Rachel Jeffrey

Dr. Rachel Jeffrey is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biology at Southern Connecticut State University. Her research examines biochemical mechanisms of brain plasticity, particularly how environmental enrichment during adolescence alters synapse morphology and memory formation through 14-3-3 proteins.

Research Focus: Dr. Jeffrey investigates experience-dependent neural changes using rodent models, with emphasis on synaptic adaptation mechanisms, ultrasonic vocalization analysis in social behavior, and molecular pathways of long-term memory. Her work bridges neurobiology, cell physiology, and behavioral neuroscience.

Grants & Funding: Secured $33,800+ across 10 grants (2015-2019), including:

• CSU AAUP ($4,250) for synapse morphology characterization
• Three Faculty Development grants ($9,300) for interdisciplinary seminar series
• Multiple CSU grants ($14,850) studying 14-3-3 proteins' role in memory

Conference Activity: Presented 7+ neuroscience research posters/oral presentations at venues including Society for Neuroscience Annual Meeting and NEURON symposia, often with undergraduate co-authors.