Find Academic Supervisors

Joseph M. SantinView profile

Assistant Professor

• Neurobiology
• Respiratory Physiology
• Neural Circuitry
• +5 more

Dr. Joseph M. Santin is an Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences at the University of Missouri's College of Arts and Science. His research focuses on understanding how neural circuits maintain stability and functionality under physiological stressors such as energy deprivation, inactivity, and environmental challenges. He uses an integrative 'genes-to-behavior' approach, combining electrophysiology, molecular biology, and in vivo physiology to study respiratory control systems in amphibians, particularly the American bullfrog. Dr. Santin holds a Ph.D., M.S., and B.S. in Biological Sciences from Wright State University and the University of Akron. His work bridges fundamental neuroscience and clinical applications, aiming to uncover novel strategies for human health challenges like stroke and neurodegenerative diseases. He leads the Santin Lab, which explores neural energetics, synaptic plasticity, and circuit-level adaptations to stress. His research interests include: Neuronal energetics and energy crisis responses Neuroplasticity mechanisms in disuse and hibernation CO2/pH signaling in respiratory control neurons Neuronal survival under anoxic conditions Dr. Santin has received notable awards, including the 2025 College of Arts and Science Assistant Professor of the Year Award and the 2024 Beverly Petterson Bishop Award for Excellence in Neuroscience. His lab employs cutting-edge techniques such as patch-clamp electrophysiology, RNAseq, and in vivo respiratory measurements to elucidate how neural circuits adapt to extreme physiological challenges.

Toni GuillamonView profile

Professor

• Mathematical Neuroscience
• Computational Neuroscience
• Dynamical Systems
• +3 more

Toni Guillamon is a Full Professor in Applied Mathematics at the Department of Mathematics of the Polytechnic University of Catalonia (UPC). He holds academic affiliations across multiple UPC centers: EPSEB (Barcelona School of Building Construction), FME (School of Mathematics and Statistics), and ESEIAAT (School of Industrial, Aerospace and Audiovisual Engineering of Terrassa). His primary research focuses on Mathematical Neuroscience, Computational Neuroscience, and Dynamical Systems, with contributions to Theoretical Biology. He is affiliated with the UPC Dynamical Systems Group and the CRM Neuroscience research group, and serves as Editor-in-Chief of the Butlletí de la Societat Catalana de Matemàtiques . Guillamon's research explores interdisciplinary challenges such as neuronal synchronization, synaptic conductance estimation, and multistable perception models. He has supervised four doctoral theses and 17 master's projects, mentoring students in areas like nonlinear dynamics and mathematical modeling. His work integrates computational methods with experimental collaborations, addressing problems such as short-term synaptic plasticity and bifurcation analysis in hypercycle systems. He has organized conferences like the International Conference on Mathematical Neuroscience and contributed to research projects on systems biology, criticality in cellular networks, and cancer epigenetics. His editorial roles include co-founding the Research Perspectives CRM Barcelona series with Birkhäuser. Guillamon also bridges academic and artistic interests, with involvement in theater and palindrome studies, reflecting his belief in interdisciplinary creativity.

• Behavioral Neuroscience
• Neuropharmacology
• Neurotoxicology
• +3 more

Rosemarie M. Booze is Professor and Bicentennial Endowed Chair of Behavioral Neuroscience in the Department of Psychology at the McCausland College of Arts and Sciences, University of South Carolina. She holds a PhD in Neurobiology from Johns Hopkins University and completed post-doctoral training in Neuropharmacology at Duke University. Previously, she served as Assistant Professor at Wake Forest University and rose to Full Professor at the University of Kentucky before joining USC in 2002. Her research focuses on: Neurochemical and neuroanatomical basis of dementia and neurocognitive disorders Dopaminergic/parkinsonian-type deficits in HIV-1 and substance abuse Neuroprotective effects of medicinal plant compounds Neural growth mechanisms and cognitive enhancement strategies Dr. Booze's publications demonstrate consistent focus on neurovirology, neurotoxicology, and neuroprotection research. Recent work examines HIV-related neuropathology using transgenic rat models, synaptic recovery mechanisms, and pharmacological interventions. Her articles frequently investigate dopaminergic systems, protein interactions, and cognitive outcomes in substance abuse contexts. Scientific honors include: Elected Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) NIH Research Career Award recipient She directs an active laboratory with graduate students and postdoctoral fellows, serving as PI on NIH R01 grants. She mentors students through the NIH-funded Biomedical-Behavioral Training Grant and has placed trainees in academic, pharmaceutical, and clinical positions. Dr. Booze serves on NIH Study Sections and as Associate Editor for multiple neuroscience journals. Her Behavioral Neuroscience laboratory investigates novel therapeutic approaches for brain dysfunction, with regular meetings and conference presentations. Current projects examine neurorestorative compounds and their effects on cognitive performance.

Panayiotis O. VacratsisView profile

Associate Professor

• Signal Transduction
• Cellular Phosphorylation
• Kinases
• +4 more

Dr. Panayiotis O. Vacratsis is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of Windsor, Faculty of Science. He holds a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from Michigan State University and leads a research laboratory focused on signal transduction, cellular phosphorylation, and the functional roles of kinases and phosphatases in health and disease. Current research projects include: hYVH1 : Investigating its role in cell survival, ribosome biogenesis, and cancer progression. MTMR2 : Studying phosphorylation-regulated mechanisms in Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. His lab employs advanced proteomic techniques, including biological mass spectrometry, to elucidate molecular pathways critical to cellular processes such as endosomal dynamics, RNP interactions, and neuromuscular signaling. Collaborative work spans neurodegenerative disease models, aquatic biology, and redox regulation studies.

Erika Piedras-RenteriaView profile

Associate Professor

• Neuronal Excitability
• Calcium Channelopathies
• Voltage-Gated Calcium Channels
• +2 more

Erika Piedras-Renteria is Associate Professor of Cell and Molecular Physiology at Loyola University Chicago's Stritch School of Medicine. Her research examines calcium channel dysfunction in neurological conditions including spinocerebellar ataxia, neuropathic pain, and meningiomas. She investigates how the actin-binding protein KLHL1 modulates T-type calcium channels and contributes to disease mechanisms. Her laboratory employs electrophysiology, confocal microscopy, and biochemical techniques to study neuronal excitability alterations in channelopathies. Current projects focus on calcium channel regulation in diabetes-related neuropathy and meningioma pathogenesis.

Judith OgilvieView profile

Professor

• Neuroscience
• Cell Biology
• Developmental Biology
• +3 more

Judith Ogilvie, Ph.D., is a Professor of Biology at Saint Louis University, where she serves as Co-Director of the Neuroscience Program. She holds a Ph.D. from Harvard University and specializes in retinal biology, focusing on the structure, development, and degeneration of the vertebrate retina. Her research employs multidisciplinary approaches, including connectomics for primate retinal circuitry and molecular/cellular techniques to study photoreceptor development. Her academic roles include teaching courses such as Developmental Biology, Signal Transduction, and Sensory Neuroscience. The Ogilvie Lab investigates retinal degenerative diseases like retinitis pigmentosa, aiming to uncover molecular pathways underlying photoreceptor dysfunction. The lab’s work integrates computational methods, morphological techniques, and animal models to advance understanding of neural circuits and disease mechanisms. Dr. Ogilvie has published extensively, with over 50 peer-reviewed articles, and actively contributes to undergraduate neuroscience education through case-based learning modules. Her lab is affiliated with the College of Arts and Sciences and collaborates with institutions like the Marshak and Neitz labs on retinal connectivity studies. Contact: judith.ogilvie@slu.edu, Macelwane Hall, Saint Louis University.

Maya ShellyView profile

Associate Professor

• Neuronal Morphology
• Neuronal Polarity
• Developmental Neurobiology
• +4 more

Maya Shelly is an Associate Professor in the Department of Neurobiology & Behavior at Stony Brook University's Renaissance School of Medicine. She holds a PhD from the Weizmann Institute of Science (2004) and completed postdoctoral training at UC Berkeley (2004-2010). Her research focuses on molecular mechanisms underlying neuronal polarization during embryonic development, particularly the formation of axonal and dendritic compartments. Key interests include how disruptions in these processes contribute to neurodevelopmental disorders like autism and epilepsy. Dr. Shelly's laboratory employs advanced techniques such as micellar nanocomplexes for biomagnetic delivery and investigates signaling pathways involving LKB1, cAMP/cGMP, and Semaphorin3A. She has published extensively in top journals including Cell , Neuron , and Science . Currently serving as a Society for Neuroscience member and journal reviewer, her work bridges developmental neurobiology with translational applications in neural engineering. Her lab includes graduate students Munassar Hussein, Tamor Khan, and Chia-Te Chen, along with postdoctoral researcher Joanna Szczurkowska. Notable alumni include Sneha Rao (hippocampal neurogenesis studies) and Giulia Suarato (material science-engineering collaborations). Research emphasizes both basic science mechanisms and potential clinical implications for neurological disorders.

Gautam AwatramaniView profile

Professor

• Neural Computation
• Retinal Circuitry
• Visual Processing
• +2 more

Gautam Awatramani is Professor of Biology at the University of Victoria, where he researches neural circuit mechanisms in the retina. His laboratory employs electrophysiology and imaging techniques to study visual information processing. Current projects investigate how specific retinal circuits extract motion information and encode visual scenes through coordinated neurotransmitter release. The lab uses transgenic mouse models to map synaptic connectivity and signal transformation pathways. Key findings include discoveries about co-transmission mechanisms and direction-selective processing in retinal networks. Research has implications for retinal degeneration therapies.

• Molecular Biology
• Developmental Biology
• Neuroscience
• +3 more

Agata Becalska is a Lecturer in the Department of Biological Sciences at Simon Fraser University (SFU). Her research focuses on molecular mechanisms of membrane trafficking, F-BAR domain proteins, and mRNA localization in developmental contexts, particularly in Drosophila models. Notable contributions include studies on Nervous Wreck protein dynamics, Retromer complex roles in synaptic function, and APP trafficking in neurons. She teaches courses such as BISC 303 (Microbiology). Her work bridges cell biology and neuroscience, emphasizing protein-membrane interactions and developmental processes. Publications span molecular biology, cell biology, and developmental research, with a focus on cellular mechanisms underlying neural and developmental pathways.

Rhein ParriView profile

Professor

• Neuroscience
• Astrocyte Signaling
• Electrophysiology
• +3 more

Rhein Parri is a Professor of Pharmacology at Aston University, affiliated with the Aston Pharmacy School and multiple research groups including the Pharmacology & Translational Neuroscience Research Group (PTNRG). His research focuses on astrocyte-neuron signaling in the thalamus, employing electrophysiology and calcium imaging to study glial modulation of synaptic transmission and neuronal excitability. Education includes a BSc in Physiology with Pharmacology and a PhD in Neurophysiology from the University of Southampton. He has held academic positions at institutions such as Cardiff University and the University of California, San Francisco, progressing from Lecturer to Professor. Research interests emphasize astrocyte function in health and disease, optogenetic techniques, and neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s. Collaborations span optogenetics engineering, organoid intelligence, and interdisciplinary projects with statistical physics and biomedical engineering. Teaching responsibilities include coordinating modules on neuronal excitability and cardiovascular physiology. His work bridges basic neuroscience with translational applications, contributing to advancements in glial biology and therapeutic strategies for neurological conditions.

Matthew BinderView profile

Researcher

• Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Neuroscience
• Mouse Models
• +3 more

Matthew Binder is a researcher at Trinity University specializing in neuroscience and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) . His work focuses on elucidating neural mechanisms underlying communication deficits in ASD using mouse models , with emphasis on behavioral, immunohistochemical, pharmacological, and imaging techniques. He teaches Introduction to Neuroscience and is affiliated with the Neuroscience and Psychology departments . Research Interests : Neural mechanisms of autism communication deficits Environmental, biological, and genetic factors in ASD Mouse behavioral and vocalization analysis Pharmacological and dietary interventions Notable Contributions : Developed the SNAP protocol for tactile sensory analysis Validated DeepSqueak as a vocalization analysis tool Studied PTEN and FMR1 knockout models Explored effects of vitamin D supplementation on mouse behavior

John C. NicholsonView profile

Research Professor

• Neuroscience
• Neurophysiology
• Biophysics
• +3 more

John C. Nicholson, PhD, is a Research Professor and Professor Emeritus of Neuroscience and Physiology at the Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine. He holds a PhD from the University of Keele. His research focuses on understanding molecular diffusion in the brain's extracellular microenvironment and its implications for nonsynaptic signaling and neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s and ischemia. Key methodologies include tetramethylammonium-selective microelectrodes and fast-scan cyclic voltammetry. His work explores diffusion hindrance by cellular structures, dopamine’s nonlinear uptake in the striatum via Michaelis-Menten kinetics, and the glymphatic system’s role in brain clearance. Recent publications highlight porous media models of the brain’s interstitial space, chloride dynamics in the extracellular matrix, and volume pulsations linked to epileptiform activity in mice. Dr. Nicholson has contributed to over 124 publications, advancing computational modeling (e.g., Monte Carlo simulations) and collaborative studies on cerebral fluid dynamics. His research bridges biophysics and clinical neuroscience, with implications for treating brain pathologies.

Hyunjoong KimView profile

Assistant Professor

• Applied Mathematics
• Mathematical Biology
• Stochastic Processes
• +3 more

Hyunjoong Kim is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mathematical Sciences at the University of Cincinnati. His research focuses on applied mathematics, mathematical biology, stochastic processes, and decision theory, with particular emphasis on intercellular communication and biological systems modeling. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Utah (2020). Before joining UC, Kim served as a Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Houston (2023–2024) and as a Simons Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Pennsylvania (2020–2023). His work bridges theoretical frameworks with biological phenomena, including studies on foraging strategies, morphogen gradient formation via cytonemes, and stochastic modeling of cellular processes. Research interests include optimizing biological communication systems, analyzing collective behavior in ecological contexts, and developing reduced stochastic models for complex biological phenomena. His contributions span mathematical modeling of cell migration, morphogenesis, and decision-making dynamics in biological networks. Kim actively maintains a research webpage at https://sites.google.com/view/hkimmathbio/home , where further details on his projects and collaborations can be found. His recent publications highlight advancements in understanding diffusion-driven processes and optimal signaling strategies in both ecological and cellular systems.

Marco AtzoriView profile

Lecturer

• Neurophysiology
• Synaptic Transmission
• Neuroimmunology
• +3 more

Marco Atzori is a Lecturer in the Department of Psychology at Santa Clara University, College of Arts and Sciences. He holds a Ph.D. in Biophysics from S.I.S.S.A./I.S.A.S., Trieste, Italy, with postdoctoral research at the University of Tennessee and NIH. His research focuses on neurophysiological mechanisms underlying neuropsychiatric disorders, emphasizing monoaminergic and neuropeptide modulation of synaptic transmission, inflammation’s impact on brain excitability, and translational models of autism, schizophrenia, and anxiety disorders. Key techniques include brain slice electrophysiology, in-vivo neurophysiology, and behavioral assays in rodent models. Education: B.S. Physics (1989, University of Trieste), M.Sci. Biophysics (1993, S.I.S.S.A.), Ph.D. Biophysics (1995, S.I.S.S.A.), and postdoctoral training (1996–2000). His work spans over 30 peer-reviewed articles in journals like Neuroscience , Journal of Neuroscience Research , and Frontiers in Synaptic Neuroscience , exploring topics such as nicotinic receptor pharmacology, cytokine-neurotransmitter interactions, and vagal nerve stimulation’s therapeutic potential. Research interests include the interplay between stress, inflammation, and synaptic plasticity in psychiatric conditions, with a focus on developing novel treatments targeting GABAergic and glutamatergic systems. His studies employ both in vivo and in vitro models to investigate attentional circuits, epilepsy mechanisms, and the role of environmental enrichment on cortical excitability. Laboratory techniques include advanced neuroimaging (MRI/spectroscopy), immunohistochemistry, and stress protocols (e.g., social defeat models). Collaborations with institutions like NIH and UT Memphis have supported his exploration of monoamine modulation in cortical circuits and the neurobiology of auditory processing.

Aimee NelsonView profile

Professor

• Neurophysiology
• Transcranial magnetic stimulation
• Motor control and plasticity
• +7 more

Aimee Nelson is a Professor in the Department of Kinesiology at McMaster University, Canada. She obtained her BSc in Psychology from McMaster (1997) and her PhD from the University of Toronto (2003). Her research integrates non-invasive brain stimulation, electromyography and behavioural assays to investigate sensorimotor plasticity, pain syndromes, movement disorders and exercise-induced neuroplasticity. Education: PhD, University of Toronto, 2003 BSc Psychology, McMaster University, 1997 Research interests span neurophysiology of motor control, transcranial magnetic stimulation methodologies, spinal cord injury, Parkinson’s disease, dystonia, sex-hormone influences on plasticity, and development of EMG-based biofeedback technologies for rehabilitation. Across >100 peer-reviewed articles her group has advanced understanding of afferent inhibition circuits, ipsilateral motor pathways, exercise-neuroplasticity interactions, and TMS-based therapeutics for chronic pain conditions including CRPS, fibromyalgia and diabetic neuropathy. She currently teaches undergraduate and graduate neurophysiology courses (KINESIOL 3HN3, 4AN3, 729, 713) and maintains an active laboratory at McMaster University.