Ana Lia Obaid

Dr. Ana Lia Obaid is an Adjunct Associate Professor of Neuroscience at the University of Pennsylvania's Perelman School of Medicine. Her work specializes in optical techniques for monitoring neural activity, particularly using voltage-sensitive dyes to study excitation-secretion coupling and enteric nervous systems. She holds a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the University of Buenos Aires (1974) and an M.S. from the University of Rosario (1969).

Her research investigates:

• Real-time optical recording of membrane potential and calcium transients
• Functional connectivity in neuronal networks
• Mechanisms of neurosecretion in vertebrate terminals
• Enteric nervous system dynamics in guinea-pig models

Recent publications (2004-2025) demonstrate sustained innovation in neurophotonics, spanning molecular probe development, action potential mechanics, and advanced imaging of nicotinic receptors. Her work consistently bridges biophysics, neurophysiology, and optical engineering.