معرفی
Gina G Turrigiano is the Joseph Levitan Professor of Vision Science in the Department of Biology at Brandeis University. She is also affiliated with the Benjamin and Mae Volen National Center for Complex Systems and the Interdepartmental Program in Neuroscience at Brandeis. Her research focuses on the mechanisms that allow neural circuits to maintain stability while remaining adaptable during development and learning.
Her research interests lie at the intersection of cellular and systems neuroscience, particularly in understanding synaptic and intrinsic plasticity, homeostatic plasticity mechanisms, and neocortical microcircuitry. A major focus of her lab is to determine how these mechanisms go awry in rodent models of autism, contributing to dysfunctional neural connectivity. Her work combines experimental and computational approaches to uncover fundamental principles of brain circuit regulation.
Throughout her career, Turrigiano has been recognized with numerous prestigious awards that reflect both her scientific innovation and leadership. These include the MacArthur 'genius' award, the NIH Director’s Pioneer Award, and the HFSP Nakasone Award. She is a member of the National Academy of Sciences and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and was elected Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.
- MacArthur Foundation 'Genius' Award
- NIH Director’s Pioneer Award (2007–2012)
- HFSP Nakasone Award (2012)
- National Academy of Sciences Member (2013)
- NINDS R35 MERIT Award (2019–)
- Landis Award for Outstanding Mentorship (2023)
- Vallee Distinguished Visiting Professorship (2023)
Turrigiano has played a significant role in mentoring the next generation of neuroscientists and has served in leadership positions, including President of the Society for Neuroscience. She has advised Gilliam Fellows through the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, emphasizing diversity and excellence in training. Her sustained funding from NIH, including the Javits and MERIT awards, underscores the long-term impact and importance of her research program. She has also contributed extensively to the scientific community through service on editorial and advisory boards.
She leads an active research laboratory focused on neural circuit plasticity, housed within the Department of Biology and affiliated with Brandeis’ interdisciplinary neuroscience centers. Her team investigates how neurons maintain functional stability through homeostatic mechanisms and how disruptions in these processes contribute to neurodevelopmental disorders.
