معرفی
Prerana Shrestha is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Neurobiology & Behavior at Stony Brook University, part of the Renaissance School of Medicine. Her research focuses on protein synthesis dynamics in memory processes, particularly in amygdala and prefrontal cortex circuits. She employs advanced techniques like chemogenetics and optogenetics to study threat memory consolidation and maladaptive behaviors in conditions like Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC).
Education: B.S. in Biological Chemistry (Bates College, 2003), Ph.D. in Life Sciences (Rockefeller University, 2011). Postdoctoral training at NYU with Eric Klann and Rockefeller University with Nathaniel Heintz. Honors include the 2022 Sloan Research Fellowship and NARSAD Young Investigator Award.
Research Interests: Cell-type specific translation regulation during emotional memory formation, molecular mechanisms of stress-induced depression, and translational control in neurological disorders. Her lab integrates mouse transgenesis, in vivo pharmacology, and proteomics to dissect protein synthesis roles in adaptive and maladaptive behaviors.
Awards: Sloan Research Fellow (2022), Anuradha Rao Memorial Award (2019), NARSAD Young Investigator (2017–2020). Her work has been published in *Nature*, *Nature Neuroscience*, and *Trends in Neurosciences*.
Lab Team: Includes postdocs (e.g., Javed Iqbal), graduate students (e.g., Saheed Lawal), and undergraduates. Collaborations focus on TSC mouse models, oxytocin signaling, and threat discrimination circuits. Funding includes NIH grants and foundation support.
Teaching: Instructs graduate courses on systems neuroscience and local translation in axon guidance. Committed to diversity initiatives, including the Turner Fellowship program for underrepresented students.
