معرفی
Grant Mastick is a Professor and Co-Director of the Undergraduate BS Neuroscience Program in the Department of Biology at the University of Nevada, Reno. His research investigates molecular mechanisms of neural development, specializing in axon guidance and neuron migration using mouse and chick embryonic models.
Education:
- B.S. in Biology and Chemistry from Alma College (1986)
- Ph.D. in Biological Sciences from Carnegie Mellon University (1992)
- Postdoctoral Fellow in Developmental Neurobiology at the University of Michigan (1992-1998)
Mastick's work centers on how Slit/Robo repellent systems and Netrin attractants guide neural development. His lab examines how opposing molecular signals are integrated during facial neuron migration, cranial nerve outgrowth, and longitudinal axon pathfinding. This research has significant implications for understanding neurological disorders and neural repair mechanisms.
Analysis of his publication record since 2014 reveals consistent focus on Slit/Robo-Netrin signaling interactions, with recent expansion into CRISPR-based gene editing, proteolytic regulation of guidance cues, and neuromuscular interactions. His work demonstrates evolving complexity from basic axon guidance mechanisms to multi-system integration in neural circuit formation.
Mastick actively mentors undergraduate and graduate students, with numerous alumni pursuing advanced degrees and careers in medicine and research. His laboratory receives continuous funding from the National Institutes of Health. Current lab members include Research Assistant Professor Minkyung Kim, Postdoctoral Fellow Claudia Garcia Pena, technician Sarah Barnum, and multiple undergraduate researchers investigating axon guidance mechanisms in Room 309 of the Fleischmann Agriculture building.
