معرفی
Dr. David John Parker is a College Lecturer in Physiology at Queens' College, University of Cambridge, where he also serves as an Official Fellow and Director of Studies in Natural Sciences (Biological) for Parts II and III. His academic career at Cambridge focuses on teaching and research in neuroscience and physiology, with particular emphasis on neuronal networks and spinal cord function.
Dr. Parker received his BSc from Wales and his PhD. His educational background has prepared him for his current role in the Faculty of Biological Sciences at the University of Cambridge.
Dr. Parker's research centers on neuronal networks, specifically studying how groups of nerve cells interact to generate specific outputs. He records electrical activity from nerve cells to characterize their normal interactions and how these interactions change following alterations to the nervous system. His primary model system is the spinal cord networks in lower vertebrates, with a particular focus on physiological changes associated with recovery after spinal cord injury. He has also developed an interest in the philosophy of science as applied to neuroscience, psychology, and psychiatry, recognizing the gap between actual brain understanding and claims about brain treatment, enhancement, or simulation.
His scholarly output shows consistent research in spinal cord function, neuronal networks, and the philosophy of neuroscience, with recent publications exploring how philosophical approaches might advance neuroscience and examining assumptions in twentieth-century neuroscience.
- Official Fellow, Queens' College, Cambridge
- College Lecturer in Physiology
- Director of Studies in Natural Sciences (Biological) for Parts II and III
Dr. Parker teaches across multiple levels of the Natural Sciences program. He is the course organizer for 1B Neurobiology and for Part II modules in Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience and Neuronal Networks. He also serves as senior examiner for the Part II Psychology, Neuroscience and Behaviour course. His teaching includes lecturing on motor systems in the 1B Neurobiology course and on neuronal networks, spinal cord function, and synaptic transmission and plasticity at the Part II level. Additionally, he demonstrates in neuroanatomy practicals for MVST 1B students and in physiology and neurobiology practicals for 1B NST and MVST students.
Dr. Parker supervises Part II research projects, BBS dissertations, and postgraduate MPhil and PhD dissertations, contributing significantly to student development in the field of neuroscience.
