Iskra Pollak Dorocic

Dr. Iskra Pollak Dorocic is an Assistant Professor at Stockholm University working within the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics. Her research focuses on understanding brain complexity through the study of neuromodulatory neurons and circuits.

Her research interests include:

• Neural circuit organization and function
• Serotonin and dopamine systems in the brain
• Brain connectivity and cell type diversity
• Molecular and system neuroscience approaches
• Links between neuromodulatory circuits and behavior
• Neuropsychiatric disorders including depression and anxiety

Dr. Pollak Dorocic employs cutting-edge techniques including genetic and molecular profiling, neuroanatomy and connectivity mapping, in vivo imaging of neural activity, and optical neuromanipulation. Her work aims to untangle specific neural circuit components to understand their contribution to both healthy brain function and disease.

Her laboratory has produced significant research on serotonin and dopamine systems, with publications in top-tier journals including Nature Neuroscience, Neuron, and Nature Communications. Her research has advanced understanding of how specific neural circuits contribute to behavior and mental health conditions.

Dr. Pollak Dorocic actively mentors postdoctoral researchers and graduate students in her laboratory, fostering the next generation of neuroscientists. Her research group includes postdocs Joseph Clerke and Ana Rita Costa, and PhD student Charlotta Henningson.