Student Profiles
Search Student Profiles: Rachael Stewart Allen restewa@emory.eduStudentYear Matriculated: 2007Degree / School: Psychology, Georgia Institute of Technology Advisor: Don Stein and Machelle Pardue Research Interest: I am interested in developing models of retinal and neuropathic injuries to determine what neuroprotective strategies might be most appropriate. ![]() Harry Aung kyawhein@gmail.comStudentYear Matriculated: 2008Degree / School: BA in Biology, Grinnell College Advisor: Machelle Pardue Research Interest: I am interested in diabetic retinopathy (DR), especially the mechanisms underlying neuronal dysfunction in early stage of DR, detected even before the actual clinical diagnosis. ![]() Catherine (Katie) Barrett cbarre2@emory.eduStudentYear Matriculated: 2008Degree / School: BS in Biology, Penn State Advisor: Larry Young Research Interest: I am interested in the hormonal, developmental, and genetic influences on complex social behaviors. Specifically, I am researching the role of vasopressin V1a receptors in prairie voles using siRNA knockdown technology. ![]() David Bass dibass@emory.eduStudentYear Matriculated: 2008Degree / School: BA in Psychology, Cornell University Advisor: Joe Manns Research Interest: I am characterizing differences in memory encoding for object-location, and perhaps emotion, along the septo-temporal axis of the rat hippocampus. ![]() Jacob Billings billings.jacob@gmail.comStudentYear Matriculated: 2011Degree / School: BS in Biomedical Engineering, Florida A&M University Research Interest: Currently doing lab rotations ![]() Mallory Bowers mallorybowers@gmail.comStudentYear Matriculated: 2009Degree / School: BA in Biological Basis of Behavior, University of Pennsylvania Advisor: Kerry Ressler Research Interest: I am interested in the plastic changes occurring at the level of the amygdala that underlie the extinction of cued fear. ![]() Katherine Bryant KatherineLBryant@gmail.comStudentYear Matriculated: 2009Degree / School: BS in Biology, College of William & Mary; MS in Environmental Science and Policy, George Mason University Advisor: Todd Preuss Research Interest: Humans are most closely related to chimpanzees and bonobos, yet little comparative neuroanatomical and connectivity data are available. My research concerns the anatomical structure and connectivity of the superior temporal gyrus and superior temporal sulcus in humans, chimpanzees, and macaques, using diffusion tensor imaging and immunohistochemical techniques. These regions play critical roles in audiovisual integration, including language and biological motion processing. I am interested in identifying similarities and differences between humans and chimpanzees, and further, postulating how these changes in neural substrate may be responsible for behavioral and cognitive differences in these species. ![]() James Burkett james.p.burkett@gmail.comStudentYear Matriculated: 2009Degree / School: BS in Biology & Chemistry, Emory University Advisor: Larry Young Research Interest: My overarching interest is in the neurobiology of positive emotions. More specifically, I am investigating empathy-based behaviors with the goal of probing different dimensions of social cognition. Consolation is one such behavior that is ideal for investigating the type of social cognition that is deficient in autism - specifically, the ability to look at another individual, understand their emotional state, and form an appropriate response. Consolation occurs naturally in a small number of animal species, but to date no experimental models have emerged that would permit the study of the neurobiology of this behavior. I hope to demonstrate that prairie voles are capable of consolation, that they can be used to investigate the neural correlates of consolation, and that an assay of consolation can be used to elaborate on social cognitive mechanisms relevant to autism. ![]() Amanda Caster acaster@emory.eduStudentYear Matriculated: 2006Degree / School: BS in Physical Chemistry and BS in Biomedical Science, Antioch University Advisor: Rick Kahn Research Interest: We work on the role of Arf (ADP ribosylation factor) dependent adaptors within the context of Alzheimer's disease. Specifically, we study how changes in membrane traffic affect production of neurotoxic beta-amyloid. ![]() Termpanit (Natty) Chalermpalanupap natty.chalermpalanupap@gmail.comStudentYear Matriculated: 2010Degree / School: BS in Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology, Emory University Advisor: David Weinshenker and Allan Levey Research Interest: I am interested in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and translational research aimed at understanding its underlying mechanism as well as developing new therapeutics. My project focuses on determining whether tau pathology in the locus coeruleus, recently shown to be one of the most ubiquitous and earliest pathologies of AD, is toxic and sufficient to induce forebrain pathology, as well as investigating the protective effects of neurotrophin receptor activators in this pathway. ![]() Monica Chau mchau@emory.eduStudentYear Matriculated: 2008Degree / School: BS in Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior; University of California, Davis Advisor: Ling Wei Research Interest: I am interested in using neuroprotective agents and stem cell transplantation in the treatment of ischemic stroke. ![]() Ching-Chieh (Ian) Chou numen1104.chou@gmail.comStudentYear Matriculated: 2011Degree / School: BS in Physical Therapy, Chang Gung University Advisor: Wilfried Rossoll/Gary Bassell Research Interest: I am investigating the function of TDP-43 in motor neurons and finding out how defects in local RNA metabolism are connected to the pathophysiology of Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). ![]() Amarallys Cintron afcintr@emory.eduStudentYear Matriculated: 2009Degree / School: BS in Neuroscience, University of Florida Advisor: Lary Walker ![]() Daniel Curry benno.dc@gmail.comStudentYear Matriculated: 2011Degree / School: BA in College Scholars w/ Emphasis in Neuroscience, University of Tennessee, Knoxville Research Interest: Currently doing lab rotations ![]() Lauren DePoy ldebrou@emory.eduStudentYear Matriculated: 2011Degree / School: BS in Biology and Psychology, Gettysburg College Research Interest: Currently doing lab rotations ![]() Sarah DeWitt sarah.dewitt5@gmail.comStudentYear Matriculated: 2009Degree / School: BA in Neuroscience, Barnard College Advisor: Donald Rainnie Research Interest: I am investigating the microcircuitry of the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) in hopes of advancing our understanding of the mechanisms by which the BNST orchestrates complex affective states such as anxiety. I use patch clamp electrophysiology as well as other molecular and behavioral techniques. ![]() Todd Deveau tdeveau@emory.eduStudentYear Matriculated: 2009Degree / School: BS in Neuroscience, Vanderbilt University Advisor: Ling Wei Research Interest:
![]() David Ehrlich ehrlichde@gmail.comStudentYear Matriculated: 2007Degree / School: Neuroscience, Brown University Advisor: Donald Rainnie Research Interest: My research interests include functional neuroanatomy, synaptic plasticity and neuromodulation, and nervous system development. I find the extended amygdala of particular interest because affective experience is ubiquitous; it provides an avenue to study how simple cellular and molecular changes amount to complex experiences that are universally relevant and appreciable. To this end, I use in vitro electrophysiology and molecular approaches to study activity- and experience-dependent changes in affective circuitry. ![]() Paul Evans pevansj@learnlink.emory.eduStudentYear Matriculated: 2010Degree / School: BS in Neuroscience, Emory University Advisor: John Hepler Research Interest: I am interested in cellular mechanisms underlying CA2 hippocampal synaptic plasticity and the impact that this plasticity has on learning and memory and social behaviors. Specifically, I am investigating the mechanism by which RGS14 suppresses hippocampal synaptic plasticity. Yanjie Fan yanjie.fan@emory.eduStudentYear Matriculated: 2008Degree / School: BS in Biotechnology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology Advisor: James Zheng Research Interest: I am interested in cytoskeletal control of synaptic development and plasticity in hippocampal neurons. ![]() Ming-fai Fong ming-fai.fong@emory.eduStudentYear Matriculated: 2008Degree / School: BS in Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology Advisor: Pete Wenner and Steve Potter Research Interest: I study homeostatic synaptic plasticity in developing neural circuits. I use whole-cell patch clamp, micro-electrode array recordings, and optogenetic stimulation to investigate synaptic compensation that follows chronically perturbed network activity. ![]() Sara Freeman smfreem@emory.eduStudentYear Matriculated: 2007Degree / School: Biology, University of Virginia Advisor: Larry Young Research Interest: I am interested in the neural basis of social behavior, specifically the neuroanatomy of the oxytocin receptor and the role it plays in mediating social bonding and maternal motivation in primates. ![]() Michelle Giddens michelle.giddens@emory.eduStudentYear Matriculated: 2010Degree / School: BS in Biology and Psychology, Worcester State College Advisor: Randy Hall Jodi Godfrey jrgodfr@emory.eduStudentYear Matriculated: 2011Degree / School: BS in Psychology, College of Charleston Advisor: Mar Sanchez / Mark Wilson Research Interest: I am interested in how early life stress can influence adult psychopathology, including anxiety disorders and depression. I am using structural MRI, DTI and resting state fMRI techniques to examine correlates of early life stress exposure in animal models. ![]() Kalynda Gonzales kkgonza@emory.eduStudentYear Matriculated: 2006Degree / School: Biology, University of Massachusetts Advisor: Thomas Wichmann and Yoland Smith Research Interest: I am interested in examining the intrinsic GABAergic microcircuitry that modulates the neuronal activity of striatal cholinergic interneurons in primates by using neuroanatomical and electrophysiological methods. ![]() Lucy Guillory lcguill@emory.eduStudentYear Matriculated: 2007Degree / School: Psychology, University of Georgia Advisor: Charles Nemeroff and Becky Kinkead Research Interest: I am interested in the neurobiology of schizophrenia. Particularly, I am interested in how the neuropeptide neurotensin modulates response to antipsychotic drugs. I am also interested in sex differences in schizophrenia and how the estrous cycle in rats affects dopamine and neurotensin systems. I use knockout of the neurotensin gene and overexpression of neurotensin receptors in rodents to explore the behavioral and neurobiological effects of neurotensin on antipsychotic drug response. ![]() Constance Harrell csharrell@gmail.comStudentYear Matriculated: 2011Degree / School: BA in International Relations, Pomona College Advisor: Gretchen Neigh Research Interest: My project examines the interplay of stress, metabolism, and immune function, specifically, the role of glucose metabolism and insulin signaling in neuropathology. Tom Hennessey tom.hennessey@gmail.comStudentYear Matriculated: 2010Degree / School: Neuroscience and Psychology, Allegheny College Advisor: Donald Rainnie I'm working with a rat model of autism created with prenatal exposure to valproic acid, exploring how epigenetic changes in development can lead to an autistic phenotype. ![]() Lukas Hoffmann lahoffm@emory.eduStudentYear Matriculated: 2010Degree / School: Scientific Computing, University of Pittsburgh Advisor: Sam Sober Research Interest: I am interested in understanding sensorimotor learning and plasticity at behavioral, electrophysiological and computational levels. I am currently studying singing behavior and corresponding neural activity in Bengalese Finches. Their neural circuits drive vocal motor output and are modified by sensorimotor feedback. I use this model system to explore the complex relationships between neural activity (processing), muscular activation (output), sensorimotor feedback (input), and plasticity (reprogramming). Yan Hong yhong31@emory.eduStudentYear Matriculated: 2012Degree / School: BMS in Clinical Medicine Liaoning Medical University, MS in Biology Dalian Medical University ![]() Brittany Howell bcopp@emory.eduStudentYear Matriculated: 2006Degree / School: BS in Neuroscience and BS in Cell and Molecular Biology, Tulane University Advisor: Mar Sanchez Research Interest: My research is focused on determining the effects of infant maltreatment (a form of early life stress) on neurodevelopment and how these alterations are related to psychopathology. We use in vivo imaging techniques to follow structural changes in the brains of rhesus macaques with histories of maternal physical abuse and neglect from birth through adulthood. We combine our measures of brain development with behavioral observations to relate structural changes we find to alterations in social behavior. The ultimate goal is to use this information to development effective preventative therapies and treatments in human victims of maltreatment. ![]() Michael (Qize) Jiang qjiang7@emory.eduStudentYear Matriculated: 2012Degree / School: B.S. in Neuroscience, Furman University ![]() Zack Johnson zjohnso2@gmail.comStudentYear Matriculated: 2009Degree / School: BS in Biology, University of Illinois Advisor: Larry Young Research Interest: I am interested in the evolution of social behavior from genetic and neurobiological perspectives using prairie voles and meadow voles as models. ![]() Laura Jones ljones312@gmail.comStudentYear Matriculated: 2010Degree / School: BS in Biology, Haverford College Advisor: Art English Research Interest: I am interested in finding effective treatments for peripheral nerve injury using optogenetics to simulate exercise as a therapy. Lanikea King lking7@emory.eduStudentYear Matriculated: 2008Degree / School: BA in Cognitive Science, University of Hawaii Advisor: Larry Young Research Interest: I am interested in using genomic analysis to identify genetic variation underlying organizational differences in the brain of the prairie vole. ![]() Kara Kittelberger kittelberger.k@gmail.comStudentYear Matriculated: 2011Degree / School: BS in Behavioral Neuroscience, Northeastern University Advisor: Larry Young Research Interest: My research uses the highly social prairie vole as a model of functional social cognition. By determining ways in which prairie vole social behavior can be enhanced, I aim to identify novel pharmacotherapies useful for the treatment of disorders which impact social functioning, such as Autism Spectrum Disorders. ![]() Jordan Kohn Jordan.n.kohn@emory.eduStudentYear Matriculated: 2011Degree / School: BA in Biology, Reed College Advisor: Mark Wilson Research Interest: I am investigating the effects of social dominance rank on behavior, gene transcription, immune system dynamics, and endocrine function in the rhesus macaque as a model for understanding both chronic and acute human psychosocial stress. I am also interested in neurobiological mediators of social buffering and how complex factors such as life history, genotype, and rank differentially affect these endogenous modulatory systems. ![]() Tyra Lamar tlamar@learnlink.emory.eduStudentYear Matriculated: 2010Degree / School: BA in Physics and Applied Physics, North Carolina Central University Advisor: TBD Damon Lamb dlamb@emory.eduStudentYear Matriculated: 2007Degree / School: BS Mathematics, University of Maryland, College Park; BS Computer Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park; MS Computer Science, University of Chicago Advisor: Ron Calabrese and Rob Butera Research Interest: I am working on motor pattern generation by small neural networks. In particular, I am focusing on the input/output relationship of motor neurons in the heartbeat central pattern generator of Hirudo sp. I am generally interested in pattern formation in biological neural networks, computational modeling, electrophysiology, and information processing. ![]() Kim Lang kim.lang.09@gmail.comStudentYear Matriculated: 2011Degree / School: BS in Neuroscience, Davidson College Research Interest: Currently doing lab rotations ![]() Evan Lebois evan.p.lebois@emory.eduStudentClick To View My Lab WebsiteYear Matriculated: 2011 Degree / School: BS in Biochemistry and BS in Biology, University of Delaware Advisor: Allan Levey and Joe Manns Research Interest: My main research interests are in understanding the molecular mechanisms and pharmacotheraphy of age-related cognitive decline as well as neurodegenerative diseases, specifically, Alzheimer's Disease (AD). In order to do this, I have been heavily involved in drug development and recently developed the first truly subtype-selective M1 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor agonists. Since deletion of M1 function leads to hippocampal memory impairments and exacerbates amyloid AD pathology, these compounds will serve as vital research tools to probe the involvement of cholinergic circuitry in the context of aging and AD at a resolution never before possible. In order to do this my work at Emory focuses on 1) in vivo electrophysiology to record hippocampal neuronal activity of place cells in awake and behaving, aged rats as well as 2) chronic dosing of transgenic AD mice in a prophylactic treatment trial focused on preventing AD onset. ![]() Kelly Lohr klohr@learnlink.emory.eduStudentYear Matriculated: 2010Degree / School: BS in Neuroscience, Dickinson College Advisor: Gary Miller Amy Luce amy.luce@emory.eduStudentYear Matriculated: 2011Degree / School: BA in Psychology, University of Maine Advisor: Gary Miller Research Interest: I am primarily interested in neurodegenerative diseases. My project is focused on the role of the vesicular protein SV2C in dopaminergic cell function, and how SV2C might represent a target for the treatment of Parkinson's disease. ![]() Kathryn MacPherson kpmacpherson@gmail.comStudentYear Matriculated: 2011Degree / School: BS in Neuroscience and Biology, Indiana University Bloomington Advisor: Malu Tansey Research Interest: I am investigating the role of peripheral macrophages and leukocytes in the propagation of neuroinflammatory diseases like Alzheimer's disease. ![]() Teresa Madsen tmadsen@emory.eduStudentYear Matriculated: 2005Degree / School: Neuroscience, Grinnell College Advisor: Donald Rainnie Research Interest: I am investigating the neural substrates of affect and emotional learning, particularly focusing on the role of synchrony and cross-talk between the basolateral amygdala (BLA) and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). My method of choice is multi-electrode recording and stimulation in freely moving rats. ![]() Christopher Makinson cmakins@emory.eduStudentYear Matriculated: 2007Degree / School: Biology, Wake Forest Advisor: Andrew Escayg Research Interest: I am interested in the role of sodium channel mutations in epilepsy, particularly Nav1.6-dependent seizure resistance. Our lab utilizes several techniques such as Cre-Lox systems and EEG to investigate the contribution of voltage-gated sodium channels to the etiology of epilepsy. ![]() Eric Maltbie emaltbi@emory.eduStudentYear Matriculated: 2012Degree / School: B.S. in Environmental Science, UNC-Chapel Hill ![]() Laura Mariani lemaria@emory.eduStudentYear Matriculated: 2008Degree / School: BS in Neuroscience and Biology and MS in Neuroscience, Brandeis University Advisor: Tamara Caspary Research Interest: My research focuses on a ciliary protein called Arl13b. Mutations in Arl13b have been linked to neural tube closure defects and abnormal motor neuron and oligodendrocyte specification. Through in vitro and in vivo studies, I hope to help elucidate the role played by cilia-dependent cell signaling pathways in the developing nervous system. ![]() Abraham Mathai abraham.mathai@emory.eduStudentYear Matriculated: 2008Degree / School: BS in Engineering (Electronics & Telecommunication, University of Pune; MS in Biomedical Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology Advisor: Yoland Smith Research Interest: I am interested in the synaptic microcircuitry of glutamatergic inputs to the sub-thalamic nucleus. ![]() Kenneth McCullough kmccul3@emory.eduStudentYear Matriculated: 2012Degree / School: B.A. in Neuroscience, Lewis and Clark College ![]() Callie McGrath clmcgra@emory.eduStudentYear Matriculated: 2008Degree / School: BS in Biopsychology, Boston College Advisor: Helen Mayberg Research Interest: My main research interest is in multi-modal neuroimaging, including structural and functional combinations of DTI, volumetrics, fMRI and PET as a means of investigating depression. ![]() Jeanne McKeon jmckeon@emory.eduStudentYear Matriculated: 2007Degree / School: Neuroscience, Smith College Advisor: Lian Li Research Interest: Molecular mechanisms of neurodegenerative disease, with a focus on the role of environmental toxicants and oxidative damage to proteins in Parkinson's disease pathogenesis. ![]() Michael McKinnon mlmckin@emory.eduStudentYear Matriculated: 2012Degree / School: BS in Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Tech ![]() Joe Mertz jmertz@emory.eduStudentYear Matriculated: 2009Degree / School: BS in Biology, Cornell University Advisor: Junmin Peng Research Interest: I am interested in molecular mechanisms of neuronal development using a proteomics approach in an Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell model. ![]() Rebecca (Becky) Meyer rcmeyer@emory.eduStudentYear Matriculated: 2007Degree / School: Biology, Creighton University Advisor: Randy Hall Research Interest: I am interested in the modulation of G protein-coupled receptors and signal transduction. Specifically, I'm studying how peptide receptor interactions alter dopamine signaling and the effect this has on the development and progression of Parkinson's disease. ![]() Amielle Moreno amoren3@emory.eduStudentYear Matriculated: 2012Degree / School: BS Psychology and Biology, University of Washington ![]() Filomene Morrison fgmorri@emory.eduStudentYear Matriculated: 2011Degree / School: BS in Neurobiology, University of California, Berkeley Advisor: Kerry Ressler ![]() Ariana Mullin ariana.mullin@gmail.comStudentYear Matriculated: 2009Degree / School: BS in Neuroscience, Trinity College Advisor: Victor Faundez Research Interest: My general research interest is in protein trafficking in neurological disorders. My current research focuses on the dysbindin-containing BLOC-1 complex, and how this complex interacts with the gene products of other schizophrenia susceptibility genes involved in synaptic vesicle trafficking. ![]() Karen Murray kmurra5@emory.eduStudentYear Matriculated: 2008Degree / School: BS in Neuroscience/Biochemistry, Lafayette College Advisor: Mike Owens Research Interest: I am studying the serotonin transporter and effects via its allosteric site. ![]() Leila Myrick lkhooga@emory.eduStudentYear Matriculated: 2008Degree / School: BS in Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology, Emory University Advisor: Steven Warren Research Interest: My work involves the study of novel mutations in the FMR1 gene and their role in the pathogenesis of Fragile X Syndrome (FXS), the most common hereditary cause of intellectual disability. ![]() Christina Nemeth clnemet@emory.eduStudentYear Matriculated: 2008Degree / School: BA in Neuroscience, Hamilton College Advisor: Gretchen Neigh Research Interest: My project examines the relationship between vasculature and behavioral systems, seeking to understand how alterations in cerebral blood supply and metabolism contribute to neuropathology. ![]() David Nicholson nicholdav@gmail.comStudentYear Matriculated: 2010Degree / School: BS in Biology, University of South Florida Advisor: Sam Sober Research Interest: My interests lie in cellular mechanisms of plasticity and neural coding. Donald Noble djnoble@emory.eduStudentYear Matriculated: 2009Degree / School: BS in Neuroscience, UCLA Advisor: Shawn Hochman Research Interest: I recently began an interdisciplinary project investigating the relative efficacy of several different meditation techniques in humans and the basic physiological mechanisms of deep breathing in an animal model. ![]() Yvonne Ogbonmwan yogbonm@emory.eduStudentYear Matriculated: 2008Degree / School: BS in Biology, Georgia State University Advisor: David Weinshenker Research Interest: I am studying how chronic voluntary exercise reduces the incidence of relapse in individuals with a history of substance abuse. However, the mechanism for this phenomenon remains unknown. Chronic voluntary exercise selectively upregulates galanin mRNA (a neuropeptide that inhibits norepinephrine release) in the locus coeruleus. Norepinephrine is a neurotransmitter that is critically involved in mediating the cocaine-primed reinstatement ( an animal model of relapse). Thus, I propose to determine the role of exercise-induced galanin upregulation on cocaine-primed reinstatement and NE release. My research uses intravenous self-administration to analyze rat behavioral responses to cocaine, in situ hybridization and real-time PCR to assess protein galanin mRNA concentrations, and michrodialysis to measure extracellular NE concentrations. ![]() Maylen Perez Diaz mperezd@emory.eduStudentYear Matriculated: 2012Degree / School: B.S. in Biology, UCLA ![]() Melanie Pincus mpincus@gmail.comStudentYear Matriculated: 2011Degree / School: BS in Earth Sciences, Stanford University Research Interest: Currently doing lab rotations ![]() Elizabeth Pitts epitts2@emory.eduStudentYear Matriculated: 2012Degree / School: BS in Psychology, Davidson College ![]() Brian Prall bprall@emory.eduStudentYear Matriculated: 2012Degree / School: BS in Biology, Radford University ![]() Cecilia Prudente cpruden@emory.eduStudentYear Matriculated: 2009Degree / School: BA in Physical Therapy and MS in Rehabilitation Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais - UFMG (Brazil) Advisor: H.A. Jinnah Research Interest: I am interested in the role of the basal ganglia and cerebellum in normal movements and movement disorders. I have a special interest in the mechanisms of dystonia, a movement disorder characterized by involuntary twisting movements and abnormal postures. ![]() Ryan Purcell ryan.purcell@emory.eduStudentYear Matriculated: 2011Degree / School: BA in Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins Research Interest: Currently doing lab rotations ![]() Nisha Raj nisharaj88@gmail.comStudentYear Matriculated: 2011Degree / School: BA in Psychology and Neuroscience, Boston University Research Interest: Currently doing lab rotations ![]() Kathy Reding kreding@emory.eduStudentYear Matriculated: 2009Degree / School: MSc in Evolutionary Psychology, University of Liverpool, UK (2008); BS in Neuroscience, The College of William & Mary, Virginia (2004) Advisor: James Rilling and Mark Wilson Research Interest: I am interested in understanding the proximate mechanisms that guide female social behavior in both humans and rhesus macaques, with a focus on the role of estradiol and its interaction with the oxytocin pathway to modulate psychosocial stress. My current research includes experimental techniques in both fMRI and PET neuroimaging. ![]() Samuel Rose samueljosephrose@gmail.comStudentYear Matriculated: 2010Degree / School: BS in Biology, University of Georgia Advisor: Ellen Hess Research Interest: Currently doing lab rotations Travis Rotterman trotter@emory.eduStudentYear Matriculated: 2012Degree / School: BS in Biology, Wright State University Advisor: Francisco Alvarez Research Interest: I'm interested in studying the alterations in spinal cord circuitry following peripheral nerve injury. ![]() Steven Ryan sryan2@emory.eduStudentYear Matriculated: 2007Degree / School: Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology Advisor: Donald Rainnie Research Interest: I currently study the development of emotional processing in the amygdala, with a focus on how perturbations in normal development may contribute to the symptomology of Autism Spectrum Disorders. In the future, I would like to study the detailed mechanisms by which neural networks encode, process, and transmit information. ![]() Kristen Weiss Sanders Kristen.sanders@emory.eduStudentYear Matriculated: 2010Degree / School: BS in Integrated Neuroscience, SUNY Binghamton Advisor: Arthur English Research Interest: Exercise plays an important role in recovery from peripheral nerve injuries. To investigate the role of neuronal activity in axon regrowth and recovery of behavioral motor function, I will express and activate inhibitory DREADDs (Designer Receptors Exclusively Activated by Designer Drugs) to silence injured neurons chronically or during exercise. Nikki Sawyer nsawye2@emory.eduStudentYear Matriculated: 2007Degree / School: BS in Biology with a Chemistry minor, Clayton State University Advisor: Andrew Escayg Research Interest: I am interested in examining the relationship between stress and epilepsy in a genetic mouse model of epilepsy. In particular, I am focusing on the contribution of voltage-gated sodium channels to normal HPA axis function, as well as the effects of acute stress and early life stress on seizure outcome in voltage-gated sodium channel mutants. Karl Schmidt karl.t.schmidt@gmail.comStudentYear Matriculated: 2010Degree / School: Psychology, Davidson College Advisor: David Weinshenker Research Interest: I am interested in the behavioral pharmacology of drugs of abuse, specifically cocaine, and the neurobiology of potential relapse interventions. Katy Shepard knshepa@emory.eduStudentYear Matriculated: 2008Degree / School: BA in Psychology, Ithaca College Advisor: Robert Liu Research Interest: I am interested in the neuromodulation of experience-dependent plasticity in the auditory system, particularly within a social context. ![]() Drew Solyst DrewSolyst@gmail.comStudentYear Matriculated: 2009Degree / School: BS in Psychology, St. Mary's College of Maryland Advisor: Beth Buffalo Research Interest: My research examines the effects of oxytocin on social attention and memory in rhesus macaques using infrared eye-tracking. I am also investigating the representation of space during virtual navigation. ![]() Iris Speigel iris.speigel@gmail.comStudentYear Matriculated: 2010Degree / School: BS in Cell Biology, University of Maryland College Park Advisor: Shawn Hochman Ashley Sullivan ajsulli@emory.eduStudentYear Matriculated: 2012Degree / School: BS in Mathematics, Spelman College. MS in Applied Mathematics, University of Nebraska-Lincoln ![]() Andrew Swanson andrew.swanson@emory.eduStudentYear Matriculated: 2010Degree / School: BS in Biological Science, Georgia State University Advisor: Shannon Gourley Ahmad Sylvester asylves@emory.eduStudentYear Matriculated: 2005Degree / School: Psychology, SUNY, Buffalo Advisor: Allan Levey Research Interest: My lab researches various neurodegenerative disorders. We were the first to observe a relationship between LR11 protein and Alzheimer's disease (AD). Specifically, LR11 appears to negatively regulate production of the amyloid beta peptide - thought to be the key toxic agent in AD. My research is expanding upon this work by attempting to determine whether a relationship exists between LR11 and other pathological changes seen in AD. ![]() Kristen Thomas ktthoma@emory.eduStudentYear Matriculated: 2011Degree / School: BS in Biochemistry, Texas A&M University Research Interest: Currently doing lab rotations ![]() Kevin Watkins kevinewatkins@gmail.comStudentYear Matriculated: 2011Degree / School: BA in Environmental and Evolutionary Biology, Dartmouth College Advisor: Shawn Hochman Research Interest: Broadly, I am interested in Evolutionary Social Neuroscience. In the Hochman lab, I am investigating a subset of c-fiber low-threshold mechanoreceptors that respond specifically to affiliative social touch, the C-tactile (CT) afferents. I aim to elucidate the mechanisms through which social touch confers fitness and wellness benefits such as decreasing stress reactivity, modulating pain, and solidifying social bonds. ![]() Ting Zhao tzhao5@emory.eduStudentYear Matriculated: 2011Degree / School: BS in Clinical Medicine, MS in Biochemistry, Dalian Medical University, China Research Interest: Currently doing lab rotations Kelsey Zimmerman kszimme@learnlink.emory.eduStudentYear Matriculated: 2010Degree / School: BS in Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology, Emory University Advisor: Kerry Ressler and Shannon Gourley Research Interest: I study the functional similarities and differences in the acquisition and extinction of fearful and appetitive behaviors, specifically by exploring plasticity in the amygdala and the prefrontal cortex. |
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