معرفی
Jessica Osterhout is an Assistant Professor of Neurobiology at the University of Utah, where she investigates the molecular, cellular, and circuit mechanisms underlying sickness symptoms and immune-brain communication. Her research focuses on neural circuits controlling sickness behavior, utilizing advanced behavioral analyses, single-cell transcriptomics, and genetic/viral tools.
Education:
- B.S. from University of Oregon
- Ph.D. from University of California, San Diego
Her work examines how the brain senses systemic immune responses and modulates neural circuits to generate stereotyped sickness behaviors such as fever, fatigue, and appetite changes. Recent studies highlight preoptic neuronal populations and molecular mechanisms in immune-brain interaction.
Selected Publications: Spanning developmental neurobiology (2002-2015) and sickness behavior neuroscience (2017-2025), with recent works focusing on preoptic circuits, immune-brain signaling, and sickness-induced hyperalgesia.
Lab Environment: Prioritizes diversity, collaboration, and mentorship. Seeks students with scientific curiosity, organizational skills, and effective communication abilities.
