Laura Fonken

Laura Fonken, Ph.D. is an Associate Professor of Pharmacology & Toxicology at the University of Texas at Austin's College of Pharmacy. She holds the prestigious Lonnie F. Hollingsworth, Sr. Centennial Fellowship in Pharmacy and leads an active research laboratory focused on neuroimmunology.

Dr. Fonken's research broadly investigates how interactions among the immune, nervous, and endocrine systems regulate complex behavioral processes such as cognitive and mood-related behaviors. Her lab particularly focuses on two main research directions: (1) Targeting neuroinflammatory responses in the aged brain to improve cognitive function, and (2) Understanding the mechanisms by which the circadian system regulates neuroimmune function across the lifespan. Her work centers on microglia, the brain's resident immune cells, and how they shape behavior across the lifespan through endogenous factors like circadian rhythms and aging, as well as exogenous factors such as environmental pollutants, infection, and injury.

Her research has identified that microglia become more reactive or 'primed' over an animal's lifespan, worsening outcomes when immune challenges are encountered. Her lab is investigating mechanisms by which Mycobacterium vaccae vaccination prevents exacerbated neuroinflammatory and behavioral deficits in aging, supported by NIH R01 AG062716. She is also examining how circadian rhythms in immune cell trafficking become disrupted with age and Alzheimer's Disease-like pathology, supported by NIH R01 AG078758.

Dr. Fonken's publications reveal a strong focus on neuroimmunology, circadian biology, and aging. Her work demonstrates significant contributions to understanding sex differences in microglial function, the impact of hormonal changes on neuroinflammation, and the therapeutic potential of immunomodulation for age-related cognitive decline.

• Lonnie F. Hollingsworth, Sr. Centennial Fellowship in Pharmacy
• NIH R01 AG062716 grant
• NIH R01 AG078758 grant

Dr. Fonken actively mentors graduate students across multiple programs, including Pharmaceutical Sciences (Division of Pharmacology & Toxicology) and Neuroscience (Institute for Neuroscience). Her lab has successfully graduated two PhD students (Dr. Kevin Sanchez and Dr. Rachel Chen in 2023) and currently mentors several graduate students including Kate Davis, Brandy Routh, Kiersten Bell, Drew Hynes, and Kate Callahan. She has successfully guided her students to win numerous prestigious awards including the CCST Science & Technology Policy Fellowship, NIH predoctoral fellowships, and national competition wins.

The Fonken Lab maintains an active research presence with collaborations across disciplines and participation in major conferences including the Society for Neuroscience and the International Behavioral Neuroscience Society.