Moritz Armbruster

Moritz Armbruster is a Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Neuroscience at the Tufts University School of Medicine. He holds a PhD from Rockefeller University (2012) and a BS from Cooper Union (2006). His research focuses on astrocyte-neuron interactions, particularly how astrocytic functions such as glutamate clearance and potassium buffering modulate neuronal activity. Key techniques include astrocyte/neuronal electrophysiology and advanced live imaging of glutamate, calcium, and voltage sensors.

His work has revealed novel synaptic specificity in astrocytic glutamate clearance and its rapid kinetics. Notable contributions include studies on traumatic brain injury’s impact on cortical connectivity, Kir4.1 channel roles in respiratory control, and interneuron maturation in epilepsy models. Armbruster has been funded by grants such as the Epilepsy Foundation of America (2014-2015) and maintains professional affiliations with the American Epilepsy Society and Society for Neuroscience.

• Research Themes: Astrocyte physiology, glutamate dynamics, synaptic modulation, traumatic brain injury, epilepsy mechanisms
• Key Methods: In vivo electrophysiology, laser-scanning imaging, molecular genetics, optogenetics
• Impact: Over 60 scholarly articles with significant contributions to understanding glial-neuronal communication