Rachael Stewart Allen restewa@emory.edu

Student

I am interested in developing models of retinal and neuropathic injuries to determine what neuroprotective strategies might be most appropriate.

Amy Anderson-Zose akande2@emory.edu

Student

My three main areas of interest are 1) exploring cognition with fMRI 2) brain development in children and 3) familial transmission of affective disorders. My thesis research which began in Dr. Clint Kilts' lab allowed me to combine these three areas in a unique collaboration with the Women's Mental Health Program at Emory (WMHP) and the Child and Adolescent Mood Program at Emory (CAMP). Generally, I am interested in social cognition, reward processing, and executive functioning in the brain and how these processes change as the brain matures. I am also interested in the functional and anatomical brain changes that occur with the onset of depression and anxiety disorders and the effects of prenatal exposure to depression, stress, and antidepressants on brain development.

Santiago Archila santiago.archila@emory.edu

Student

The role of homeostatic synaptic plasticity in regulating neuronal network activity.

Harry Aung kyawhein@gmail.com

Student

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.edu

Student

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.edu

Student

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.com

Student

Currently doing lab rotations

James Bogenpohl jbogenp@emory.edu

Student

Examining new pharmacological treatments for Parkinson's Disease involving metabotropic glutamate receptors and A2A adenosine receptors.

Mallory Bowers mallorybowers@gmail.com

Student

I am interested in the plastic changes occurring at the level of the amygdala that underlie the extinction of cued fear.

Andrew Brooks abrook6@emory.edu

Student

I am using fMRI along with economic paradigms to understand how and why humans make the decisions that they do.

Terrell Brotherton tbrothe@emory.edu

Student

I am interested in protein misfolding in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The most common known mutations associated with ALS are found in the gene encoding superoxide dismutase 1 - a ubiquitous cytosolic protein. Despite the ubiquitous nature of this protein, motor neurons are selectively affected in disease, prompting the hypothesis that there is something specific in the motor neuron environment allowing for SOD1 toxicity. I am interested in discovering how the SOD1 protein in motor neurons differs from protein found in other neurons, specifically sensory neurons.

Katherine Bryant KatherineLBryant@gmail.com

Student

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.com

Student

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.

Catie Capello ccapell@emory.edu

Student

I am studying the epigenetics changes associated with prenatal exposure to stress and antidepressants.

Amanda Caster acaster@emory.edu

Student

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.com

Student

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.edu

Student

I am interested in using neuroprotective agents and stem cell transplantation in the treatment of ischemic stroke.

Ching-Chieh (Ian) Chou numen1104.chou@gmail.com

Student

Currently doing lab rotations

Amarallys Cintron afcintr@emory.edu

Student

Debra Cooper debra.cooper@emory.edu

Student

My interests are in the neurobiology of drugs of abuse. Specifically, I am studying how pharmacotherapies that modulate norepinephrine and dopamine levels affect cocaine-induced behavior and neurochemistry. To study this, I?m using cocaine self-administration techniques and in vivo microdialysis.

Daniel Curry benno.dc@gmail.com

Student

Currently doing lab rotations

Lauren DeBrouse ldebrou@emory.edu

Student

Currently doing lab rotations

Sarah DeWitt sarah.dewitt5@gmail.com

Student

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.edu

Student

Charity Duran cduran@emory.edu

Student

I am interested in studying the role of ion channels in cell physiology. Chloride channels are critical for numerous physiology processes including fluid and salt secretion, sensory transduction, pH regulation, and neuronal excitability. Chloride channel defects result in a variety of diseases including cystic fibrosis, deafness, and neurodegenerative diseases. Understanding the physiological roles of chloride channels and their regulation is key to developing disease therapies. I am currently studying calcium-activated chloride channels.

David Ehrlich ehrlichde@gmail.com

Student

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.

Alisha Epps sepps@emory.edu

Student

I am interested in the co-morbidity of depression and epilepsy. My research utilizes several lines of rats that have been selectively bred for susceptibility or resistance to a depression-like phenotype on the forced swim test. These rat lines are also differentially susceptible to seizures; I will use the kindling model of epileptogenesis to expand our understanding of this difference. I am also analyzing the genetic basis of this co-morbidity by microarray to identify genes that are differentially expressed between rat lines. I will then confirm these expression differences using RT-PCR and assess differences in protein levels using Western blotting. Remaining candidate genes with existing drugs targeting these protein products will be tested in drug screens for efficacy in treating co-morbid epilepsy and depression in our rat model.

Paul Evans pevansj@learnlink.emory.edu

Student

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.edu

Student

I am interested in cytoskeletal control of synaptic development and plasticity in hippocampal neurons.

Kevin Fomalont fomalontk@gmail.com

Student

I am interested in how behavioral stress, the immune system, and the endocrine system conspire in the development of mental illness.

Ming-fai Fong ming-fai.fong@emory.edu

Student

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.edu

Student

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.edu

Student

Jodi Godfrey jrgodfr@emory.edu

Student

Currently doing lab rotations

Kalynda Gonzales kkgonza@emory.edu

Student

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.edu

Student

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.com

Student

My project examines the interplay of stress, metabolism, and immune function, specifically, the role of glucose metabolism and insulin signaling in neuropathology.

Erin Hecht ehecht@emory.edu

Student

I am interested how the brain evolved to support complex social cognitive behavioral abilities like action understanding, imitation, and empathy. I use diffusion tensor imaging, PET functional neuroimaging, and behavioral tasks to study the neural correlates of these abilities in rhesus macaques, chimpanzees, and humans.

Tom Hennessey tom.hennessey@gmail.com

Student

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.edu

Student

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).

Brittany Howell bcopp@emory.edu

Student

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.

Zack Johnson zjohnso2@gmail.com

Student

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.com

Student

I am interested in finding effective treatments for peripheral nerve injury using optogenetics to simulate exercise as a therapy.

Lanikea King lking7@emory.edu

Student

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.com

Student

Currently doing lab rotations

Jordan Kohn Jordan.n.kohn@emory.edu

Student

Currently doing lab rotations

Tyra Lamar tlamar@learnlink.emory.edu

Student

Damon Lamb dlamb@emory.edu

Student

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.com

Student

Currently doing lab rotations

Evan Lebois evan.p.lebois@emory.edu

Student

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.

Sammy Lee mhlee4@LearnLink.Emory.Edu

Student

I'm interested in investigating the pathogenesis of neurological diseases at the molecular and cellular levels, specifically by characterizing the biochemical properties and functions of proteins implicated in these diseases as well as the molecular and cellular consequences of genetic mutations in these proteins.

Kelly Lohr klohr@learnlink.emory.edu

Student

Amy Luce amy.luce@emory.edu

Student

Currently doing lab rotations

Kathryn MacPherson kpmacpherson@gmail.com

Student

Currently doing lab rotations

Teresa Madsen tmadsen@emory.edu

Student

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.edu

Student

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.

Laura Mariani lemaria@emory.edu

Student

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.edu

Student

I am interested in the synaptic microcircuitry of glutamatergic inputs to the sub-thalamic nucleus.

Callie McGrath clmcgra@emory.edu

Student

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.edu

Student

Molecular mechanisms of neurodegenerative disease, with a focus on the role of environmental toxicants and oxidative damage to proteins in Parkinson's disease pathogenesis.

Joe Mertz jmertz@emory.edu

Student

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.edu

Student

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.

Osama Mohamad omohama@emory.edu

Student

I am interested in the use of stem cells in the treatment of stroke.

Filomene Morrison fgmorri@emory.edu

Student

Currently doing lab rotations

Ariana Mullin ariana.mullin@gmail.com

Student

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.edu

Student

I am studying the serotonin transporter and effects via its allosteric site.

Leila Myrick lkhooga@emory.edu

Student

I am interested in using new techniques in genetics to determine how Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein (FMRP) regulates RNA translation in the pathogenesis of Fragile X syndrome.

Christina Nemeth clnemet@emory.edu

Student

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.com

Student

My interests lie in cellular mechanisms of plasticity and neural coding.

Donald Noble djnoble@emory.edu

Student

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.edu

Student

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.

Melanie Pincus mpincus@gmail.com

Student

Currently doing lab rotations

Elaine Pranski epransk@emory.edu

Student

The molecular mechanisms behind the pathology and pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. Specifically, I am investigating a novel protein, RNF11, and the role it plays in Parkinson's disease pathogenesis.

Cecilia Prudente cpruden@emory.edu

Student

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.edu

Student

Currently doing lab rotations

Nisha Raj nisharaj88@gmail.com

Student

Currently doing lab rotations

Kathy Reding kreding@emory.edu

Student

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.

Stefanie Ritter slritte@emory.edu

Student

I study how scaffolding proteins regulate the signaling and traffic of metabotropic glutamate receptors in a cell context-dependent fashion. These receptors are novel targets for the treatment of schizophrenia and need to be better characterized in order to develop drugs with reduced side effects. By understanding how metabotropic glutamate receptors function in a more native cellular context, such as in cortical astrocytes, I aim to better characterize their physiological function.

Samuel Rose samueljosephrose@gmail.com

Student

Currently doing lab rotations

Steven Ryan sryan2@emory.edu

Student

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.edu

Student

I am interested in translational neuroscience, particularly the process of designing and conducting studies that can be efficiently moved from the lab to the clinic. I am currently working in primary dorsal root ganglion (DRG) cell culture to determine which adeno-associated virus (AAV) serotypes that best transduce nociceptors, as well as investigating methods to optimize viral delivery to sensory neurons. I am also working with HSV-based viral vectors to selectively deliver transgenes to the soma of primary sensory neurons, which results in disrupted synaptic transmission between nociceptors and primary afferents. Gene-based neuromodulation at this synapse has been effectively applied to various types of pain transmitted via the spinal cord dorsal horn. I plan to apply these vectors in rodent models of craniofacial pain, targeting sensory neurons in the trigeminal ganglia instead of the spinal cord DRG.

Nikki Sawyer nsawye2@emory.edu

Student

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.com

Student

I am interested in the behavioral pharmacology of drugs of abuse, specifically cocaine, and the neurobiology of potential relapse interventions.

Katy Shepard knshepa@emory.edu

Student

I am interested in using neuroethological methods to study the effects of sex hormones on social behavior and animal communication.

Drew Solyst DrewSolyst@gmail.com

Student

I am interested in the proximate neural mechanisms by which individuals living in complex social groups encode and subsequently recognize social signals emitted by their conspecific group members. Specifically, I plan to measure the activity of single neurons and the local field potential in the monkey hippocampus and amygdala simultaneously in response to images of faces and non-social stimuli while recording the point of gaze using infrared eye tracking. This affords the opportunity to study social cognition and memory in an ethologically relevant context, as well as test the effects of exogenous oxytocin on these processes. This research may have implications for people with autism, who are impaired in these faculties and show improvement following administration of intranasal oxytocin.

Iris Speigel iris.speigel@gmail.com

Student

Sharon Swanger sswange@emory.edu

Student

I am interested in the molecular mechanisms regulating dendritic protein synthesis and synaptic plasticity.

Andrew Swanson andrew.swanson@emory.edu

Student

Ahmad Sylvester asylves@emory.edu

Student

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.edu

Student

Currently doing lab rotations

Kevin Watkins kevinewatkins@gmail.com

Student

Currently doing lab rotations

Brandi Whatley bwhatle@emory.edu

Student

I am interested in the role of ubiquitination in neurodegenerative disease. I am currently investigating new interactors of a novel E3 ligase that may play a role in Parkinson's disease.

Ting Zhao tzhao5@emory.edu

Student

Currently doing lab rotations

Kelsey Zimmerman kszimme@learnlink.emory.edu

Student

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.