Paul Colombo

Paul Colombo is an Associate Professor and Louise and Leonard Riggio Professor in Social Entrepreneurship at Tulane University's School of Science & Engineering. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of California, Berkeley (1994). His research focuses on neuroplasticity induced by musical training, particularly its effects on executive functions, stress reactivity, and age-related cognitive decline. Collaborations with organizations like The Roots of Music and Make Music NOLA explore music-based mentoring's impact on cognitive and social development. Key areas include neural oscillations, memory systems, and the role of CREB signaling in learning and aging. Colombo teaches courses on biological psychology, music and the brain, and brain-behavior relationships.

His work integrates behavioral, molecular, and neuroimaging techniques. Recent studies highlight interactions between hippocampal and striatal systems, with findings published in Frontiers in Psychology and Neurobiology of Learning and Memory. Despite no explicit awards listed, his endowed chair underscores scholarly recognition. Colombo’s lab investigates interventions to mitigate cognitive aging and promotes interdisciplinary approaches to neuroscience education.