Bonnie Firestein

Bonnie Firestein is a Distinguished Professor at Rutgers University, with a Ph.D. from the University of California, San Diego, and postdoctoral training at the University of California, San Francisco under David Bredt. Her research spans neuroscience, traumatic brain injury (TBI), spinal cord injury (SCI), schizophrenia, and neuropathic pain, focusing on molecular mechanisms like cypin (PSD-95 interactor) and NOS1AP in neural development and recovery.

• Educational Background:
  • B.S., University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
  • Ph.D., University of California, San Diego
  • Postdoctoral Training: David Bredt, University of California, San Francisco

Research Focus: Dr. Firestein’s lab investigates how cypin, a purine metabolic enzyme, regulates dendrite patterning, synaptogenesis, and neural circuit dynamics. Her team explores cypin’s role in neuroprotection and recovery post-TBI/SCI, discovering its dual mechanisms in spine retraction and neurotoxicity mitigation. Collaborative work with Dr. Linda Brzustowicz revealed NOS1AP’s link to schizophrenia, showing altered dendritic development and cortical migration in animal models.

Scientific Awards:

• NARSAD Toulmin Independent Investigator Award
• American Heart Association (AHA) Researcher of the Month (January 2009)
• 2012 NARSAD Distinguished Investigator Award - Marion G. Nicholson Investigator
• Board of Trustees Award for Excellence in Research, Rutgers University

Laboratory and Leadership: The Firestein Lab integrates neuroscientists, bioengineers, and molecular biologists. She leads initiatives in the NJ Chapter of the Society for Neuroscience and mentors students through Rutgers’ Aresty Summer Science and RA programs, emphasizing long-term commitment and translational research.