معرفی
Jonathan Pierce is an Associate Professor in the Department of Neuroscience at The University of Texas at Austin, where he established his lab in 2008. His research focuses on genetic mechanisms governing behaviors and neurological disorders using Caenorhabditis elegans as a model organism. He previously studied at the University of Oregon (PhD in Neuroscience) and University of California, San Francisco (Medical School research).
- 2008-present: UT Austin Neuroscience Department
- 2001-2008: University of Oregon graduate training
- 1997-2001: UCSF Medical School research
Research Focus: His lab investigates four core questions:
- Molecular basis for gait switching mechanisms in Parkinsonian worms
- Alcohol intoxication/addiction through BK channel modulation
- Down syndrome gene identification via chromosome 21 overexpression
- Alzheimer's disease prevention using C. elegans models
- Humidity and magnetic field sensing mechanisms
Publication Trends: Recent works (2018-2025) emphasize alcohol's molecular mechanisms, neurodegenerative disease modeling, and sensory biology. Key themes include ion channel pharmacology, genetic interactions in neurodegeneration, and environmental sensory detection.
Scientific Recognition: Notable awards include the NIH Director’s Transformative Research Award (2011), Alzheimer’s Association grant (2010), and multiple awards for Down syndrome advocacy/hiring initiatives ($3k-$10k). His teaching excellence was recognized in 2013 by UT Austin students.
Lab Environment: The UT Austin lab (established 2008) focuses on genetic approaches to neurological disorders. They pioneered C. elegans models for Alzheimer’s and Down syndrome research, enabling rapid drug screening and mechanistic studies.
