معرفی
Carla Shatz is the Sapp Family Provostial Professor and Professor of Biology and Neurobiology at Stanford University, serving as Director of Bio-X. Her research focuses on neural circuit development, synaptic plasticity, and the interplay between the nervous and immune systems. She earned her B.A. in Chemistry from Radcliffe College (1969), M.Phil in Physiology from University College London (1971), and Ph.D. in Neurobiology from Harvard Medical School (1976). Key roles include Chair of Harvard Medical School's Neurobiology Department (2000–2007) and leadership in prestigious institutes like the Howard Hughes Medical Institute.
Education:
- B.A., Chemistry, Radcliffe College (1969)
- M.Phil, Physiology, University College London (1971)
- Ph.D., Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School (1976)
Research Interests: Dr. Shatz investigates how neural activity shapes brain circuits during development and adulthood. Her lab discovered that MHC class I molecules (typically immune-related) play critical roles in synaptic plasticity, Alzheimer's disease, and recovery from brain injury. Key areas include:
- Critical period plasticity in visual systems
- Role of immune molecules in neurodevelopment
- Mechanisms of synaptic pruning and circuit refinement
Awards:
- Kavli Prize in Neuroscience (2016)
- Champalimaud Vision Prize (2016)
- Harvey Prize in Science & Technology (2018)
- Gruber Prize in Neuroscience (2015)
Advising & Labs: Advised doctoral students including Clara Bacmeister and Xiaochen Xiong. Her lab (Shatz Lab) explores molecular mechanisms underlying brain plasticity and neurodegenerative diseases. Current research includes Alzheimer's-related pathways and immune-neural interactions.
