Deda Gillespie

Deda Gillespie is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour at McMaster University. Her research focuses on the development and function of neural circuits, with particular emphasis on the auditory system and visual cortex.

Dr. Gillespie's research spans several key areas in neuroscience:

• Development of inhibitory circuits in the auditory brainstem
• Glutamatergic transmission in developing inhibitory synapses
• Sound localization circuitry and refinement
• Visual cortex development and plasticity
• Neurotransmitter co-release mechanisms
• Molecular mechanisms of neural development

Her publication record shows a strong focus on the developmental aspects of neural circuitry, particularly in the auditory system. Over the past two decades, her work has traced the maturation of inhibitory sound-localization circuits, with a specific interest in how glutamate signaling functions in developing inhibitory pathways. More recently, her research has expanded to include neurodegenerative disease models and cellular reprogramming approaches.

Dr. Gillespie teaches a range of neuroscience courses at McMaster University, including Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience (BIOLOGY 4T03 and 6T03), Audition (PSYCH 3A03), Neural Circuits (NEUROSCI 3SN3), and various seminar and field courses. Her teaching spans undergraduate and graduate levels, reflecting her commitment to neuroscience education.

Her laboratory appears to utilize a variety of techniques including electrophysiology, microscopy, molecular biology, and animal models to investigate neural development and function. The progression of her research from fundamental developmental questions to potential therapeutic applications demonstrates an evolving research program with both basic and translational neuroscience components.