledge have been found in language but not music. Here, both rule- and memory-based aspects of music were examined in two studies: a behavioral study investigating sex differences in long-term memory for music, and an event-related potential (ERP) study investigating brain responses to rule and memory violations in melodies.
Debi Basu	Guinevere Eden	Left with M.S. 2007	2001		Cognitive Neuroscience Neuroimaging
Education: Iowa State University, B.A. in Biology; Muenster, Germany, M.D.,1998 Thesis Research: Her thesis research project at the Center for the Study of Learning focused on the fusiform gyrus and its involvement in face and word processing as well as its role in skill acquisition.
Maureen Cruz	Richard Gillis	Characterization of DMV pathways controlling gastric motility in the rat (new window) (Ph.D. 2006)	2001		Pharmacology Neurophysiology
Education: Brown University, B.S., 1998; Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, MPH, 2001 Thesis Research: The purpose of my research was to functionally characterize the dorsal motor nucelus of the vagus vagal pathways that are responsible for controlling gastric motility.
Laura Gehl	Joe Neale	Studies on the biosynthesis of N-acetylaspartylglutamate and the comparison of glutamate carboxypeptidase II and glutamate carboxypeptidase III (new window) (Ph.D. 2005)	2001		Pharmacology Molecular Neuroscience
Education: Yale University, BA in Psychology Thesis Research: Characterized N-Acetylaspartylglutamate (NAAG), a peptide neurotransmitter, which is prevalent and widely distributed in the mammalian nervous system.
Byung Gon Kim	Barbara Bregman	Remodeling of synaptic structures in the motor cortex following spinal cord injury (new window) (Ph.D. 2005)	2001		Neurodegeneration and Neural Injury
Education: Seoul National University, M.D., 1993 Thesis Research: Spinal cord injury (SCI) results in a severe and permanent loss of motor function. Although regeneration of severed axons is extremely limited, spared motor system undergoes a substantial extent of structural remodeling. This research, tested a hypothesis that SCI leads to a remodeling of synaptic structures in the motor cortex. The results suggest that modulation of the synaptic remodeling in the motor cortex may be a promising strategy to enhance functional recovery after SCI.
Jinsook Kim	Karen Gale Alexei Kondratyev	Effects of repeated brief seizures and antiepileptic drugs in the developing rat brain (new window) (Ph.D. 2007)	2001		Pharmacology Development
Thesis Research: Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) induce apoptotic neuronal death in specific regions of rat brain during the first two postnatal weeks; this developmental neurotoxicity may contribute to adverse behavioral outcomes. In this project, four studies examined the impact of seizures and/or AEDs or AED combinations on cell survival in the immature brain.
Jae Lee	Jean Wrathall	Distal plasticity after experimental spinal cord injury: The H-reflex (new window) (Ph.D. 2005)	2001		Neurodegeneration and Neural Injury
Thesis Research: Spontaneous recovery after incomplete spinal cord injury (iSCI) can be partially attributed to plasticity between spared suprasegmental and lumbar segmental circuitry. However, very little is known about the mechanisms involved. The goal of this study was to use the H-reflex to better understand the mechanisms of recovery of hindlimb function after iSCI.
Azik Schwechter	John Richert Vicente Notario	Immune regulation in T-cells by transcription factor Sp3: Implications for multiple sclerosis (new window) (Ph.D. 2006)	2001		Cellular Neuroscience
Education: Yeshiva University, undergraduate Thesis Research: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory disease of the central nervous system and is generally considered to be autoimmune in nature. We previously demonstrated that the transcription factor Sp3 is significantly down-regulated in immune cells from MS patients. This study demonstrates the mechanisms by which Sp3 may regulate immune function and suggest a basis for its potential contribution to MS disease
Stuart Washington	Jagmeet Kanwal	Neural mechanisms for call processing in the auditory cortex of mustached bats: Frequency modulated sounds and their lateralization (new window) (Ph.D. 2008)	2001		Neurophysiology
Education: George Washington University, undergraduate Thesis Research: Speech processing is lateralized to the left hemisphere of the human brain. Single unit electrophysiological recordings in a sub-region of the mustached bat primary auditory cortex (A1) has revealed a left hemispheric advantage for processing species-specific (or conspecific) calls that at least superficially resembles the hemispheric specialization observed in humans. The hemispheric specialization for speech in humans has been related to an advantage of the left auditory cortex for processing information with a high temporal resolution, and, thus, the discovery of a similar mechanism in mustached bats would further demonstrate the similarity between lateralization for communication sounds in humans and bats.
Samantha Crowe	Karen Gale Alexei Kondratyev	Phosphorylation of histone H2A.X and regulation of DNA repair mechanisms in the brain following seizures (new window) (Ph.D. 2006)	2001		Cellular Neuroscience
Education: Allegheny College, BS in Biology, 1999 Thesis Research: Seizures lasting in excess of 30 min are injurious, triggering neuronal death in endangered populations. Pre-exposure to non-injurious seizures protects endangered cells from seizure-evoked neurodegeneration. Our findings indicate that seizures induce DNA damage and compensatory repair responses in the mature brain. Pre-exposure to non-injurious seizures attenuates subsequent seizure-evoked DNA damage, suggesting that the neuroprotection effects of ECS are mediated, at least in part, by a decrease in the cellular damage elicited by subsequent insults.
Ivy Estabrooke	Paul Aisen Michael Ullman	The influence of sex and sex hormones on the production of the English past tense (new window) (Ph.D. 2005)	2000		Language Cognitive Neuroscience
Education: Smith College, B.A., 1998 Thesis Research: The declarative/procedural model posits that expressive and receptive language depend on two memory systems that underlie the mental lexicon and the mental grammar, two aspects of language. We hypothesized that the female superiority at declarative memory may result in women retrieving regular forms from the lexicon rather than composing them with the grammatical rule.
Laurie Wellman	Ludise Malkova Karen Gale	The role of the amygdala in primate socioemotional behavior (new window)(Ph.D. 2005)	2000		Behavioral Neuroscience Pharmacology
Thesis Research: Monkeys with bilateral amygdalectomies show decreased social contact and social status as well as increased social fear. However, the lesion methodology itself introduces an array of problems that may affect the outcome of the study and thus the conclusions established from the data. Our studies use pharmacological manipulations through acute drug infusions into specific areas of the amygdala to further understand the role of specific amygdalar nuclei in socioemotional behavior. The data indicate that regions of the amygdala play different roles in social behavior as well as changes in reward value.
Rachel Nosheny	Italo Mocchetti	The neuroprotective effect of brain-derived neurotrophic factor against human immunodeficiency virus type-1 glycoprotein 120-mediated neurotoxicity in the basal ganglia (new window) (Ph.D. 2006)	2000		Cellular Neuroscience
Thesis Research: A subset of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type-1 (HIV-1) infected individuals experience a constellation of motor, cognitive, and psychiatric symptoms that are collectively called the Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Dementia Complex (ADC). Dysfunction of the nigro-striatal circuitry of the basal ganglia is integral to the neuropathology of ADC. Neuroprotection against gp120 by BDNF may in turn limit neurological complications associated with HIV-1 infection in the brain.
Brent Richards	Larry Kromer	The role of ephrins and Eph receptors in the development and function of the basal ganglia (new window) (Ph.D. 2006)	2000		Development Cellular Neuroscience
Education: University of Oklahoma, B.S., Biochemistry, 2000 Thesis Research: The Eph receptor tyrosine kinases and their ligands, the ephrins, make up two large protein families that are involved in a wide array of biological processes during development and adulthood. The purpose of the research described in this dissertation was to determine if Eph receptors and ephrins are involved in basal ganglia development.
Sean Rogers	Rhonda Friedman	The underlying mechanisms of semantic memory loss in Alzheimer’s disease and semantic dementia (new window) (Ph.D. 2006)	2000		Cognitive Neuroscience Language
Education: Johns Hopkins, B.A., 2000 Thesis Research: Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) and patients with Semantic Dementia (SD) both exhibit impairments on explicit tasks of semantic memory. The deficits in both patient groups have been attributed to a degradation of the central semantic network. An alternative explanation for the semantic memory deficits in AD is that the ability to consciously retrieve items from the semantic network is impaired. The present study used both implicit and explicit tests to evaluate the semantic networks of both patient groups and dissociate contrasting explanations for the observed deficits in AD patients.
Peter Turkeltaub	Guinevere Eden	Functional imaging studies of the development of neural mechanisms for reading (new window) (M.D./Ph.D.; Ph.D. 2003)	1999		Language Cognitive Neuroscience Neuroimaging
Education: George Washington University, B.S. in Electrical Engineering, 1997 Thesis Research: This dissertation presents three complimentary studies which apply significant methodological advances to examine (1) the neural circuitry used by literate adults for reading, (2) the development of these neural systems in normal children, and (3) the neurobiological basis of precocious reading in a case of hyperlexia.
Helen Yankovich	Darlene Howard	Learning to control dynamic systems: Aging and implicit learning in the process control task (new window) (Ph.D. 2004)	1999		Cognitive Neuroscience
Thesis Research: In three experiments we investigated how one form of learning, that of learning to control complex systems, varies with adult age. The main goal of this study was to determine whether there are age related differences in learning the Process Control task. Furthermore, we wanted to investigate the two-stage theory of learning, which states that early in training, learning in the Process Control task is implicit, while later on it becomes explicit.
Lalia Zai	Jean Wrathall	Cellular proliferation and replacement following contusive spinal cord injury (new window) (Ph.D. 2005)	1999		Neurodegeneration and Neural Injury
Education: University of Virginia, BS, Biology/Neuroscience, 1998 Thesis Research: In the 24 hours following contusive spinal cord injury (SCI), 50% of the oligodendrocytes and astrocytes of the epicenter are lost. By 6 weeks, however, the density of these cells returns to normal, suggesting that endogenous progenitors divide in response to injury. This study investigated if cell proliferation is responsible for this recovery.
Liza Bundesen	Larry Kromer Barbara Bregman	Ephrins and Eph receptors participate in spinal cord development and injury responses in the adult (new window) (Ph.D. 2003)	1998		Neurodegeneration and Neural Injury Development
Education: Lehigh University, B.S., Molecular Biology, 1997 Thesis Research: Eph receptors and their ephrin ligands are a multifunctional family of proteins that participate in physiological events during embryogenesis and through adulthood. Ephrins and Eph receptors were originally described as mediators of contact-dependent repulsion that regulate axon guidance, cell migration, and tissue patterning. Now, it is known that these proteins also are involved in mechanisms such as cell adhesion and protein clustering at specialized structures. In this thesis, several new roles for ephrins and Eph receptors are described during development and after injury in the adult spinal cord.
Nicole Dietz	Guinevere Eden	Phonological processing studied with functional magnetic resonance imaging (new window) (Ph.D. 2004)	1998		Language Cognitive Neuroscience
Education: University of Virginia, B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies, 1994 Thesis Research: Used fMRI to investigate the neural anatomy and mechanisms of deriving the sound structure of a word from its written form, a process referred to as phonological decoding in reading.
Amy Durham		Left with M.S. in 2000	1998
Education: University of Virginia, B.A. in Psychology, 1997
James Lynskey	Barbara Bregman	Functional recovery and anatomical plasticity after cervical spinal cord injury: The effects of transplants, neurotrophins, and environmental enrichment (new window) (Ph.D. 2004)	1998		Neurodegeneration and Neural Injury
Education: Duquesne University, master of physical therapy, 1995 Thesis Research: In addition to locomotor impairments, the loss of forelimb motor function can be a major consequence of spinal cord injury. The interruption and subsequent failure of interrupted descending supraspinal motor pathways to regenerate are major causes of these functional impairments. Treatment paradigms designed to address some of these factors have produced varying levels of anatomical plasticity and functional recovery in both animals and humans after spinal cord injury. The data in this thesis describe the anatomical and behavioral effects of two treatment strategies (one cellular transplantation/pharmacological and one rehabilitative) designed to address some of these factors in a rodent model of cervical spinal cord injury.
Selamawit Negash	Darlene Howard	Adult age differences in implicit learning of short and higher-order sequential patterns (new window) (Ph.D. 2003)	1998		Cognitive Neuroscience
Education: University of District of Columbia, B.S. in Psychology, 1997 Thesis Research: The present experiments investigated whether there are age-related deficits in learning of short but higher-order regularities, and whether such learning occurs without people’s ability to develop awareness about the pattern. The main goal was to find out whether age deficits documented in earlier studies using 4-item alternating sequences (e.g., 1r2r3r4r) extend to shorter ones, that have a smaller number of triplets to be learned, and yet the same second-order structure.
Kimberly Rivas-Plata Ballard	Barbara Bayer	Neuroimmune interactions of stress and opioids in a chronic morphine paradigm (new window) (Ph.D. 2005)	1998		Neurodegeneration and Neural Injury
Education: Case Western Reserve University, B.A., Biology and Anthropology, 1996 Thesis Research: Opioids, such as morphine, and stress are both known to adversely affect immune and neuroendocrine functioning, with both generally resulting in suppression of mitogenic T lymphocyte responses and elevation of stress hormones. However, the extent to which opioids and stress systems overlap, especially in terms of modulation of immune responses, has not been fully elucidated. The studies described in this dissertation, examine the heightened immune sensitivity following chronic morphine administration and endeavor to determine mechanisms leading to this vulnerability.
Rachelle Toman	Sarah Spiegel	The complexity of sphingolipid metabolism in the modulation of neuronal development (new window) (Ph.D. 2003)	1998		Development
Thesis Research: The lipid mediators, ceramide and sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), have multipotential roles in survival, migration, and differentiation of neurons depending on concentration, cell type, and developmental stage. Although exogenous ceramide has been reported to cause neuronal apoptosis, the role of endogenous ceramide has not been previously evaluated. Both ceramide and bacterial sphingomyelinase result in time- and dose-dependent increases in apoptosis of cerebellar granule cells and cortical neurons. In addition, the extent of apoptosis induced by trophic factor withdrawal or etoposide treatment correlates with endogenous ceramide increases, suggesting that ceramide produced by sphingomyelinase results in neuronal death.
Ali Al-Attar	Anton Wellstein	The role of a binding protein for fibroblast growth factor (new window) (MD/PhD; PhD 2001)	1997		Cellular & Molecular Neuroscience
Education: B.S., Georgetown, 1995 Thesis Research: Fibroblast growth factor-binding protein 1 (FGF-BP1) is a secreted heparin-binding protein that can bind and solubilize members of the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) family. It has been shown to be upregulated in tissue samples from various epithelial cancers (colon, squamous cell, and breast), and has been demonstrated to act as an angiogenic switch in models of malignant progression of these cancers. Here the mechanism of action of FGF-BP1 was investigated using two recombinant FGF-BP1 proteins, produced in prokaryotic and eukaryotic expression systems.
Rana Al-Hallaq	Barry Wolfe	Characterization of NMDA NR1 splice forms in the postsynaptic density and NMDA NR3A in developing rat brain (new window) (Ph.D. 2002)	1997		Neuropharmacology Synapses
Education: Hamilton College, BA, Biology, 1996 Thesis Research: An understanding of the N -methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor is crucial to understanding normal excitatory transmission in the mammalian central nervous system and to drug development for various diseases. Using immunoblotting, immunoprecipitations, and immunocytochemistry, the expression, localization, and interactions of NMDA receptor subunits were examined.
Brandon Zielinski	Josef Raushecker	Auditory-visual interactions in the perception of species-specific communication sounds in the human: Towards a comprehensive model of elementary sound processing in primates (new window) (Ph.D. 2001)	1997		Neuroimaging Systems Neuroscience
Education: Arizona State University, B.S. in Zoology Thesis Research: Species-specific communication has traditionally been studied in the context of single species. The present body of work was undertaken in order to further our understanding of this process with the objective of providing a synthesis of animal and human models of species-specific communication. In particular, this work was undertaken in order to further our understanding of auditory cortical processing of species-specific communication sounds and to advance our knowledge of the general principles of organization and function of the cerebral cortex.
John Agnew	Guinevere Eden	Behavioral and functional neuroimaging studies of sensorimotor deficits in dyslexia (new window) (Ph.D. 2003)	1996		Language Neuroimaging Cognitive Neuroscience
Education: Haverford College, BA in chemistry, 1996 Thesis Research: Dyslexic individuals are impaired on a range of low-level sensorimotor tasks. Several theories have been proposed to account for these deficits, including abnormalities in temporal processing, the magnocellular system and cerebellar or parietal lobe function. Behavioral and functional neuroimaging studies described in this dissertation investigated sensorimotor function in dyslexic and non-dyslexic individuals.
Kwame Brown	Barry Wolfe Jean Wrathall	Glutamate receptor subunit expression and spinal cord injury in young rats (new window) (Ph.D. 2003)	1996		Neurodegeneration and Neural Injury Pharmacology
Education: Hampton University, B.A, Molecular Biology, 1995 Thesis Research: Overstimulation by excess glutamate acting on its receptors is a causative agent in the secondary loss of tissue after weight-drop trauma to the spinal cord (SCI) in the adult rat. Additionally, protein levels of specific glutamate receptor subunits have been shown to be altered as a result of such injury. Glutamate receptor subunit mRNA is more highly expressed in the rat spinal cord during the first 2-3 weeks after birth. My hypothesis was that protein expression of these subunits was also elevated during this same period.
Meggan Czapiga	Carol Colton	Modulation of microglial nitric oxide production by apolipoprotein E (new window) (Ph.D. 2000)	1996		Neurodegeneration and Neural Injury Cellular Neuroscience
Thesis Research: Although apolipoprotein E (ApoE) participates in lipid transport and regulates tissue cholesterol flux, ApoE also plays a role in the immune system. Treatment of macrophages/microglia with ApoE, in combination with other immune regulators, enhances the production of nitric oxide (NO). NO is a critical mediator of cellular processes and a major component of the constitutive immune response. Since indices of oxidative stress are found in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and since NO participates in tissue redox regulation, the abnormally high level of L-arginine uptake in APOE4 transgenic mouse microglia may provide an important link between the increased susceptibility to AD seen in APOE4 individuals and the oxidative stress associated with AD pathology.
Eric Hernandez	John Richert	The translation initiation of the three isoforms of the human transcription factor Sp3 (new window) (M.D./Ph.D.; Ph.D. 2001)	1996		Molecular Neuroscience
Thesis Research: Sp3, a gene whose expression pattern is associated with multiple sclerosis, is a bifunctional transcription factor which can stimulate or repress the transcription of a number of genes, including several neuronal and inflammatory proteins. Sp3 has three isoforms, one of 100 kDa and two in the mid-60 kDa range. The size of Sp3 mRNA by northern blot is 4.2 kb, however, the total size of the known Sp3 cDNA sequence is 3.6 kb including the poly-A tail.
Cherie Marvel	Barbara Schwartz	Timing and modulation of cognitive and motor function in schizophrenia: A model of disrupted cerebellar circuitry (new window) (Ph.D. 2002)	1996		Cognitive Neuroscience Neuropsychiatry
Education: Tufts University, B.S., Biopsychology, 1994 Thesis Research: Cerebellar abnormalities can lead to a disruption in the coordination of thought, referred to as “cognitive dysmetria”. This disturbance in mental processing is analogous to motor incoordination that arises from cerebellar dysfunction. There is growing interest in cerebellar dysfunction in schizophrenia. Specifically, this work addressed the possibility that schizophrenia patients were impaired in sequence learning, time perception, postural stability, and word production.
Hugh Moulding	Samuel Rabkin	Clinical mutations in L1 neural cell adhesion molecule affect trafficking and cell-surface expression (new window) (M.D./Ph.D.; Ph.D. 1999)	1996		Cellular & Molecular Neuroscience Development
Thesis Research: Mutations in the L1 neural cell adhesion molecule, a transmembrane glycoprotein, cause a spectrum of congenital neurologic syndromes, ranging from hydrocephalus to mental retardation. Taken together, these studies are the first to demonstrate that missense mutations in human L1 can impede correct protein trafficking, with functional consequences independent of protein activity. This provides a rationale for how normally expressed, full-length proteins with single amino acid changes could cause clinical phenotypes similar in severity to ‘knock-out’ mutants, and thus be an important mechanism by which mutant surface proteins fail to achieve normal function.
Paul Pazdalski		M.D./Ph.D., returned to M.D.	1996

Sergei Zhenochin		Left with M.S. 1999	1996

Jason Allen	Alan Faden	Investigation of the effects of group I metabotropic glutamate receptor modulation on neuronal injury (new window) (M.D./Ph.D.; Ph.D. 1998)	1995		Cellular Neuroscience
Thesis Research: Glutamate underlies the pathogenesis of many CNS disorders and acts at two classes of receptors: ionotropic and metabotropic receptors. The present thesis was designed to investigate both the effects of group I mGluR modulation on necrotic and apoptotic cell death, and the possible mechanisms underlying these effects.
Rachel Brown	Vassillos Papadopoulos	Pathways and regulation of human neurosteroid biosynthesis (new window) (Ph.D., 2000)	1995		Cellular Neuroscience
Thesis Research: Neurosteroids in rodents can originate from peripheral tissues or be locally synthesized in specific brain areas. There is no information about synthesis and regulation of neurosteroids in human brain. We examined the ability of human brain to synthesize steroids from a radiolabeled precursor, and mRNA and protein expression of key components of steroidogenic machinery.
Basil Eldadah	Alan Faden	The role of caspase-3 in apoptosis of cerebellar granule cells (new window) (M.D./Ph.D.; Ph.D. 1999)	1995		Cellular Neuroscience
Thesis Research: The current investigation attempted to elucidate the role that caspases may play in cerebellar granule cells (CGCs), a neuronal model of apoptosis induced by deprivation of serum and/or depolarizing concentrations of potassium. The results indicate that caspase-3 plays an important role in one model of neuronal apoptosis and may be a potential target of therapeutic interventions to treat neurological conditions where apoptotic cell death is present.
Karin Japikse	Darlene Howard	Interference in procedural learning: Effects of exposure to intermittent patterns. (new window) (Ph.D. 2002)	1995		Cognitive Neuroscience
Thesis Research: The extent to which intermittently presented information affects incidental and intentional pattern learning was investigated using the alternating serial reaction time (ASRT) task. People were able to learn implicitly about two patterns presented intermittently. These findings have implications for imaging studies of SRT task learning which use random or patterned secondary blocks as a baseline comparison for implicit primary pattern learning conditions
George Mashour	Robert Martuza Anton Wellstein	A study of neurofibromin-deficient Schwann cells and skin: Implications for the pathogenesis and diagnosis of neurofibromatosis type 1. (new window) (M.D./Ph.D.; Ph.D., 1999)	1995		Cellular Neuroscience
Thesis Research: Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is one of the most common genetic disorders of the nervous system, and is thought to be caused by the loss of the tumor suppressor neurofibromin. Although a highly pleiomorphic disease, its clinical symptomatology relates primarily to disorders of the neural crest-derived Schwann cells, which form the basis of neurofibromas. With respect to neurofibroma formation, the angiogenic dysregulation of neurofibromin-deficient Schwann cells was characterized at the molecular level. In particular, the angiogenic factor midkine was shown to be dysregulated in neurofibromin-deficient Schwann cells in human neurofibromas and malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNST). Furthermore, midkine was shown to be upregulated in the endothelial cells of angiogenic, but not quiescent, vessels. Midkine was demonstrated to have a mitogenic effect on endothelial cells, neurofibroma-derived fibroblasts, and MPNST-derived cells of Schwann cell origin. Thus, its upregulation with loss of neurofibromin is consistent with the growth of all major cell types in neurofibromas.
Rob Cassidy	Lawrence Kromer	Pattern formation in the mammalian striatum: Eph receptor tyrosine kinases in the development of striatal compartments. (new window) (Ph.D., 1999)	1994		Development
Thesis Research: Receptor tyrosine kinases are known to play a critical role in the development of the brain. Recently, a new family of RTKs, the Eph family, has been discovered and their multiple roles in brain development are slowly becoming understood. The present study shows that in the postnatal striatum EphA4 and EphA7 mRNA are expressed in unique mosaic patterns, which precisely correspond to mosaic patterns of ephrin-A binding sites.
Penelope Kuhn	Barbara Bregman Jean Wrathall	The role of p75(NTR) in spinal cord injury in mice (new window) (Ph.D. 2002)	1994		Neurodegeneration and Neural Injury
Thesis Research: Spinal cord injury causes both immediate and delayed (secondary) injury responses that result in tissue damage over time. Oligodendrocytes, the myelinating cells of the central nervous system, are particularly vulnerable to secondary injury and are known to undergo apoptosis at delayed time points. I was interested in understanding the mechanism underlying the delayed cell death response, and developed a mouse model of contusive spinal cord injury to investigate the possible role of p75 NTR , the common neurotrophin receptor.