معرفی
Sacha Nelson is the Gyula and Katica Tauber Professor of Life Science in the Department of Biology at Brandeis University, with affiliations to the Neuroscience Program and the Benjamin and Mae Volen National Center for Complex Systems. His research focuses on physiological genomics of the mammalian neocortex, examining how genetic and epigenetic mechanisms maintain neuronal identity and connectivity in both healthy and disease states.
- Education: MD/PhD from University of California, San Diego; BA/BS from Brown University
Nelson employs genetic, genomic, and electrophysiological approaches to study cortical development, function, and disease models. His work has implications for autism spectrum disorders, epilepsy, schizophrenia, and Alzheimer’s disease, with a focus on molecular mechanisms of circuit homeostasis and activity-dependent transcription.
Recent publications emphasize transcriptional regulation in neocortical maturation, synaptic plasticity under activity deprivation, and molecular architecture of thalamic pathways. Key themes include neuronal identity, chromatin accessibility, and gene expression constraints in cortical networks.
- Scientific Awards: HHMI Senior Fellowship, GEAR Award, Henry Strage Award, Sloan Foundation Research Fellowship, NIH Postdoctoral Fellowship
Nelson's work bridges molecular neuroscience and circuit physiology, contributing to understanding both normal sensory processing and disease-altered cortical function. His research team utilizes mouse models and genomic tools to explore these fundamental neurobiological questions.
