"I am researching the development and application of genetically encoded glutamate sensors in the labs of Dr. Lin Tian and Dr. Randy Blakely. In the Tian lab, I am using techniques in molecular and cellular biology to optimize a glutamate sensor for in vivo applications. I aim to use this sensor in the Blakely lab to investigate glutamate dynamics between neurons and astrocytes in mice, and how clearance is disrupted in a diseased state.

I majored in Biomedical Sciences at the University of Central Florida, where I studied oxidative stress in neural progenitor cells. After graduating from UCF, I joined Dr. Matthew Disney’s lab as a postbaccalaureate fellow at The Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute, where I investigated chemical probing of a structured RNA in the SARS-CoV-2 genome.

I was attracted to FAU because of the breadth of Neuroscience research areas including molecular, behavioral, and computational labs. During my rotation in the Blakely lab, I conducted metabolic assays in c. elegans to explore the interplay between neurons and glia. In the Toll lab, I applied confocal microscopy and mouse behavior analysis to study IL-1 and its role in pain. My rotation in the Tian lab built on my experience in molecular biology to optimize a genetically encoded glutamate sensor."

"In the lab of Dr. Gregg Fields, I will be investigating the function of protease MT5-MMP and its products in Alzheimer's disease. We are also interested in using our cellular and mouse models to explore the role of MT5-MMP's binding partner HTRA1 in neurodegenerative disease.

Before I started in FAU's NGP, I studied as an undergraduate at UC Davis. I majored in cell biology and volunteered in Dr. Neil Hunter's lab to help study how homologous recombination is modulated during meiosis. After graduation, I worked as a research assistant in the lab of Dr. Fred Gage at the Salk Institute to support research characterizing the molecular signature of memory in the dentate gyrus. I wanted to continue investigating memory as well as its dysfunction in neurodegenerative disease in a PhD program.

I was attracted to the NGP program because of the fascinating research conducted by faculty in the program, the emphasis on mentoring, and the collaborative campus environment. In my first year, my rotations in the labs of Dr. Henriette van Praag, Dr. Vidhya Rangaraju, and Dr. Gregg Fields were all valuable and positive experiences."

"After earning a B.S. in Psychology from the University of Indianapolis, I completed a M.S. in Experimental Psychology at Nova Southeastern University where I explored a SNP in the COMT gene and its associations with dopamine levels and stress. During this time, I worked in the lab of Dr. Jaime Tartar employing molecular biology methodologies to explore stress, inflammation, and cognitive function in human participants.

My interest in genetic model systems led me to join the lab of Dr. Laura Fontenas where I am now conducting research with the zebrafish model organism. Under her mentorship, I aim to further elucidate the mechanisms of nervous system development and repair by exploring peripheral glia interactions in debris clearance, an important cell-mediated process in nerve regeneration. I was fortunate to present my research thus far at the 2025 NeuroCollective Symposium in Jupiter, FL.

The interdisciplinary nature of the Neuroscience Graduate Program at FAU caught my attention, particularly its diverse yet collaborative community of high-caliber faculty and research. The ability to rotate with the labs of Dr. Stackman, Dr. Fontenas, and Dr. Pieraut during year one exposed me to a broad range of scientific topics and experimental approaches, all of which helped inform the direction of my own research."

"I am currently doing research under Dr. Nancy Jones looking at EEG and behavioral responses in children 6-24 months old. We are investigating reactions to novel stimuli and how these responses change over development. This work has the potential to uncover predictive measures of later anxiety, allowing early interventions to target children who will need more support.

I majored in Biopsychology/Neuroscience at New College of Florida. As an undergraduate, I investigated white matter pathways in cetaceans (dolphins and whales). By examining the brains of multiple cetacean species, patterns between observable social behaviors and the underlying neural connectivity supporting them can be revealed, allowing us to better understand the neural bases of social complexity.

The neuroscience program at FAU appealed to me because of its thoroughly interdisciplinary nature. I was attracted by the collaborative environment and access to faculty and resources across multiple interconnected disciplines of neuroscience. In my first year I rotated in the labs of Dr. Alan Kersten, Dr. Erik Duboue, and Dr. Nancy Jones. This allowed me to explore my interests from different perspectives before choosing the lab I will complete my dissertation in."

"I am pursuing my research under the mentorship of Dr. Gregg Fields, focusing on the enzyme profile of MT5-MMP (Membrane-Type 5 Matrix Metalloproteinase), identifying its potential substrates to map their cleavage sites, and examining how post-translational modifications affect enzymatic activity. Through this research, I am aiming to provide insights into the functional role of MT5-MMP in the Amyloid-η (Aη) pathway, which has been implicated in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease.

I received a B.S. in Psychology at East Tennessee State University where I had the opportunity to conduct research in Dr. Jerry Deehan's Addictions of Pharmacology lab on various projects relating to adolescent alcohol use disorder, flavored conditioned cues associated with alcohol in adulthood, associative learning model, and overall behavioral neuropharmacology. My current research focus pertains to the molecular and cellular aspect of neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Alzheimer's disease by manipulating glial cells.

I was attracted to the NGP at FAU due to its connections with Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience, allowing exemplary resources that could benefit students. I had the privilege of rotating in the labs of Dr. Gregg Fields, Dr. Ning Quan, and Dr. Sarah Stern. There are a vast number of neuroscience researchers within the NGP and MPFI that utilize the interdisciplinary and collaborative approach to science, which encouraged me apply and join the program."

"Under the guidance of Dr. Tanja Godenschwege, I will be investigating the role of Attractin (ATRN), a transmembrane protein involved in endolysosomal degradation of inhibitory G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs), within the insulin signaling pathway in Drosophila. Dysregulation of this critical pathway, which governs metabolism and stress responses, can contribute to the pathogenesis of various neurodegenerative diseases.

I earned my degree in Behavioral Neuroscience at Florida International University, where I conducted behavioral experiments involving odor-sequence memory tasks in rats as well as investigated autophagy within manganese treated primary astrocytes and microglia. This sparked my interest in the cellular and molecular pathways underlying neurodegenerative diseases.

I chose FAU’s Neuroscience Graduate Program (NGP) for its collaborative environment with Max Planck Institute and Scripps which provides a multidisciplinary research opportunities and a strong scientific community. I rotated with Dr. Erik Duboue, Dr. Tanja Godenschwege, and Dr. Ning Quan where I gained a more comprehensive understanding of the interconnected systems supporting the brain."

"I am currently pursuing my research in Dr. Randy Blakely’s lab. I am investigating the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying a rare dopamine transporter mutation, DATVal599. This rare mutation was identified in humans who were diagnosed with ASD, Bipolar disorder, and ADHD, inspiring the lab to develop a DATVal599 knock-in mouse model. My research aims to use both in vivo and in vitro approaches on this model to advance further pharmacological and behavioral therapies for disorders characterized by dysregulated dopamine homeostasis.

I received my B.S. in neuroscience at Indiana University. During my undergraduate degree, I completed an honors thesis that studied the role of endocannabinoid signaling in the cerebellum. Specifically, how reduced DAGLA in the cerebellum can result in ASD phenotypes.

I was drawn to the NGP at FAU because of the wide variety of cutting-edge research conducted across multiple institutions. I appreciate the opportunity to conduct rotations across three different labs to find the best lab to suit me. Many of the labs in the NGP align with my research interests and use techniques that I am eager to perform."