Lynne Oland

Lynne Oland, Ph.D., is a Research Professor Emerita at the University of Arizona, where she previously directed the Undergraduate Neuroscience and Cognitive Science (NSCS) Program from 2011 to 2019. Her research focuses on neuron-glia interactions in the developing and mature nervous system, with particular emphasis on glial roles in synaptic modulation, olfactory system development, and signaling mechanisms in insects like Manduca sexta and Drosophila. She co-directed her lab with Leslie Tolbert, Regents Professor, and contributed to groundbreaking studies on glial cell migration, axon sorting, and synaptic regulation via GABA transporters and calcium signaling.

As NSCS Program Director, Dr. Oland spearheaded a program recognized for fostering a tight-knit community of high-achieving students, including a significant proportion of first-generation and Hispanic students. The program’s success included students with strong academic performance (average GPA 3.51 in 2018) and active involvement in research and outreach.

Her research highlights include discoveries about glial stabilization of olfactory glomeruli, axon-glial signaling via EGF/FGF receptors, and astrocyte roles in Drosophila synapses. Her work underscores glia’s dynamic role beyond traditional support functions, influencing neuronal viability, axon guidance, and synaptic plasticity.

Labs and collaborations centered on interdisciplinary approaches, combining electrophysiology, microscopy, and genetic models. Her legacy includes foundational insights into glial-neuronal interplay, with implications for understanding neurological development and dysfunction.