Find Academic Supervisors

• Translational Neuroscience of Ageing
• Alzheimer's Disease
• Cognitive Neuroscience of Learning and Memory
• +6 more

Christian Doeller is a Professor of Medicine (Neuroscience) at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), leading research at the Kavli Institute for Systems Neuroscience . He also serves as Managing Director of the Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences and Professor of Psychology (Learning and Memory) at Leipzig University , Germany. Specializes in translational neuroscience of ageing and Alzheimer's disease Focuses on cognitive neuroscience of learning and memory Key projects: Jebsen Centre for Alzheimer's Disease, Helse Midt-Norge, and ERC-CoG project GEOCOG His recent research explores hippocampal-entorhinal cognitive maps, spatial navigation, and memory reconfiguration across abstract and Euclidean spaces. Collaborations span NTNU, Max Planck Institute, and Leipzig University. Notable article trends include human cognitive neuroscience applications, neuroimaging techniques (DTI-fMRI, eye tracking), and neural coding in memory systems. Themes like stress effects on memory and cortical motor system interactions with cognitive maps are recurrent. Christian Doeller's team investigates brain mapping and neurodegenerative diseases, leveraging advanced neuroimaging and computational models. His work bridges basic neuroscience with clinical applications in Alzheimer's research.

Donald J. BolgerView profile

Associate Professor

• Reading Acquisition
• Language Processing
• Neurocognitive Development
• +7 more

Donald J. Bolger serves as Associate Professor in the Department of Human Development and Quantitative Methodology within the College of Education at the University of Maryland, with additional affiliation to the Brain and Behavior Institute. His research integrates cognitive, neurobiological, and educational perspectives to investigate learning mechanisms and disorders. Dr. Bolger received his Ph.D. in Cognitive Psychology from the University of Pittsburgh and completed postdoctoral training in Neuroscience at Northwestern University, establishing his foundation in multimodal neuroimaging approaches. His primary research examines the neurocognitive substrates of reading acquisition and impairment across writing systems (English, Chinese, Korean), emphasizing how biological factors interact with environmental input to influence learning outcomes. Additional investigations explore executive function, working memory in ADHD, and emotional language processing in autism spectrum disorder. Methodologically, he combines fMRI, ERP, MEG, and behavioral paradigms in school-based and laboratory settings to translate basic findings into educational interventions. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications (2024-2019) reveals consistent focus on semantic processing mechanisms, cross-linguistic reading development, and neural plasticity through cognitive training. Key trends include ERP component analysis for language comprehension, visual word form area adaptations across writing systems, and emotional modulation of cognitive control in clinical populations—demonstrating his commitment to bridging neuroscience and educational practice. No specific scientific awards or major honors were documented in the provided materials. As faculty member, Dr. Bolger mentors graduate students in the Department of Human Development and Quantitative Methodology. His research has received institutional support including MPower seed grants for neuroscience and aging initiatives, though specific grant awards were not detailed. His school-based collaborations focus on developing evidence-based reading interventions for diverse learners. He directs the Laboratory for the Neural Bases of Reading and Language (LNRL), which maintains active partnerships with the Brain and Behavior Institute. The LNRL conducts cutting-edge research on reading development and disorders using combined neuroimaging and behavioral methodologies, with recent projects spanning multiple languages and clinical populations to address fundamental questions about learning mechanisms.

Traute DemirakcaView profile

Researcher

• Neuroimaging
• Psychiatry
• Clinical Neuroscience
• +3 more

Dr. Traute Demirakca serves as a Researcher in the Neuroimaging Department at the Central Institute of Mental Health, Mannheim (ZI), where she investigates brain structure and function in psychiatric disorders using advanced neuroimaging methodologies. Her work bridges clinical psychiatry and neuroscience to develop biomarkers for mental health conditions. Her research focuses on neuroimaging correlates of psychiatric disorders , particularly depression, borderline personality disorder (BPD), and ADHD. Key areas include electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) effects on brain structure, neurotransmitter systems (glutamate/GABA) in impulse control disorders, and genetic influences on brain aging. She employs multimodal techniques including structural MRI, fMRI, and metabolite spectroscopy to map neural mechanisms underlying mental illness. Analysis of her publications reveals consistent investigation of brain plasticity in depression treatment and neurochemical substrates of impulsivity . Her work demonstrates how ECT induces structural brain changes independent of clinical improvement, while her BPD/ADHD research links anterior cingulate cortex neurochemistry to behavioral phenotypes. Methodologically, she advances fMRI analysis techniques for emotion processing studies. Dr. Demirakca collaborates extensively across German psychiatric research networks, frequently partnering with investigators from Heidelberg University and other ZI research groups. Her work appears in high-impact journals including Biological Psychiatry , Neuropsychopharmacology , and Brain Stimulation , demonstrating rigorous translational research from basic neuroscience to clinical applications.

Mark BuckleyView profile

Professor

• Cognitive Neuroscience
• Behavioral Neuroscience
• Memory Systems
• +4 more

Professor Mark Buckley is a leading researcher in Behavioural and Cognitive Neuroscience at Oxford University, affiliated with the Department of Experimental Psychology and Queen’s College. He also holds visiting positions at Tohoku University Brain Science Centre and RIKEN Brain Science Institute in Japan. Education: D.Phil. in Experimental Psychology from Oxford University His research focuses on understanding how interconnected neural systems in the brain underpin learning, memory, and decision-making, with a particular emphasis on the prefrontal cortex and temporal lobes. His work bridges basic neuroscience with applications in dementia, amnesia, and psychiatric disorders. Recent publications highlight his exploration of neural dynamics in problem-solving, executive control fluctuations, and frontopolar cortex functions. His studies employ neuropsychological, neurophysiological, and neuroimaging techniques across normal and lesioned brain models. Scientific Awards: Medical Research Council Research Training Fellowship Royal Society University Research Fellowship Buckley teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in psychobiology, behavioral neuroscience, and memory neurobiology. He oversees research projects and dissertations, fostering advanced study in cognitive processes. His laboratory is funded by the Medical Research Council (MRC), Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), and Wellcome Trust, reflecting the significance of his work in cognitive neuroscience.

Aime T. FrancoView profile

Assistant Professor

• Molecular biology
• Genetics
• Thyroid cancer
• +5 more

Aime T. Franco, PhD, serves as an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at the Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, and as an Investigator at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). She directs the newly established Pediatric Thyroid Cancer Translational Research Laboratory and holds affiliations with CHOP's Pediatric Thyroid Center and Endocrinology and Diabetes team, focusing on bridging clinical care with molecular research in pediatric thyroid disorders. Her educational foundation includes a PhD in Cancer Biology from Vanderbilt University, an MS in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Connecticut, and a Postdoctoral Fellowship in Genetics of Thyroid Cancer at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. These credentials underpin her expertise in cancer mechanisms and translational applications. Dr. Franco's research program centers on the molecular biology and genetics of thyroid cancer, with particular emphasis on tumor microenvironment dynamics, genetic drivers like BRAF and HRAS mutations, and Helicobacter pylori-related carcinogenesis. Her work extends to improving quality of life and survivorship outcomes for thyroid cancer patients through mechanistic studies of metastasis, immune suppression, and cellular plasticity. This dual focus on basic molecular pathways and patient-centered outcomes defines her translational approach. Analysis of her 15 most recent publications reveals consistent investigation into thyroid cancer progression mechanisms, with significant contributions to understanding fibroblast-mediated collagen remodeling, lymph node structural alterations preceding metastasis, and platelet roles in cancer biology. Her work spans from nanoscale cellular imaging to clinical surgical applications, demonstrating methodological breadth while maintaining disease-specific focus. Her scientific recognition includes 13 major awards such as the American Cancer Society Leadership Summit participation, Endocrine Society Outstanding Abstract Award, NIH National Research Service Award, and multiple first-place presentation honors at Vanderbilt University. These reflect sustained excellence from graduate training through her independent career. As an active journal reviewer for over 15 publications including Cancer Research and Endocrinology, Dr. Franco contributes significantly to scholarly discourse. While specific student mentorship details aren't publicly documented, her leadership roles in the American Thyroid Association's Pediatric Thyroid Cancer Guideline Task Force and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Taskforce indicate substantial professional service. Her laboratory at CHOP functions as an integrated research hub connecting molecular discoveries with clinical applications for pediatric thyroid cancer patients.

• Bacterial Pathogenesis
• Immunology
• Host-Pathogen Interactions
• +7 more

Adrianus (Ando) Van Der Velden is an Associate Professor in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at Stony Brook University. He is affiliated with the Center for Infectious Diseases and maintains an active research laboratory focused on host-pathogen interactions, particularly with Salmonella . His work integrates immunology, microbiology, and host defense mechanisms to understand infectious disease processes. Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stony Brook University Center for Infectious Diseases 240 Centers for Molecular Medicine, Stony Brook, NY Dr. Van Der Velden earned his Ph.D. in Molecular Microbiology and Immunology from Oregon Health and Science University in 2000. He completed postdoctoral training with Dr. Michael Starnbach at Harvard Medical School before joining Stony Brook University as an Assistant Professor (tenure-track) in 2008. He was promoted to Associate Professor with tenure in 2015. Dr. Van Der Velden's research primarily focuses on host interactions with Salmonella , with emphasis on immunological aspects of infection. His laboratory investigates two major thematic areas: the role of inflammatory monocytes in immunity and host defense against Salmonella , and the mechanisms by which Salmonella inhibits T cell responses. His work has revealed how Salmonella exploits inflammatory monocytes to promote its expansion in the inflamed intestine through nitrate-dependent mechanisms, and how bacterial asparagine hydrolase inhibits T cell responses by causing asparagine deprivation. His research provides critical insights into the complex interplay between pathogens, host immune responses, and gut microbiota. Analysis of Dr. Van Der Velden's recent publications reveals a consistent focus on Salmonella pathogenesis and host immune responses, with particular emphasis on monocyte function, T cell suppression mechanisms, and nutritional immunity. His work spans from basic molecular mechanisms of bacterial virulence to translational aspects of infection control. Recent publications increasingly incorporate broader immunological concepts, including connections to cancer immunology and mucosal immunity. The research demonstrates sophisticated integration of in vivo infection models with detailed cellular and molecular immunological approaches. Dr. Van Der Velden actively mentors graduate students and has hosted rotation students in his laboratory. While specific grant information isn't detailed in the provided text, his sustained research output suggests successful grant funding from agencies supporting infectious disease and immunology research. His laboratory appears to maintain collaborations across multiple institutions, as evidenced by co-authorship patterns in his publications. The Van Der Velden laboratory is situated within Stony Brook University's research infrastructure, with facilities in the Centers for Molecular Medicine. His work appears to integrate with Stony Brook's broader infectious disease research community through the Center for Infectious Diseases. The laboratory maintains active research programs investigating host-pathogen interactions using sophisticated murine infection models and advanced immunological techniques.

Shin Jung KangView profile

Professor

• Neuroscience
• Molecular Biology
• Neural Stem Cell Biology
• +3 more

Shin Jung Kang is a Professor in the Department of Molecular Biology at Sejong University, Seoul, Korea. She received her B.S. and M.S. in Molecular Biology from Seoul National University and completed her Ph.D. in Neurobiology at Harvard University in 2001. After a postdoctoral fellowship at Harvard Medical School (2001-2003), she joined Sejong University in 2003 where she has advanced to full Professor. Her research focuses on neural stem cell regulation , mechanisms of cell death and differentiation , and protein regulation in neural physiology . Key research areas include: Regulation mechanisms of neural stem cell survival and differentiation Regulation mechanisms of tumor suppressors Functions of PARP-1 in neural stem cell physiology Protein stability regulation of HIPK2 Neurodegenerative disease mechanisms Analysis of her recent publications (2016-2025) reveals a strong focus on neural circuitry , particularly amygdala function in fear memory, and molecular mechanisms involving PARP-1, HIPK2, and HCN channels. Her work bridges basic molecular mechanisms with behavioral neuroscience and neurodegenerative disease models. Her scientific achievements include: Identification of novel functions of PARP-1 in neural stem cell physiology and tumor suppression Elucidation of HCN channel roles in fear memory formation Characterization of HIPK2 regulation mechanisms involving TRAF2, p300, and SIRT1 Development of neurodegenerative disease models for Parkinson's disease and ALS Professor Kang maintains an active research laboratory focused on cell physiology, with ongoing work examining the molecular mechanisms of neural stem cell differentiation and neurodegenerative processes.

Robert J. KittelView profile

Professor

• Molecular mechanisms of neuronal communication
• Synaptic plasticity
• Active zone physiology
• +6 more

Professor Robert J. Kittel is a leading neuroscientist at the University of Leipzig, holding the Chair of Animal and Behavioral Physiology within the Institute of Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences. His research program investigates molecular mechanisms of neuronal communication with a particular focus on the presynaptic active zone. He leads an active research group employing neuro- and optogenetic approaches, electrophysiology, behavioral analyses, and high-resolution light microscopy in Drosophila melanogaster models. Dr. Kittel's research interests center on synaptic plasticity, sensory physiology, and neuronal circuits in the context of adaptive behavior. His work spans three main areas: Plasticity (how active zone physiology is modified by activity-induced plasticity in behaving animals), Pathology (investigating nociception and therapeutic potential of receptors like Latrophilin/CIRL), and Evolution (exploring active zone properties across species to identify conserved features versus specializations). His team has made significant contributions to understanding molecular dynamics at single synapse resolution and neurotransmission in intact organisms. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong focus on connectomics, synaptic plasticity mechanisms, and molecular neuroscience. His work frequently appears in high-impact journals including Nature , with notable contributions to the fruit fly connectome project. The research demonstrates consistent integration of advanced imaging techniques with behavioral analysis to understand neural circuit function. Emmy Noether Fellowship Principal Investigator for DFG-funded Research Training Group NeuroTune Member of Clinical Research Unit KFO 5001 Co-leader of second funding phase for orthodontic research project 'ResolvePain' Professor Kittel actively mentors PhD and Master's students, with numerous alumni including Daniel Bidell, Kim Borstel, and Sven Dannhäuser. His research is supported by multiple DFG grants, including the NeuroTune Graduate School and the Priority Program SPP 2205 'Evolutionary Optimization of Neural Processing'. His laboratory collaborates extensively with clinical colleagues like Heike Rittner and Tobias Langenhan, bridging basic neuroscience with translational applications. The Kittel Lab maintains strong connections with the Pauls Lab and Selcho Lab, forming an integrated neuroscience research community at the University of Leipzig. The team has recently contributed to the publication of the fruit fly connectome in Nature and continues to investigate molecular mechanisms of active zone plasticity in the context of neuronal information coding and memory formation.

Dennis PaulsView profile

Research Professor

• Neurobiology
• Behavioral Physiology
• Memory Mechanisms
• +6 more

Dennis Pauls is a Research Professor in the Department of Animal and Behavioral Physiology at the Institute of Biology, University of Leipzig. He leads his own research group (PAULS LAB) focusing on neurobiological mechanisms underlying behavior, memory formation, and decision-making processes, primarily using Drosophila as a model organism. His work bridges molecular neuroscience, behavioral physiology, and systems neuroscience to understand fundamental neural processes. Dr. Pauls completed his biology studies (Diplom) at the University of Gießen and University of Würzburg (2001-2006), followed by a PhD (Dr. rer. nat.) at the University of Fribourg, Switzerland (2006-2010). He conducted postdoctoral research at the University of Marburg (2010-2011) before becoming a scientific staff member and later group leader at the Theodor-Boveri Institute, University of Würzburg (2011-2019). Since July 2019, he has been a group leader at the University of Leipzig, and completed his Habilitation (Dr. rer. nat. habil, PD) in December 2020. His research focuses on two primary areas: (1) the integration of time in memories, investigating how essential information is encoded as lasting physical changes through synaptic plasticity, and (2) the neurometabolic mechanisms underlying poor food decisions, exploring how animals overcome innate aversions to potentially harmful foods under hunger conditions. His laboratory employs neuro- and optogenetic approaches, electrophysiology, behavioral analyses, and high-resolution light microscopy to address these questions. Analysis of Dr. Pauls' recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on octopamine signaling in learning and memory circuits, time integration mechanisms in neural systems, and the metabolic regulation of feeding behavior. His work demonstrates how neuromodulators influence memory formation, how temporal information is incorporated into neural representations, and how metabolic states affect decision-making processes in Drosophila models. Dr. Pauls currently leads three major DFG-funded research projects: (1) The function of octopamine in reward processing in Drosophila larvae (2019-2023), (2) Neurobiological foundations of integrating time into memories (2023-2026), and (3) Metabolic signatures and neurophysiological mechanisms of poor food intake decisions (2024-2027). He collaborates extensively with the Kittel Lab and other neuroscience groups at the University of Leipzig, contributing to the NeuroTune Graduate School and other interdisciplinary initiatives focused on brain dynamics and neurological disorders. His laboratory is part of the Integrated Research and Treatment Center (IFB) for Adiposity-Related Disorders for his research on food decision-making, demonstrating the translational potential of his basic neuroscience research. Dr. Pauls' work provides fundamental insights into neural circuit function with implications for understanding memory disorders and eating behaviors in humans.

Kathrin BotheView profile

Researcher

• Sleep Science
• Cognitive Neuroscience
• Memory Consolidation
• +3 more

Kathrin Bothe is a Researcher at the Paris-Lodron-University of Salzburg , affiliated with the Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience (CCNS) and the Laboratory for Sleep and Consciousness Research . Education : PhD student since 2015; Master’s in Psychology (summa cum laude, 2013); Bachelor’s in Psychology (2011), all from the Paris-Lodron-University of Salzburg. Professional Experience : Research assistant (2013-2015) for FWF-Projects on sleep-associated memory consolidation, motor skill acquisition, and disorders of consciousness; teaching assistant for seminars on sleep and psychology (2012-2013). Research Interests focus on sleep-dependent memory consolidation across the lifespan , particularly neurophysiological mechanisms like sleep spindles, slow oscillations, and EEG correlates in disorders of consciousness. Her work bridges cognitive neuroscience and motor learning. Publications and Presentations emphasize gross-motor adaptation in adolescents, NREM sleep stages, and EEG spectral analysis in neurological assessments. Trends show interdisciplinary application of electrophysiological methods to study sleep’s role in memory and motor skills. Technical Skills include advanced SPSS and EEG acquisition (Brainvision Recorder, Alphatrace), intermediate EEG processing (Brainvision Analyzer), and basic MATLAB proficiency.

Pavlos TopalidisView profile

Lecturer

• Sleep Science
• Cognitive Neuroscience
• Consciousness Research
• +5 more

Dr. Pavlos Topalidis is a Greek cognitive neuroscientist and PhD candidate at the University of Salzburg's Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience (CCNS), working in the laboratory for Sleep and Consciousness Research under the supervision of Univ.-Prof. Dr. Manuel Schabus. Since October 2023, he has served as a Junior Lecturer at the University of Salzburg, teaching Human Cognition and Sleep at both Bachelor and Master's levels. His educational background includes: PhD student at University of Salzburg (since 2019), Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience MSc in Neuro-Cognitive Psychology from Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich (2017-2019) BSc (Hons, first class) in Psychology from University of Aberdeen, UK (2012-2016) Research visit at Yale University (2022) Dr. Topalidis's research focuses on information processing during sleep, particularly predictive coding and statistical learning mechanisms. His work explores how the brain processes information across wakefulness and sleep states, with applications in sleep monitoring using wearable technology. He investigates oscillatory brain activity patterns and their relationship to cognitive functions, with additional interests in cultural variations in sleep patterns and insomnia treatments. His technical expertise spans multiple neuroimaging methods including EEG, MEG, fMRI, and actigraphy, with advanced programming skills in Matlab and R for data analysis. His scientific contributions have been recognized with multiple awards including a poster award at the Sleep, Cognition and Consciousness Winter Symposium (2023) and a project presentation award at the ESRS Sleep School (2021). His research has led to numerous publications focusing on sleep classification algorithms, cross-cultural sleep studies, and the application of physiological measures to understand mental states. February 2023: Poster award at Sleep, Cognition and Consciousness Winter Symposium November 2022: Salzburg University research stay funding at Yale University (1700€) October 2022: Shortlisted for best poster award at the 26th European Sleep Research Society Conference September 2021: ESRS 3rd Sleep School project presentation award October 2013: ERASMUS scholarship As a Junior Lecturer, Dr. Topalidis mentors undergraduate and graduate students in cognitive neuroscience and sleep research. His current projects involve developing low-cost sleep monitoring solutions using wearable technology and investigating predictive coding mechanisms during sleep. He has also completed specialized training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (2023) and Good Clinical Practice (2022). Dr. Topalidis is an active member of the Sleep and Consciousness Research laboratory at the Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience, collaborating with researchers across Europe. His work bridges basic cognitive neuroscience with clinical applications, particularly in developing accessible sleep monitoring tools and understanding sleep's role in cognitive processing and memory consolidation.

Seo Ho (Michael) SongView profile

Academic

• Sleep Medicine
• Neuroscience
• Psychiatry
• +3 more

Seo Ho (Michael) Song, MD, DPhil, MBA is the Chief Resident (Research) in the Harvard Psychiatry Residency Program at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. He trained at Dalhousie University (BSc), the University of Oxford (MSc, DPhil), and Dartmouth College (MD, MBA), and is affiliated with the Center for Sleep and Cognition. Education Dalhousie University – Bachelor of Science University of Oxford – Master of Science, Doctor of Philosophy (DPhil) Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College – Doctor of Medicine (MD) Tuck School of Business, Dartmouth College – Master of Business Administration (MBA) Research Interests Michael’s work sits at the intersection of sleep neuroscience , clinical psychiatry , and digital health . Beginning with fundamental questions about why we sleep, his Oxford studies uncovered molecular and circuit mechanisms governing sleep homeostasis. Translating these insights to humans, he now investigates non-invasive brain stimulation for sleep disorders, leverages machine-learning approaches on electronic health records to characterize rare neurological diseases, and employs digital phenotyping to capture moment-to-moment variability in mood and sleep in real-world settings. Publications at a Glance Across more than 30 peer-reviewed papers since 2013, Michael’s publications trace an arc from basic discovery (Nature 2016, 2019) to high-impact clinical and translational work (J Sleep Res 2025, JAMA Netw Open 2021). Recent themes include the application of transcranial stimulation in sleep medicine, the influence of sociopolitical stress on sleep, and machine-learning-driven phenotyping of rare disorders such as stiff-person syndrome. Scientific Awards & Honors 2025 – ACLP Developing Scholarship & Research Colloquium Independent Investigator Track 2025 – Chief Resident (Research), BIDMC Harvard Psychiatry Program 2021 – Dorfman Journal Paper Award for Best Review Article 2013–2016 – Commonwealth Scholar, University of Oxford Advising & Grants As Chief Resident for Research, Michael mentors Harvard psychiatry residents and medical students in translational sleep and neuropsychiatry projects. His work has been supported by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission, the Academy of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry, and intramural BIDMC research funds. Labs & Teams Michael is an active member of the Center for Sleep and Cognition at Harvard and collaborates closely with investigators in the BIDMC Sleep and Neuropsychiatry Research Groups , integrating molecular, imaging, and digital biomarker approaches to advance precision sleep medicine.

Sabina BerrettaView profile

Associate Professor

• Molecular Psychiatry
• Neurobiology of Psychiatric Disorders
• Amygdala Circuitry
• +7 more

Sabina Berretta, MD , is an Associate Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and an investigator at McLean Hospital, where she directs a laboratory focused on the molecular and cellular pathology of psychiatric disorders. Academic Affiliations: Harvard Medical School – Department of Psychiatry McLean Hospital – Belmont, Massachusetts Research Focus: The Berretta laboratory investigates how molecular and cellular abnormalities disrupt brain circuits underlying emotion regulation. A central theme is the role of the amygdala in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder , with particular emphasis on circadian control of gene expression and the involvement of extracellular matrix (ECM) components such as perineuronal nets (PNNs) and chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans . Recent work demonstrates that circadian patterns of somatostatin expression in the human amygdala are disturbed in bipolar disorder, while ECM abnormalities in the thalamic reticular nucleus may contribute to thalamo-cortical disconnectivity in schizophrenia. Methodological Approaches: The group integrates single-cell RNA-sequencing , spatial multi-omics , quantitative mass spectrometry , and natural language processing of clinical records to dissect disease mechanisms across brain regions, cell types, and peripheral tissues. Publication Landscape (2019–2025): Over this period, Dr. Berretta has co-authored more than 40 high-impact papers. These publications reveal a trajectory from foundational neuropathological descriptions of ECM alterations to cutting-edge systems-biology analyses of PTSD, major depressive disorder, Alzheimer’s disease, Huntington’s disease, and suicide. Notable studies include multi-cohort single-nucleus transcriptomic atlases of Parkinson’s disease, identification of somatic DNA-repeat expansions driving neurodegeneration, and integrative glycomic-proteomic dissections of myelinated versus non-myelinated brain regions in psychiatric disease. Scientific Awards & Recognition: While specific awards are not detailed in the provided text, Dr. Berretta’s sustained publication record in Nature , Cell , Science , and JAMA Psychiatry underscores international recognition for her contributions to the molecular understanding of serious mental illness. Collaborations & Funding: She collaborates extensively with the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium PTSD Working Group, the Harvard Brain Tissue Resource Center, and multiple NIH-funded initiatives. Her work bridges basic neuroscience and clinical psychiatry, positioning her laboratory at the forefront of precision psychiatry research. Laboratory Website: Berretta Laboratory at McLean Hospital

Christine RabinakView profile

Associate Professor

• Neuroscience
• Neuropsychopharmacology
• PTSD treatment
• +6 more

Christine Rabinak is an Associate Professor and currently serves as the Interim Associate Dean for Research at Wayne State University's Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. She holds multiple academic appointments including Graduate Faculty in the School of Medicine and Graduate School's Translational Neuroscience Program, and Adjunct Assistant Professor positions in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences. Her educational background includes an M.B.A. in Management from Wayne State University (2024), a Ph.D. in Biological Psychology from the University of Michigan (2009), an M.S. in Biological Psychology from the University of Michigan (2006), and a B.S. in Psychology from the University of Iowa (2004). Rabinak's research focuses on the behavioral and neurobiological mechanisms of aversive learning and memory, threat perception, and emotion regulation, with particular emphasis on cannabinoid involvement during fear extinction learning and retention. She investigates biomarkers of PTSD and anxiety disorders and explores the (endo)cannabinoid system as a pharmacological target for PTSD treatment. Her work bridges basic neuroscience with clinical applications, particularly in trauma-exposed populations. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong trajectory in cannabinoid research, particularly examining THC's effects on fear extinction, neural circuitry in PTSD, and genetic variations in the endocannabinoid system. Her work increasingly incorporates advanced methodologies including fMRI, virtual reality paradigms, and genetic analyses, with growing focus on pediatric and adolescent populations. 2024 - Wiley, Journal of Neuroscience Research, Top Cited Article 2022-2023 2021 - Nominated for WSU Outstanding Graduate Mentor Award 2020 - Competitive Graduate Research Award, Wayne State University 2019 - Excellence in Postdoctoral Mentorship Award 2018 - College Research Day Junior Faculty Research Award 2018 - Elected Associate Member to American College of Neuropsychopharmacology Rabinak has successfully mentored numerous students and postdoctoral researchers, with several holding prestigious predoctoral fellowships. She leads significant research funding including a $8.2 million Veteran Marijuana Research Grant Program from the State of Michigan's Cannabis Regulatory Agency and multiple NIH grants totaling over $10 million in direct costs. Her laboratory, the Translational Neuropsychopharmacology Lab, focuses on bridging basic neuroscience findings with clinical applications for trauma-related disorders.

Jens PahnkeView profile

Professor

• ABC transporters
• Alzheimer's disease
• Neurodegeneration
• +12 more

Jens Pahnke is a Professor at the University of Oslo, Department of Pathology (PAT) at the National Hospital. He leads the Pahnke Lab in Dementia Research, focusing on molecular mechanisms and treatment options for neurodegenerative diseases with special emphasis on Alzheimer's disease. His laboratory investigates clearance mechanisms of toxic peptides via the blood-brain barrier, new imaging techniques, mitochondrial function, and neuroimmunological mechanisms. Dr. Pahnke's primary research interests include ABC transporters, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, blood-brain barrier function, and mouse models of neurodegeneration. His work particularly emphasizes the role of ABC transporters in neurodegenerative processes, with significant contributions to understanding how these transporters affect disease progression and potential treatment avenues. His lab utilizes advanced techniques including mass spectrometry imaging (MSI), AI/ML-assisted data analysis, and comprehensive OMICS approaches (metabolomics, lipidomics, proteomics). Analysis of his 15 most recent publications reveals a strong focus on ABC transporter function in neurodegenerative diseases, particularly ABCA7 in Alzheimer's and Huntington's disease. His research demonstrates sex-dependent treatment responses, connections between lipid metabolism and neurodegeneration, and promising repurposing of existing drugs like FTY720 for Huntington's disease. His work bridges basic science with translational applications, including the development of imaging techniques to assess transporter function and the investigation of natural compounds like St. John's Wort for therapeutic potential. Dr. Pahnke is actively involved in several major research initiatives including the HDFTY study investigating FTY720 for Huntington's disease treatment (planned start 2025) and the A7HD project examining ABCA7 dysregulation in Huntington's disease (2025-2028). His laboratory has established collaborations with researchers across Norway, Latvia, Israel, Germany, Czech Republic, France, and Sweden, creating a strong international network focused on neurodegenerative disease research. His lab employs cutting-edge methodologies including mass spectrometry imaging with 20µm resolution, AI/ML-assisted segmentation of MS spectra, and sophisticated mouse models of neurodegenerative diseases. They have demonstrated that ABCA7 functional modulation significantly affects disease onset and severity in Huntington's disease, with female mice showing complete rescue until 57 weeks of age when ABCA7 is knocked out, while male mice exhibit a significant delay in disease progression of more than 10 weeks.