Aminata Coulibaly

Aminata Coulibaly is an Assistant Professor at West Virginia University School of Medicine with dual appointments in the Department of Neuroscience and the Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute. Her research program investigates the critical intersection between innate immune responses and cognitive function, focusing specifically on how neutrophil activity influences brain health following injury.

Her academic background includes:

• PhD from Miami University

Dr. Coulibaly's research centers on neuroimmune interactions, examining how innate immune cells—particularly neutrophils—modulate cognitive processes including working memory, attention, executive function, and mental flexibility. Her laboratory employs transgenic mouse models, pharmacological interventions, behavioral testing, immunohistochemistry, and advanced imaging techniques to dissect cellular mechanisms in conditions like stroke and subarachnoid hemorrhage. Key methodologies include global and meningeal-specific neutrophil manipulation, neuronal morphology analysis, and in vitro cell culture systems to study neuron-immune cell interactions.

Analysis of her recent publications reveals a cohesive research trajectory focused on neuroinflammation in acute brain injuries. Her work demonstrates how neutrophil activity contributes to long-term cognitive decline after subarachnoid hemorrhage, explores microglial roles in spinal cord injury recovery, and investigates molecular pathways in neuronal plasticity. This research program bridges immunology, neuroscience, and behavioral science to identify therapeutic targets for post-injury cognitive deficits.

Scientific Awards: No awards listed in available documentation.

Dr. Coulibaly leads an active research group investigating neuroimmune mechanisms, though specific grant details and student mentorship records are not publicly documented. Her work receives institutional support through West Virginia University's research infrastructure.

The Coulibaly laboratory operates within the Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute, utilizing specialized facilities for behavioral testing, histology, and cellular imaging. Her team collaborates across disciplines to advance understanding of how immune responses shape cognitive outcomes following neurological injury.