Gnedeva, Ksenia
Our perception of the environment relies on specialized cellular receptors residing in epithelial sensory organs. While olfactory and gustatory receptor cells are naturally reproduced throughout life in order to sustain the senses of smell and taste, age-related degeneration of retinal, auditory, and vestibular sensory organs is largely irreversible in humans. In the Gnedeva laboratory, we interrogate how molecular signaling and tissue mechanics control embryonic sensory organ growth and how the developmental programs of self-renewal and differentiation can be re-initiated in the mammalian inner ear after damage. Although the focus of our research is on hearing and balance restoration, our lab has broader interest in the common mechanisms that suppress regeneration in specialized sensory tissues.
Hahn, Joel
Associate Professor (Research) of Biological Sciences
The overall goal / objective of my research is to increase scientific understanding of the fundamental structure/function relations of the nervous system. Using a variety of research methods, I have investigated neural circuits relating to specific functions (for example, neuroendocrine control of reproduction, eating, and agonistic behaviors), as well as high-level global network organization of the brain. My current research is geared mostly to developing and investigating nervous system network models, and to building tools and resources for systems neuroscience, and more recently for comparing neuroanatomical ontologies within and between species, to simplify and enable more accurate interpretation and communication of neuroscience data.
Hires, Samuel Andrew
Associate Professor of Biological Sciences
The Hires lab is investigating the basis of biological intelligence. Over the past decade we developed numerous imaging tools to record large-scale patterns of neural activity that are used by thousands of neuroscience labs. These have resulted in hundreds of publicly available datasets embedded with rich representations of neural activity. We are now developing analytical tools, using recent AI developments, to ultimately distill undiscovered principles of biological intelligence from these datasets.
Humayun, Mark
Professor of Ophthalmology, Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine and Biomedical Engineering
Retinal research to restore vision using bioelectronics and stem cells
Ichida, Justin
Associate Professor of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine
We are interested in understanding mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental diseases. We also aim to develop new therapeutic strategies for these disorders.
Jakowec, Michael
Professor of Clinical Pharmacy (Teaching)
The primary focus of research in Dr. Jakowec’s laboratory is to better understand the underlying molecular mechanisms involved in neuroplasticity in the injured brain with the emphasis on the basal ganglia and prefrontal cortex, regions of the brain responsible for motor and cognitive behaviors.The overarching goal is to find improved therapeutic approaches for brain disorders especially Parkinson’s disease and drug addiction. For the past 20 years the laboratory has examined the effects of exercise on promoting neuroplasticity, particularly synaptogenesis in animal models of Parkinson’s disease. In addition to non-pharmacological approaches to promote brain repair, ongoing studies are using an experimental therapeutics approach to explore pharmacological interventions to determine if novel drugs can serve as a means to enhance brain repair, especially in the context of exercise. Recent studies have focused on the mechanisms by which astrocytes support neuronal function as well as mechanisms by which boosting mitochondrial integrity can promote improved functional connectivity and restoration of motor and cognitive behaviors.
