Jason Ritt is an Associate Professor of Brain Science (Research) and Scientific Director of Quantitative Neuroscience at the Robert J. and Nancy D. Carney Institute for Brain Science, Brown University. He holds affiliations with the Data Science Institute and collaborates across disciplines on quantitative research methods. Education : B.S., M.A., and Ph.D. in Neuroscience from Boston University (1997–2003). Research : Focuses on neural processing during active sensing and neuroengineering for neurostimulation. Combines electrophysiology, optogenetics, and theoretical approaches in rodent models. Develops closed-loop systems for studying sensory neural prosthetics and brain-machine interfaces. Key areas include synaptic diversity, neurocontrol algorithms, and sensory restoration. Teaching : Instructs NEUR 2100 NeuroPracticum, integrating hands-on neuroscience research training.
Dr. Hillel Adesnik is a Professor in the Department of Neuroscience at the University of California, Berkeley, and a leading researcher in the neural basis of sensory perception. His lab focuses on cortical microcircuits, optogenetics, and neural coding, with emphasis on visual processing and memory formation. Key Research Areas: Cortical Microcircuits Optogenetic Tools Gamma Band Rhythms Neural Coding Mechanisms Dr. Adesnik has pioneered high-speed optical methods like 3D-MAP and 3D-SHOT to manipulate neural activity. His work spans cortical dynamics, synaptic plasticity, and cortical layer interactions, with applications in understanding learning algorithms and sensory inference. Selected Trends from Publications: Recent preprints and papers highlight advancements in cortical VIP neuron function, channelrhodopsin structures, and inter-areal computations. His team utilizes two-photon holography, cryo-EM, and computational modeling to decode perception-related neural codes. Scientific Awards: NIH Director's New Innovator Award (2013) Dr. Adesnik's lab collaborates with institutions like NIH and develops tools for awake animal studies. Funding includes grants from the Beckman Young Investigator Program and NIH.
Istvan Mody is a Professor at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) with appointments in the Department of Neurology and Department of Physiology . His research focuses on synaptic signaling in health and disease, including mechanisms of GABAergic transmission, calcium homeostasis, and their roles in neurological disorders such as epilepsy, Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's disease, stress, alcoholism, and postpartum depression. He utilizes advanced techniques like patch-clamp electrophysiology, neuroanatomical and immunohistochemical methods, and molecular biology in animal models and human brain tissue . Research Interests: Dr. Mody investigates the physiology, pharmacology, and pathology of synaptic transmission and extrasynaptic receptor activation , with a particular emphasis on GABA(A) receptors and their subunit-specific modulation. His work explores how disruptions in excitation-inhibition balance contribute to neurological diseases, including mechanisms of tonic inhibition , calcium signaling , and neurosteroid interactions . He also studies the effects of chronic stress and hormonal fluctuations on neural excitability and behavior. Publications Trends: Recent studies highlight his work on gamma oscillations in Alzheimer's models, microglial dynamics , and rehabilitation strategies for stroke. His lab develops optical tools like dqGEVI for neuronal activity monitoring and investigates human brain organoids to model network dysfunction in epilepsy and intellectual disability. Laboratory Location: 635 Charles Young Dr S, Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States.
Prof. Casper Hoogenraad is a full professor in Molecular Neuroscience at the Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University. His research focuses on understanding how intracellular protein trafficking underlies neuronal development and function, with particular emphasis on the microtubule cytoskeleton, synaptic cargo trafficking, and synaptic plasticity. He leads an active research group within Utrecht University's Cell Biology department and collaborates extensively with other neuroscience research groups. Education: PhD, Erasmus University Rotterdam (1996-2001) Postdoc, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (2002-2005) Hoogenraad's research spans three main themes: cytoskeleton dynamics during neurodevelopment and synaptic plasticity, motor proteins and adaptors as regulators of synaptic transport, and psychiatric and neurologic disease disorders linked to intracellular transport. His work combines genetics, biochemistry, molecular, and cellular biology methods in in vitro (neuron cultures), ex vivo (brain slices), and in vivo (mice) systems, along with advanced microscopy techniques including immunofluorescent confocal microscopy, high-resolution live cell imaging, and photo-activated localization microscopy (PALM). Analysis of Hoogenraad's recent publications reveals a strong focus on microtubule organization, neuronal polarity, and the molecular mechanisms underlying synaptic function and dysfunction. His work frequently explores how disruptions in intracellular transport contribute to neurological disorders including Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia, and autism spectrum disorders, with particular attention to the relationship between cytoskeletal organization and cargo transport in neuronal compartments. Scientific Awards and Memberships: ZonMW-VIDI (2004) European Young Investigators (EURYI) award (2005) NWO-ALW VICI (2011) ERC Consolidator grants (2013) FENS-Kavli Network of Excellence (2014) European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO) (2015) Young Academy of Europe (YAE) (2015) IBRO Kemali Prize (2016) Hoogenraad leads a research group studying neuronal development and function, with a particular focus on how intracellular transport mechanisms contribute to both normal brain function and neurological disorders. His laboratory employs a multidisciplinary approach combining molecular, cellular, and systems neuroscience techniques to investigate the molecular basis of neuronal polarity, synaptic plasticity, and the pathogenesis of neurological disorders. He has secured significant research funding through prestigious grants including ERC Consolidator grants. The Hoogenraad lab operates within the Cell Biology department at Utrecht University, collaborating with other research groups focusing on cellular dynamics, biophysics, and neurobiology. The lab utilizes advanced microscopy techniques including immunofluorescent confocal microscopy, high-resolution live cell imaging (spinning disc microscopy and total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy), and quantitative analysis using advanced high-resolution microscopy (photo-activated localization microscopy). Current lab technicians include Phebe Wulf and Bart de Haan.
Paras N. Prasad is a SUNY Distinguished Professor with joint appointments in Physics, Chemistry, Medicine, and Electrical Engineering at the University at Buffalo. He serves as Executive Director of the Institute for Lasers, Photonics and Biophotonics (ILPB), which he founded in 1999. Dr. Prasad holds the Samuel P. Capen Chair of Chemistry and has pioneered interdisciplinary research at the interface of photonics, nanotechnology, and biomedicine. Education: BSc, Bihar University, India (1964) MSc, Bihar University, India (1966) PhD, University of Pennsylvania (1971) Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Michigan (1971-74) Research Focus: Dr. Prasad's multidisciplinary research spans photonics, nanophotonics, and biophotonics, with emphasis on nonlinear optical processes in nanostructured materials. His work develops photonic technologies for information processing, medical imaging, and cancer therapy through nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems and diagnostic platforms. The ILPB laboratory features state-of-the-art instrumentation for advanced optical research. Publication Trends: Recent articles demonstrate strong focus on nanomedicine applications, particularly cancer theranostics using functional nanoparticles. Key themes include drug delivery systems, chiral photonic materials, bioimaging technologies, and nanoparticle synthesis techniques. The research consistently bridges fundamental materials science with translational medical applications. Honors and Awards: SPIE Gold Medal (2016) IEEE Photonics Society William Streifer Award (2021) American Chemical Society Peter Debye Award (2018) OSA Michael Feld Biophotonics Award (2017) IEEE Pioneer Award in Nanotechnology (2017) Fellow of National Academy of Inventors (2016) Guggenheim Fellowship (1997) Leadership: As ILPB Executive Director, Dr. Prasad leads multidisciplinary teams developing photonic technologies with applications in healthcare, energy, and communications. His research has generated nine spin-off companies, including Nanobiotix currently in advanced cancer therapy trials.
Sonia Mayoral is the Robert J. and Nancy D. Carney Assistant Professor of Neuroscience at Brown University. Her research focuses on studying cell-cell interactions in the brain, particularly the development and function of oligodendrocytes – glial cells critical for myelin formation. She explores how these cells contribute to myelination, remyelination processes, and their roles in neurological disorders like multiple sclerosis. Her work integrates cellular neuroscience, immunology, and drug screening methodologies. Research interests include glial cell biology, neuron-glial interactions, and the molecular mechanisms governing myelin repair. She investigates how environmental cues and signaling pathways regulate oligodendrocyte differentiation and function. Notable projects involve developing high-throughput screening platforms for MS therapeutics and studying sex-specific responses to neurodegenerative challenges. Her lab’s recent work includes clinical trials (Re-WRAP) evaluating Bazedoxifene for remyelination in women, and fundamental studies on regulatory T cell roles in myelin regeneration. She also examines how mechanical stimulation and epigenetic changes influence oligodendrocyte behavior. Her research bridges basic science and translational efforts, aiming to advance treatments for myelin-related disorders. Dr. Mayoral’s lab is active at Brown University, with a dedicated website detailing ongoing projects and collaborations. While no specific grants or students are listed here, her work reflects a strong focus on interdisciplinary approaches to neurodegenerative disease mechanisms.
Anna G Orr serves as Nan and Stephen Swid Assistant Professor of Frontotemporal Dementia Research and Assistant Professor of Neuroscience at Weill Cornell Medical College's Brain and Mind Research Institute since 2016, leading pioneering research on astrocyte biology in dementia pathogenesis. Her educational background includes: Ph.D. from Emory University (2008) B.S. from Allegheny College (2002) Dr. Orr's research program centers on astrocytic-neuronal interactions , mitochondrial signaling , and neuroimmune mechanisms through three interconnected pathways: neuroimmune , oxidative , and G protein-coupled signaling . Her lab investigates how these mechanisms influence neuroinflammation, protein aggregation, synaptic function, and behavioral outcomes in dementia, with parallel therapeutic discovery efforts targeting astrocytic pathways for novel dementia treatments. Analysis of her 15 most recent publications (2025-2010) reveals escalating focus on astrocyte-specific dementia mechanisms , particularly mitochondrial ROS signaling, sex-dimorphic memory effects, TDP-43 pathology interactions with antiviral pathways, and lipid dysregulation in neurodegeneration. Her work consistently bridges molecular discoveries with therapeutic applications, demonstrating increasing NIH funding support for translational approaches. Key scientific recognitions include: NIH K99/R00 Pathway to Independence Award (2017) Leon Levy Fellowship in Neuroscience (2021) Nan and Stephen Swid Endowed Professorship (2021) Outstanding Neuroscience Teaching Award (2021) Dr. Orr actively mentors eight trainees across career stages, including Ph.D. candidates Evelyn Hardin and Constance Zhou, while securing major NIH grants as Principal Investigator for projects like Uncovering Dementia-Related Lipid Alterations in Astrocytes (NIA 2024-2026) and Mitochondrial Complex III Free Radicals in Dementia Pathology (NIA 2020-2026), alongside collaborative awards from the Alzheimer's Association. Her Orr Lab maintains a dual focus on mechanistic astrocyte biology and therapeutic translation, with current projects examining astrocytic TDP-43 dysregulation, mitochondrial complex III signaling, and sex-specific memory mechanisms using advanced in vivo techniques and disease models.
Niels Quack is an Associate Professor in Micro- and Nanosystems at The University of Sydney's School of Aerospace, Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering. He joined the university in 2022 after serving as an SNSF Assistant Professor at EPFL (Switzerland). His roles include Academic Director of the Research and Prototype Foundry and membership in the University of Sydney Nano Institute. He holds a Dr.Sc. from ETH Zurich and an M.Sc. from EPFL. His research focuses on micro- and nanosystems engineering, integrating mechanics and photonics at the microscale. Key applications include fiber-optical communication, quantum sensing, and integrated photonics using diamond and silicon materials. Quack has pioneered silicon photonic MEMS and diamond micro-optics, with over 100 publications in journals like ACS Photonics , Optics Letters , and Nanoscale . He leads international collaborations with institutions like Ghent University (Belgium) and EPFL (Switzerland), and serves on editorial boards for IEEE Journal of Microelectromechanical Systems and SPIE Journal of Optical Microsystems . His awards include the Optica Senior Member distinction (2023) and Sydney Research Accelerator Prize (2023). Quack supervises PhD and Master's students in advanced micro- and nanosystems design, offering projects in programmable photonics and diamond-based biosensors. He actively recruits postdoctoral researchers and advises on funded projects like 'Nurturing Commercialization Opportunities for Multipoint Fiber-Optical Pressure Sensors.' His lab develops cutting-edge technologies such as vacuum-sealed silicon photonic MEMS and diamond nanopillar arrays, advancing applications in quantum sensing and optical communication systems.
Jose M. Carmena is the Chancellor's Professor of Electrical Engineering and Neuroscience at the University of California-Berkeley and Co-Director of the Center for Neural Engineering and Prostheses (CNEP). His research focuses on brain-machine interfaces (BMIs), neuroprosthetics, and sensorimotor learning mechanisms. Ph.D., Robotics, University of Edinburgh (2002) M.S., Artificial Intelligence, University of Edinburgh (1998) M.S., Electrical Engineering, University of Valencia (1997) B.S., Electrical Engineering, Polytechnic University of Valencia (1995) Dr. Carmena's work bridges neural engineering and systems neuroscience, investigating corticostriatal plasticity, wireless neural recording systems (e.g., neural dust), and closed-loop BMI adaptation. His publications reveal expertise in Neuroprosthetic Algorithms , Wireless Neural Interfaces , and Sensorimotor Learning with applications in chronic neuroprosthetic systems. McKnight Technological Innovations in Neuroscience Award (2017) IEEE Fellow (2017) NSF CAREER Award (2010) Sloan Research Fellow (2009) Hellman Fellow (2007) His advisees include Paul Botros, Archit Gupta, and Vivek Athalye. Dr. Carmena has published extensively in journals like Nature , Neuron , and Nature Neuroscience , developing technologies such as ultrasonic neural dust for cortical recording and adaptive control algorithms for prosthetics.
Felix Schweizer is Professor of Neurobiology at the David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, and concurrently serves as Interim Director of the Brain Research Institute and Chair of the Graduate Interdepartmental Program for Neuroscience, reflecting his leadership in both research and graduate training. Education Ph.D. in Biochemistry (summa cum laude), University of Basel, 1989 Research Interests Schweizer’s laboratory focuses on the molecular mechanisms of synaptic transmission and neuronal communication. Using electrophysiology, optical imaging, and quantitative proteomics, his group investigates how protein ubiquitination dynamically regulates neurotransmitter release and neuronal excitability. Recent projects explore microbial metabolite sensing by vagal afferents, the synaptic impact of environmental toxicants linked to Parkinson’s disease, and how gravitational load alters vestibular synaptic architecture. Collaborations with Drs. James Wohlschlegel (multiplexed SILAC proteomics), David Krantz (pesticide neurotoxicology), and Larry Hoffman (vestibular biology in altered gravity) extend the lab’s reach from molecular mechanisms to systems-level neuroscience. Scientific Awards No specific awards are listed in the provided text. Advising & Grants As Chair of the Graduate Interdepartmental Program for Neuroscience, Schweizer oversees interdisciplinary Ph.D. training across UCLA. The laboratory continuously hosts post-doctoral fellows and graduate students, and recent funding supports work on ubiquitin-mediated synaptic modulation, pesticide-induced neurodegeneration, and spaceflight-induced synaptic plasticity in the vestibular system. Labs & Teams The Schweizer laboratory, located in the Center for Health Sciences at UCLA, integrates electrophysiology, advanced imaging (serial EM and EM tomography), and biochemical approaches to dissect synaptic function across rodent, Drosophila, and human tissue models.
Rui M. Costa is a Professor of Neuroscience at Columbia University, with appointments in Neurology and the Mortimer B. Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute. His research focuses on understanding how molecular networks in the brain influence neural circuits to shape behaviors, particularly in action control and disorders like Autism Spectrum Disorders and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. Primary Affiliation: Columbia University Departments: Neuroscience, Neurology Institute: Mortimer B. Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute Research Interests Molecular and neural circuit mechanisms of action control Goal-directed actions vs. habits Behavioral disorders: Autism and OCD Neural plasticity in motor learning Publication Trends His recent work explores corticostriatal dynamics, basal ganglia pathways, and endocannabinoid modulation in habit formation. Studies also investigate Foxp2 mutations, motor learning consolidation, and two-photon imaging of neural activity in rodents.
Amir Shmuel is a Professor at McGill University's Faculty of Medicine, holding appointments in the Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Department of Biomedical Engineering, and Department of Physiology. He serves as Director of the Brain Imaging Signals Lab and Core Faculty at the McConnell Brain Imaging Centre of the Montreal Neurological Institute. His leadership includes chairing the 2018 International Society for Brain Connectivity conference and securing an $18.7M Canada Foundation for Innovation grant for Quebec's first large-bore 7 Tesla MRI scanner. Dr. Shmuel's research focuses on understanding neuronal mechanisms underlying functional brain imaging signals and visual information processing. His integrative approach combines fMRI, optical imaging, multi-channel neurophysiological recordings, and optogenetics across multiple spatial and temporal scales. Current research priorities include resting-state functional connectivity mechanisms, cortical lamina-resolved neurophysiology, and computational modeling of brain signals. His lab emphasizes parallel model development with experimental data acquisition. Recent publications demonstrate strong trends in multimodal neuroimaging integration, with emphasis on high-resolution fMRI techniques (especially 7T applications), resting-state connectivity analysis across species, and computational modeling of neurovascular coupling. Key subfields include laminar-specific activity mapping, artifact detection in medical imaging using deep learning, and cross-species functional connectivity frameworks. Dr. Shmuel's research is currently funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), and the US Department of Defense. His lab maintains active collaborations through initiatives like the International Society for Brain Connectivity and the PRIME-DE database consortium. Operating within the Brain Imaging Signals Lab at the Montreal Neurological Institute, Shmuel's team develops and applies advanced multimodal techniques including simultaneous fMRI-electrophysiology, voltage-sensitive dye imaging, and computational modeling frameworks. The lab maintains strong ties with the McConnell Brain Imaging Centre and participates in major open-science initiatives including the Tanenbaum Open Science Institute.
Edmund Hollis is an Assistant Professor of Neuroscience at the Brain and Mind Research Institute within Weill Cornell Medical College . He has been affiliated with the institution since 2016 and leads a research lab focused on neural circuit remodeling and recovery after spinal cord injury. Education: Ph.D. in Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine (2008) B.S., University of Southern California (2002) Research Interests: Hollis's lab investigates the neural mechanisms underlying movement and recovery from spinal cord injury. Using genetic, molecular, and behavioral tools, along with optogenetics and optical imaging, the lab explores how neural circuits respond to injury and how they can be therapeutically enhanced. Key areas include cortical plasticity, axon regeneration, astrocyte responses, and neuromodulation of motor circuits. Scientific Contributions: His recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on corticospinal tract function, spinal interneuron modulation, and the use of advanced behavioral assays like the Kinematic Deviation Index (KDI) to assess motor recovery in rodent models. His work spans from molecular signaling pathways (e.g., RANKL, Wnt, IGF-I) to large-scale circuit remodeling and rehabilitation strategies. Collaborations & External Roles: Hollis has professional affiliations with Texas A&M University and the National Institutes of Health, and has served as a speaker and consultant for various academic and governmental organizations.
Christoph J. Fahrni is a Professor at the School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology. He earned his M.S. from the Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) in Zurich and a Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Basel in 1995. After postdoctoral work at Northwestern University, he joined Georgia Tech in 1999, where his research focuses on metal ion biochemistry, particularly copper and zinc, using fluorescent probes and X-ray fluorescence imaging. Education: M.S., Federal Institute of Technology (ETH), Zurich Ph.D., University of Basel, 1995 His research integrates synthetic fluorescent probes and X-ray fluorescence microscopy to study intracellular metal ion dynamics, including copper trafficking, zinc homeostasis, and their roles in diseases like Menkes syndrome. The lab develops high-affinity ligands for copper buffering, investigates P-type ATPase transporters, and uses 3D X-ray tomography to map metals in zebrafish embryos. Key methodologies include ratiometric two-photon microscopy and bioorganometallic catalyst design. Recent publications highlight advancements in subzeptomolar copper probes, dynamic zinc imaging during development, and metal chelation therapy applications. Collaborative projects with Prof. Robert Dickson explore low-background fluorescent protein imaging. The Fahrni group trains graduate students like Daisy Bourassa and Adam McCallum, focusing on biochemical copper/zinc interactions and probe development.
Dr. Yoon Seok Kim is a Postdoctoral Fellow at Stanford University’s Department of Bioengineering, focusing on structural and mechanistic studies of light-gated ion channels. He earned his Ph.D. in Bioengineering at Stanford, mentored by Drs. Karl Deisseroth and Brian Kobilka, with research centered on ion channel selectivity and optogenetic applications. Education: Ph.D. in Bioengineering, Stanford University Dr. Kim’s research spans Optogenetics , Structural Biology , and Neuroscience , particularly the molecular mechanisms of ion channels in neural and glioma contexts. His work includes structural analysis of potassium-selective channelrhodopsins and synaptic mechanisms in neurodegenerative diseases. Recent publications highlight interdisciplinary trends, merging Neuroscience , Molecular Biology , and Bioengineering , with subfields like diffuse midline gliomas , dopamine neuron resilience , and machine learning in protein engineering . His studies often integrate advanced imaging and optogenetic tools.
