Hillary B. Michelson

Hillary B. Michelson, PhD, serves as Associate Professor in the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University. Her research program investigates the structural and functional organization of hippocampal inhibitory circuits, with critical implications for understanding epilepsy and Alzheimer's disease pathophysiology.

Research Focus: Dr. Michelson examines interneuron morphology, synaptic connectivity, and communication pathways within hippocampal circuits. Her work characterizes interneuron subtypes, GABAergic neurotransmission mechanisms, and circuit maturation processes using combined electrophysiological and anatomical methodologies to elucidate regulatory roles in neuronal oscillations, synchronization, and plasticity.

Publication Trends: Her 1991-1998 publications reveal sustained investigation into GABAergic interneuron synchronization, synaptic transmission properties, and circuit organization. Key findings include recurrent interneuron connectivity, depolarizing GABA responses, and novel glutamate/GABA-independent signaling mechanisms underlying pathological burst firing in epilepsy models.

Academic Contributions:

• Advising: Mentors graduate students including Yang Qizong, M.S.
• Teaching: Coordinates Neuropharmacology Review for Neurology Residents at St. Vincent's Hospital, New York
• Service: Reviews for scientific journals and NIH funding panels

Research Laboratory: Leads an electrophysiology-focused lab investigating interneuron-principal cell communication, synaptic output differentiation, and opioid peptide modulation in hippocampal networks using dual recording techniques and anatomical analysis.