Florida Atlantic Neuroscience Seminar Series

Spring 2025

For more information, contact Louise Walker, M.Ed. louisewalker@svztur.com

Watch past seminars here

Date Seminar Information
Jan. 14, 2025 Title: Muscle-to-brain signaling and its relevance for aging

Guest Speaker: Fabio Demontis, Ph.D.,
Associate Member, Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

Location: Boca BC-71 Room 126
Join on Zoom
Time: 4 p.m.

Host: Andy Khamoui, Ph.D.
Jan. 21, 2025 Title: The Amyloid Hypothesis: 30 Years of Mechanistic Insights and Advances in Disease Modifying Therapies

Guest Speaker: Lei Liu, MD, Ph.D.,
Assistant Professor of Neurology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital/Harvard Medical School

Location: Jupiter SNBI MC-22, Room 101
Join on Zoom
Time: 4 p.m.

Host: Qi Zhang, Ph.D.
Jan. 28, 2025 Title: TBD

Guest Speaker: Adriana Di Martino, MD,
Research Director, Autism Center, Child Mind Institute

Location: Boca BC-71, Room 126
Join on Zoom
Time: 4 p.m.

Host: Sammy Hong, Ph.D.
Mar. 11, 2025 Title: TBD

Guest Speaker: Sir John Hardy, Ph.D., FRS,
Technology and Medicine

Location: Jupiter SNBI MC-22 Room 101
Join on Zoom
Time: 4 p.m.

Host: Corinne Lasmezas, Ph.D., DVM
Mar. 18, 2025 Title: TBD

Guest Speaker: Michael Burton, Ph.D.,
Animal Science

Location: Jupiter SNBI MC-22 Room 101
Join on Zoom
Time: 4 p.m.

Host: Ning Quan, Ph.D.
Apr 1, 2025 Title: TBD

Guest Speaker: Theodore Huppert, Ph.D.,
Biophysics,
Harvard University

Location: Boca BC-71 Room 128
Join on Zoom
Time: 4 p.m.

Host: Teresa Wilcox, Ph.D.
Last updated: 12/9/2024

Previous Seminar Series

Fall 2024
Dates Seminar Information
Sep. 3, 2024 Title: Using Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation to Facilitate Cognitive Function in Healthy and Clinical Populations

Guest Speaker: Theodore Zanto, Ph.D.,
Associate Professor of Neurology, University of California San Francisco
Host: Sammy Hong, Ph.D.
Sep. 10, 2024 Title: Structural Plasticity in Circuit Development and Computational Fine-Tuning

Guest Speaker: Simon Pieraut (FAU), Ph.D.,
Assistant Professor, Florida Atlantic University Host: Bob Stackman, Ph.D.
Oct. 3, 2024 Title: Dopamine facilitates glutamatergic input response in astrocyte cell computational models

Guest Speaker: Antonio Roque, Ph.D.,
Associate Professor in the Department of Physics of the School of Philosophy, Sciences and Letters, University of Sao Paulo at Ribeirao Preto Host: Rodrigo De Oliveira Pena, Ph.D.
Oct. 15, 2024 Title: Do you see what I see? Development of own- and other-race face perception

Guest Speaker: Gizelle Anzures (FAU), Ph.D.,
Professor in the Psychology department, Florida Atlantic University Host: Chad Forbes, Ph.D.
Oct. 22, 2024 Title: We Can Cure A Mouse, What Now? Challenges in Translating Experimental Therapies From Mice to People

Guest Speaker: Amber Southwell, Ph.D.,
Associate Professor, Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience, University of Central Florida Host: Jenny Wei, Ph.D.
Oct. 29, 2024 Title: Neuroimmune Mechanisms in Alcohol Use Disorder

Guest Speaker: Marisa Roberto, Ph.D.,

Professor, Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute Host: Andrea Cippitelli, Ph.D.
Nov. 12, 2024 Title: How Stress Gets Under the Skin: A Neuroimmune Network Perspective

Guest Speaker: Robin Nusslock, Ph.D.,

Associate Professor, Department of Psychology, Northwestern University Host: Randy Blakely, Ph.D.
Nov. 26, 2024 Title: Running From Stress: The Role of Serotonin in the Hippocampus

Guest Speaker: Carmen Vivar, Ph.D.,
Center for Research and Advanced Studies, National Polytechnic Institute, Mexico City, Mexico Host: Henriette Van Praag, Ph.D.
Dec. 3, 2024 Title: Large-Scale Biophysical Models of Thalamocortical Circuits to Study Brain Function and Disease

Guest Speaker: Salvador Dura-Bernal, Ph.D.,
Assistant Professor, Physiology and Pharmacology, Downstate Health Sciences University Host: Rodrigo De Oliveira Pena, Ph.D.
Spring 2024
Dates Seminar Information
Jan. 23, 2024 Title: Alcohol-Induced Memory Deficits: State-Dependent Learning in C. elegans

Jill Bettinger, Ph.D.
Professor, Dept. of Pharmacology and Toxicology
Virginia Commonwealth University
Jupiter, Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute MC-22, Room 101
Zoom: http://bit.ly/41p9fOv
Meeting ID: 821 0704 3095
Passcode: 2e8P9b
Host: Lucia Carvelli, Ph.D.
Feb. 6, 2024 Title: Mapping Cellular Diversity in Aggressive Brain Tumors

Michalina Janiszewska, Ph.D.,
Assistant Professor, Department of Molecular Medicine
The Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology

Jupiter, Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute MC-22, Room 101
Zoom: http://bit.ly/41p9fOv
Meeting ID: 821 0704 3095
Passcode: 2e8P9b
Host: Gregg Fields, Ph.D.
Feb. 20, 2024 Title: Storage and Control Mechanisms of Human Working Memory

Clayton Curtis, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Biology
Professor of Psychology and Neural Science
New York University

Boca, GS-2, Room 117
Zoom: http://bit.ly/41p9fOv
Meeting ID: 821 0704 3095
Passcode: 2e8P9b
Host: Summer Sheremata, Ph.D.
Mar. 12, 2024 Title: Nurturing Well-being: Perspectives from Contemplative Neuroscience

Richard Davidson, Ph.D.
Director of Center for Healthy Minds
University of Wisconsin-Madison

TBD Boca
Zoom: http://bit.ly/41p9fOv
Meeting ID: 821 0704 3095
Passcode: 2e8P9b
Host: Host: Nicole Baganz, Ph.D.
Apr. 2, 2024 Title: Unraveling Epigenetic Pathways in Disease and Addiction

Patrick Grant, Ph.D.
Chair and Professor of Biomedical Science
Florida Atlantic Schmidt College of Medicine

Boca, GS-2, Room 117
Zoom: http://bit.ly/41p9fOv
Meeting ID: 821 0704 3095
Passcode: 2e8P9b
Host: Kathleen Guthrie, Ph.D.
Apr. 9, 2024 Title: Resilience to Stress, Addiction, and Disease

A. J. Robison, Ph.D.
Director of the Neuroscience Program
Associate Professor of Physiology
Michigan State University

Jupiter, Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute MC-22, Room 101
Zoom: http://bit.ly/41p9fOv
Meeting ID: 821 0704 3095
Passcode: 2e8P9b
Host: Randy D. Blakely, Ph.D.
Apr. 13, 2024 *Saturday 11:30am -5pm Neuroscience Student Organization Annual Retreat
Title: Cortical Plasticity Within and Across Lifetimes
Leah Krubitzer, Ph.D.
Laboratory of Evolutionary Neurobiology
University Of California, Davis

Manatee Lagoon, West Palm Beach, FL
Host: Neuroscience Student Organization (NSO)
Apr. 16, 2024 In Memory of Dr. Emmanuelle Tognoli
Title: The Bumpy Landscape of Brain and Social Coordination Dynamics

Mengsen Zhang, Ph.D.
Michigan State University

TBD Boca
Zoom: http://bit.ly/41p9fOv
Meeting ID: 821 0704 3095
Passcode: 2e8P9b
Host: Gary Perry, Ph.D.
2023 Seminar Series
Dates Seminar Information
Jan. 10 2023 Title: APOE Modulates Microglial Immunometabolism in Aging and Alzheimer's Disease
Lance Johnson, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Department of Physiology
University of Kentucky College of Medicine
Host: Qi Zhang, Ph.D.
Jan. 24 2023 Title: The Human Brainome: Genome, Transcriptome, Proteome and Phenome interaction in the Human Cortex
Amanda J. Myers, PhD.
Associate Professor, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
Host: Tanja Godenschwege, Ph.D.
Jan. 31 2023 Title: Neurons Put Out the Trash: A Novel Facet of Proteostasis Involving Large Vesicle Extrusion and Handoff to the Neighbors
Monica Driscoll, Ph.D.
Distinguished Professor of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
Host: Kailiang Jia, Ph.D.
Feb. 21 2023 Title: Toward a mechanistic understanding of subjective confidence in memory-based decisions in young and older adults
Kevin Darby, Ph.D.
Florida Atlantic University
Host: Kevin Darby, Ph.D.
Feb. 28 2023 Title: Convergent Neurodevelopmental Mechanisms in Autism Spectrum Disorder
Damon Page, Ph.D.
The Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology
Host: Nicole Baganz, Ph.D.
Mar. 28 2023 Title: Can Focused Ultrasound Change The Pain Game?
Julie Pilitsis, M.D., Ph.D.
Dean of the Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine Vice President for Medical Affairs Professor of Neurosurgery
Florida Atlantic University
Host: Randy Blakely, Ph.D.
April 11 2023 Title: Thalamic Neurons are a Basis of Behavioral Plasticity and Evolution of Brain Lateralization
Eric Horstick, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Biology,
West Virginia University
Host: Eric Duboue, Ph.D.
April 18 2023 Title: TBD
Damaris N. Lorenzo, Ph.D.
Principle Investigator, Dept. of Cell and Developmental Biology,
Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania
Host:
April 22 2023 NSO Annual Retreat
Title: Memory, Learning to Learn, and Control of Cognitive Representations
André Fenton, Ph.D.
Professor and Director, Center for Neural Science,
New York University
Host: Neuroscience Student Organization NSO
Aug. 29 2023 Title: Effects of Exercise on Neural Networks and Memory Function
Henriette van Praag, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Florida Atlantic Dept. of Biomedical Science
Florida Atlantic University
Host: Henriette van Praag, Ph.D.
Sept. 12 2023 Title: Regulation of Neurogenesis During Development: From Neural Stem Cell Reactivation to Termination
Sarah Siegrist, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Biology
University of Virginia
Host: Laura Fontenas, Ph.D.
Oct. 17 2023 Title: Sex-Specific Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Alzheimer’s Disease
Benedict Albensi, Ph.D.
Chair and Professor, Dept. of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Co-Director, B.R.A.I.N. (Brain Research & Integrated Nutrition) Ctr.
Nova Southeastern University
Host: Randy Blakely, Ph.D.
Oct. 24 2023 Title: Identification of Neurobiomarkers for the Optimization of Deep Brain Stimulation in Parkinson Disease
Nuri Ince, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Biomedical Engineering
University of Houston
Host: Ilknur Telkes, Ph.D.
Nov. 7 2023 Title: Seeing the Unseen: Innovative Brain Applications of Photoacoustic Imaging
Kamran Avanaki, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Biomedical Engineering
University of Illinois Chicago
Host: Mahsa Ranji, Ph.D.
Dec. 5 2023 Title: Understanding contextual effects in the visual brain and artificial systems
Odelia Schwartz, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Computer Science
Director of Undergraduate Studies for Computer Science
University of Miami
Host: Summer Sheremata, Ph.D.
Dec. 12 2023 Title: Implantable systems for the study and treatment of pain, substance use disorder and overdose
Robert Gereau, PhD.
Dr. Seymour & Rose T. Brown Professor of Anesthesiology
Vice Chair for Research
Chief of the Washington University Pain Center
Washington University in St. Louis
Host: Lawrence Toll, Ph.D.
2022 Seminar Series
Dates Seminar Information
Feb. 1, 2022 Title: Identifying Molecular and Neural Mechanisms of Flexible Social Behavior
Beau Alward, Ph.D.
Beckman Young Investigator
Assistant Professor
Department of Psychology, T.I.M.E.S
Department of Biology and Biochemistry 
University of Houston
Host: Shaefali Rodgers, Ph.D.
Feb. 15, 2022 Title: Mitochondria in Neurodegenerative Motor Diseases: Potential of Hypoxia Conditioning and Exercise?
Johannes Burtscher, Ph.D.
Senior Scientist, Institute of Sport Sciences and Department of Biomedical Sciences
University of Lausanne
Lausanne, Switzerland
Host: Andy Khamoui, Ph.D.
March 1, 2022 Title: Sex Differences in the Causes and Consequences of Alcohol Exposure in Mice
Judith Grisel, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Dept of Psychology and Neuroscience
Bucknell University
University of Washington
Host: Randy Blakely, Ph.D.
March 15, 2022 Title: Peeking Under the Hood: Crow Brain Activity Associated with Complex Behavior
John Marzluff, Ph.D.
Professor, Environmental and Forest Sciences
College of the Environment
University of Washington
Host: Rindy Anderson, Ph.D.
April 5, 2022 Title: Rats Can Make Good Choices: Effect of Alternative Food and Social Rewards on Drug Self-Administration and Relapse in Rat Models
Yavin Shaham, Ph.D.  
Chief of Behavioral Neuroscience Research Branch, and Neurobiology of Relapse Section
National Institute on Drug Abuse
Baltimore, Maryland
Host: Henriette van Praag, Ph.D.
April 26, 2022 Title: Patterns, Memory, and Maps: The Brain’s Circuitry for Navigating the World
Ila Fiete, Ph.D.
Professor, Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences
Associate Investigator, McGovern Institute for Brain Research
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Host: MPFI - IMPRS for Brain and Behavior
Aug. 30, 2022 Title: Effect of Early-Life Immune Activation on the Ontogeny of Learning: Importance for Understanding the Etiology of Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Jaclyn Schwarz, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences
University of Delaware
Host: Ning Quan, Ph.D.
Sept. 13, 2022 Title: An augmented Reality (AR)-Based EEG-Guided Neglect (AREEN) Detection, Assessment and Rehabilitation Tool
Murat Akcakaya, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering Dept.
University of Pittsburgh
Host: Behnaz Ghoraani, Ph.D.
Oct. 4, 2022 Title: Sleep Function: An Evolutionary Perspective
Jerry Siegel, Ph.D.
Professor of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences
UCLA Center for Sleep Research
Host: Robert Vertes, Ph.D.
Nov. 1, 2022 Title: Proton Gating of GPCR Signaling
Daniel G. Isom, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology University of Miami
Host: Greg Macleod, Ph.D.
Nov. 22, 2022 Title: Novel Biomarkers of Alzheimer’s Disease: Protein Arginine Methyltransferases in the Brain
Hung Wen (Kevin) Lin, Ph.D.
Vice Chair for Research, Associate Professor of Neurology
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA
LSU Health Shreveport
Host: Howard Prentice, Ph.D.
2021 Seminar Series
Dates Seminar Information
Jan. 12, 2021 Glial Neuronal Vascular Interactions in Neurological Disease
Harald Sontheimer, Ph.D.
Virginia Tech School of Neuroscience
Host: Gregg Fields, Ph.D.
Jan. 19, 2021 Brain Mechanisms: Linking Cognitive Phenomena to Neuron Activity
L. Andrew Coward
Australian National University
Host: Elan Barenholtz, Ph.D.
Feb. 16, 2021 Post-Operative Cognitive Dysfunction in Aging: Mechanisms Explored
Ruth Barrientos, Ph.D. 
The Ohio State University
Host: Ning Quan, Ph.D.
March 2, 2021 Special Neuroscience Seminar
10 years & 100 MRI-Dogs: Progress in Decoding Dogs’ Brains
Gregory Berns, M.D., Ph.D.
Emory University
Host: Nicole Baganz, Ph.D.
March 9, 2021 Molecular Networks Supporting Alzheimer’s Disease
Allan Levey, MD, Ph.D.
Emory University School of Medicine
Host: Henriette van Praag, Ph.D.
March 23, 2021 Dynamic Regulation of Signaling Pathways in Dopamine Neurons: The Intracellular Actions of Amphetamines
Susan G. Amara, Ph.D.
National Institute of Mental Health
Host: Randy Blakely, Ph.D.
April 6, 2021 Spreading Depolarization and Seizure Due to Cerebral Edema and Stroke
Thomas Richner, Ph.D.
Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
Host: Ramin Pashaie, Ph.D.
April 13, 2021 Multiple Maps for Navigation
Lisa Giocomo, Ph.D. Stanford University
Host: IMPRS/MPFI
May 11, 2021 Special Neuroscience Seminar: Stress Can be Deadly:  Aging, Morbidity, and Mortality
Janice Kiecolt-Glaser, Ph.D., Director, Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research
Distinguished University Professor
Brumbaugh Chair in Brain Research and Teaching
Host: Ning Quan, Ph.D.
Aug. 31, 2021 Title: Cerebral Cortex Dynamics in Different Brain States
Mavi Sanchez-Vives, M.D., Ph.D.
ICREA Research Professor
Institute of Biomedical Investigations August Pi i Sunyer, Barcelona, Spain
Host: Emmanuelle Tognoli, Ph.D.
Sept. 14, 2021 Title: Novel Molecular Mechanisms Induced In The Ventral Tegmental Area By Drugs of Abuse
Michelle Mazei-Robison, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Physiology
Michigan State University
Host: Maureen Hahn, Ph.D.
Sept. 21, 2021 Special Neuroscience SeminarTitle: Neural Connectivity, Dementias and Quantum State of Our Mind
Krishna M. Bhat, M.D., Ph.D.
Mary and Harry Goldsmith Endowed Chair
Professor of Molecular Medicine and Neurology
Morsani College of Medicine
University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
Host: Randy Blakely, Ph.D.
Sept. 28, 2021 Title: A Multilevel Approach to Early Cognitive Development: Brain, Behavior, and Parenting
Martha Ann Bell, Ph.D. 
Virginia Tech
Host: Nancy Jones, Ph.D.
Oct. 12, 2021 Title: The Cultural Neuroscience of Pain
Elizabeth Reynolds Losin, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Psychology and Director of the Social and Cultural Neuroscience Lab, University of Miami
Host: Chad Forbes, Ph.D.
Oct. 26, 2021 Title:  Using Human Electrophysiology to Understand the Effects of Transcranial Direct-Current Stimulation
Geoffrey Forrest Woodman, Ph.D. 
Professor, Dept. of Psychology, Vanderbilt Vision Research Center, Vanderbilt University
Host: Sang Hong, Ph.D.
Nov. 9, 2021 Title: “Brain Abnormalities in Cognitively Unimpaired Individuals With Autosomal Dominant Alzheimer's Disease”
Yakeel Quiroz, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Neurology at Harvard Medical School
Director of the Multicultural Alzheimer’s Prevention Program-MAPP at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, MA
Host: Summer Sheremata, Ph.D.
Nov. 16, 2021 Special Neuroscience Seminar Title: "Role of Microglia in Trauma Associated Chronic Inflammation, Neuronal Dysfunction and Cognitive Decline"
Jonathan Godbout, Ph.D. 
Professor, Department of Neuroscience 
Faculty Director, Chronic Brain Injury Program
The Ohio State University
Sponsored by the Program in Neuroimmunology and Glial Biology
Ning Quan Ph.D., Director
Nov. 30, 2021 Title: Retroviral Genes in the Pathogenesis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Avindra Nath, M.D.Clinical Director, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
National Institutes of Health, Bethesda MD
Host:
Dec. 3, 2021 Special Neuroscience Seminar
Title: Towards cortex-wide volumetric recording of neuroactivity at cellular resolution
Alipasha Vaziri, Ph.D.
Professor and Head, Laboratory of Neurotechnology & Biophysics The Rockefeller University
Host: Randy Blakely, Ph.D.
Dec. 7, 2021 Title:
A glial ClC Cl- channel is a master regulator of nociceptors in C. elegans
Speaker: Laura Bianchi, Ph.D.University of Miami
Host: Osama Refai, Ph.D.
2020 Seminar Series
Dates Seminar Information
Jan 14, 2020 From Synapses To Satiety: Genetic Approaches In The Mouse To Uncover Brain Circuits
Benjamin Russell Arenkiel, Ph.D.
Baylor College of Medicine
Host: Erik Duboue, Ph.D.
Jan 21, 2020 A New Hope: Restoring Naturalistic Sensorimotor Function after Hand Amputation
Gregory A. Clark, Ph.D.
University of Utah
Host: Erik Engeberg, Ph.D.
Feb 18, 2020 Can you feel the beat? Central Autonomic Network in Health and Chronic Disease
Roger McIntosh, Ph.D.
University of Miami
Host: Monica Rosselli, Ph.D.
Sept. 15, 2020 Remapping Your Mind: The Neuroscience of Self-Transformation Through Story
Lewis Mehl-Madrona, MD, Ph.D.
Clinical Associate Professor of Family Medicine
University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine
Bangor Executive Director, Coyote Institute
Faculty Physician, Northern Light Family Medicine Residency
Dr. Mehl-Madrona's Addiction Research
Seminar Recording Link: http://youtu.be/UElPjjsSsik
Host: Ceylan Isgor , Ph.D.
Sept. 29, 2020 Inhibitory Neuron Dysfunction in the Amygdala: A Common Feature of Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorder?
McLean Bolton, Ph.D.
Max Plank Florida Institute for Neuroscience
Seminar Recording Link: http://youtu.be/cI7HMkyRXJs
Host: Ken Dawson-Scully, Ph.D.
Oct. 6, 2020 Neuro-Computational Underpinnings of Context-Based Learning Differences in ASD
Ari Rosenberg, Ph.D.
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Seminar Recording Link: http://youtu.be/KNOBiPueLHQ
Host:
Oct. 13, 2020 Combating Deleterious Phases in ALS/FTD
James Shorter, M.A., Ph.D. 
Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania
Seminar Recording Link: http://youtu.be/0XbWG0Icxpw
Host: Deguo Du, Ph.D.
Oct. 20, 2020 Oxytocin in Experience-Dependent Development
Elizabeth Hammock, Ph.D. Florida State University
Seminar Recording Link: http://youtu.be/F93jNvsRVGY
Host: Gizelle Anzures, Ph.D.
Nov. 10, 2020 Seeing Light in a New Way – Melanopsin Signaling Pathways in Retinal Ganglion Cells
Zheng Jiang, Ph.D. 
Baylor College of Medicine
Host: Wen Shen, Ph.D.
Nov. 17, 2020 Building and Maintaining an Expansive Neurotransmitter System One Stage at a Time
Evan Deneris, Ph.D., Professor and Vice Chair,  Department of Neurosciences, Case Western Reserve University, School of Medicine
Host: Randy Blakely, Ph.D.
Dec. 8, 2020 Alpha-Synuclein Dysregulation of D2 Receptor Activity Contributes to the Vulnerability of iPSC-derived Human Dopamine Neurons Habibeh Khoshbouei, PhD, PharmD, Professor, Department of Neuroscience, University of Florida College of Medicine
Host: Lucia Carvelli, Ph.D.
2019 Seminar Series
Dates Seminar Information
Jan. 18, 2019 Special Seminar: Non-coding RNAs and Traumatic Memories
Hermona Soreq, Ph.D., Professor of Molecular Neuroscience
The Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences
The Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences
The Hebrew University of Jerusalem
Host: Anton Post, Ph.D.
Jan. 22, 2019 Functional Brain Imaging with Functional Near Infrared Spectroscopy in 2023
David Boas, Ph.D., Boston University
Host: Teresa Wilcox, Ph.D.
Jan. 29, 2019 Optogenetic Brain Interface and Analysis of Blood Flow Regulation
Ramin Pashaie, Ph.D., University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Host: Behnaz Ghoraani, Ph.D.
Feb. 5, 2019 Glutamate Transport, Mitochondria, and Astrocytes: Implications for
Neurovascular Coupling and Stroke

Michael Robinson, Ph.D., University of Pennsylvania
Host: Randy Blakely, Ph.D.
Feb. 19, 2019 How to Fix a Broken Nose: Stem Cell Regulation in the Olfactory Epithelium
James Schwob, M.D, Ph.D., Tufts University
Host: Kate Guthrie, Ph.D.
Mar. 1, 2019 Special Seminar: The Prion Paradigm and Alzheimer's Disease
Lary Walker, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Neurology, Emory University
Host: Qi Zhang, Ph.D.
Mar. 12, 2019 Serotonin as a Link in Brain-Gut Axis Disease
Kara Gross Margolis, M.D., Columbia University Medical Center
Host: Randy Blakely, Ph.D.
Mar. 19, 2019 Special Seminar: The Science of Violence and Compassion: Being Human(e)
Jeremy Richman, Ph.D., Avielle Foundation
Host: Nicole Baganz, Ph.D.
Mar. 26, 2019 The Importance of Activity-Dependent Gene Regulation
Moses V. Chao, Ph.D., NYU School of Medicine
Host: Henriette van Praag, Ph.D.
Mar. 29, 2019 Special Seminar: The Neuronal Glutamate Transporter SLC1A1/EAAT3 and Compulsive Behavior Across Species
Jeremy Veenstra-Vanderweele, M.D.
New York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University
Host: Randy Blakely, Ph.D.
Apr. 2, 2019 Rong Chen, Ph.D., Wake Forest School of Medicine
Host: Jianning Wei, Ph.D.
Apr. 16, 2019 Philippe Mourrain, Ph.D., Stanford University
Host: Alex Keene, Ph.D.
June 8, 2019 Michael Platt, Ph.D., University of Pennsylvania
Host: Neuroscience Student Organization NSO
Sept. 10, 2019 Targeting Epigenetic Enzymes for Autism Treatment
Zhen Yan, Ph.D.
State University of New York (SUNY) at Buffalo
School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences
Host: Ning Quan, Ph.D.
Sept. 24, 2019 Dysfunction of the Ventral Hippocampus Projection to the Medial Prefrontal Cortex, and Its Role in Social Deficits in Rett Syndrome
Lucas Pozzo-Miller, Ph.D.
The University of Alabama At Birmingham School Of Medicine
Host: Randy Blakely, Ph.D.
Sept. 25, 2019 From Proteins to Neuronal Networks: The Role of DOC2B in Vesicle Fusion and Asynchronous Neurotransmitter Release
Special Seminar: Uri Ashery, Ph.D.
Tel-Aviv University, Israel

Host: Anton Post, Ph.D.
Oct. 15, 2019 Neural Coding of Learning Variables by Phase-dependent Firing Across the Fronto-Striatal Circuits
Thilo Womelsdorf, Ph.D.
Vanderbilt University
Host: William Alexander, Ph.D.
Oct. 17, 2019 Slowing Aging and Promoting Proteostasis – A Novel Approach for the Treatment of Neurodegeneration
Special Seminar: Ehud Cohen, Ph.D.
Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel
Host: Ken Dawson-Scully, Ph.D.
Oct. 18, 2019 PROS1 in Brain Development and Homeostatic Regulation
Special Seminar
: Tal Burstyn-Cohen, Ph.D.
The Hebrew University – Hadassah
Host: Henriette van Praag, Ph.D.
Nov 5, 2019 Neuromodulators and Timing Precision in the Songbird Auditory Cortex
Luke Remage-Healey, Ph.D.
University of Massachusetts
Host: Rindy Anderson, Ph.D.
Nov 8, 2019, Insights Into the Neural Circuits for Social Behaviors using Genome Editing in Cichlid Fish
Special Seminar
: Scott Juntti, Ph.D.
University of Maryland, College Park
Host: Erik Duboue, Ph.D.
Nov. 19, 2019 Rapid Rescue of Network Synchrony and Working Memory in Older Adults
Robert Reinhart, Ph.D.
Boston University
Host: Edward Ester, Ph.D.
Dec. 3, 2019 The Neural Basis of Pain Unpleasantness and Its Modulation By Opioids
Gregory Scherrer, Pharm. D., Ph.D.
UNC School of Medicine
Host: Larry Toll, Ph.D.
Dec. 10, 2019 Diversity of Dopamine Circuits in Reward and Aversion
Stephan Lammel, Ph.D.
University of California, Berkeley
MPFI - IMPRS for Brain and Behavior
2018 Seminar Series
Dates Seminar Information
Jan. 11, 2018 Qi Zhang, Ph.D., Vanderbilt University
Synaptic Vesicles, It’s A Small World After All
Host: Randy Blakely, Ph.D.
Jan. 16, 2018 Derek Evan Nee, Ph.D., Florida State University
Prefrontal Cortex Dynamics Supporting Cognitive Control
Host: Edward Ester, Ph.D.
Jan. 30, 2018 Dennis Kim, MD, Ph.D., Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Microbial Modulation of Neuroendocrine Physiology and Behavior of C. elegans
Host: Kailiang Jia, Ph.D.
Feb. 6, 2018 Deborah Mash, Ph.D., University of Miami Health System
Ibogaine for the Treatment of Opioid Dependence and Withdrawal: From Bench to Bedside to Start-Up
Host: Lawrence Toll, Ph.D.
Feb. 20, 2018 Peter Kalivas, Ph.D., Medical University of South Carolina
Using Tetrapartite Synapses to Understand and Treat Drug Addiction
Host: Gregg Fields, Ph.D.
March 13, 2018 Leszek Kaczmarek, Ph.D., The Nencki Institute of Warsaw
MMP-9, an Extracellular Protease at the Synapse: Linking Brain to Mind
Host: Greg Macleod, Ph.D.
March 20, 2018 Hal Blumenfeld, MD, Ph.D., Yale University School of Medicine
Network Inhibition Hypothesis: Depressed Subcortical Function in Seizures
Host: Ceylan Isgor, Ph.D.
April 10, 2018 Read Montague, Ph.D., Virginia Tech & University College London
Neuromodulation in the Human Brain: Sub-Second Recordings of Dopamine and Serotonin During Active Decision-Making
Host: Emmanuelle Tognoli, Ph.D.
April 17, 2018 Harold Antony Burgess, Ph.D., National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
If, When and How - Neuronal Circuits for Urgent Behavioral Choice
Host: Erik Duboue, Ph.D.
April 24, 2018 François St-Pierre, Ph.D., Baylor College of Medicine
Millisecond-Timescale Imaging of Voltage Dynamics with Genetically-Encoded Indicators
Host: IMPRS - Max Planck
Sept. 11, 2018 Lucina Uddin, Ph.D. University of Miami
Brain Connectivity and Cognition in Typical and Atypical Development
Host: Steven Bressler, Ph.D.
Sept. 25, 2018 Jane Aldrich, Ph.D., University of Florida College of Pharmacy
In Vivo vs. in Vitro Screening of Opioid Peptide Analogs. Novel Peptides That Don't Follow the Rules
Host: Predrag Cudic, Ph.D.
Oct. 2, 2018 Thomas Park, Ph.D., University of Illinois at Chicago
Naked Mole-Rats: Blind, Naked, and Feeling No Pain
Host: Sarah Milton, Ph.D.
Oct. 23, 2018 Subhojit Roy, M.D., Ph.D., University of Wisconsin-Madison
A Gene Editing Strategy for Alzheimer's Disease
Host: Tanja Godenschwege, Ph.D.
Dec. 4, 2018 Raul Gonzalez, Ph.D., Florida International University
Neurocognitive Risk Factors and Consequences of Adolescent Cannabis Use: Preliminary Results from a Longitudinal Study
Host: Gizelle Anzures, Ph.D.
2017 Seminar Series
Dates Seminar Information
Jan. 10, 2017 Hermes Yeh, Dartmouth University
Neuronal Migration, Cortical Form and Function, and FASD
Host: Jang Yen Wu, Ph.D.
Jan. 31, 2017 Ed Levitan, University of Pittsburgh
Vesicle Circulation, Capture and Synaptic Neuropeptide Release
Host: Tanja Godenschwege, Ph.D.
Feb. 7, 2017 Marc Caron, Duke University
GPCR Functional Selectivity in the Actions of Dopamine: Implication for Improved Therapies
Host: Janet Robishaw, Ph.D.
Feb. 21, 2017 Jacqueline Crawley, University of California, Davis
Mouse Models of Autism: Probing Genetic Causes and Testing Novel Therapeutics
Host: Kathleen Guthrie, Ph.D.
Feb. 28, 2017 Walter Boron, Case Western Reserve University
Regulation of Intracellular pH in Neurons & Astrocytes: Role of Na-coupled HCO3 Transporters
Host: Gregory Macleod, Ph.D.
Mar. 21, 2017 Larry Young, Emory University
Neural Mechanisms of Social Bonding and Empathy: Implications for Autism
Host: Randy Blakely, Ph.D.
April 4, 2017 Tim Buschman, Ph.D., Princeton University
Neural Dynamics of Cognitive Flexibility
Host: Stephen Bressler, Ph.D.
April 11, 2017 Ted Abel, University of Pennsylvania
Molecular Mechanisms of Memory Storage
Host: Robert Stackman, Ph.D.
April 25, 2017 Vivek Jayaraman, Janelia Research Campus, HHMI
Understanding an Internal Representation Linking Vision and Action
Host: IMPRS-Max Planck
May 19, 2017 Henriette van Praag, Ph.D., National Institute on Aging
Host:
May 22, 2017 Deniz Atasoy, Ph.D., Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Istanbul Medipol University
Host:
June 27, 2017 Satinder Singh, Ph.D., Yale University School of Medicine
Host:
Sept. 26, 2017 Ofer Tchernichovski, Ph.D., The City University of New York
The Development of Song Rhythm in the Zebra Finch
Host: Rindy Anderson, Ph.D.
Oct. 10, 2017 Gary W. Miller, Ph.D., Emory University
Parkinson's Disease: Environmental Clues and Transporter Blues
Host: Lucia Carvelli, Ph.D.
Oct. 24, 2017 Samer Hattar, Ph.D., National Institute of Mental Health
Retinal and Brain Circuits Underlying Light Effects on Behavior
Host: Rod Murphey, Ph.D.
Alex Keene, Ph.D.
Oct. 31, 2017 Heidi E. Hamm, Ph.D., Vanderbilt University
Novel Neuromodulatory Mechanisms: Insights into Physiology and Behavior
Host: Janet Robishaw, Ph.D.
Nov. 28, 2017 Frank Tong, Ph.D., Vanderbilt University
Characterizing the Perceptual and Attentional Functions of the Early Visual System
Host: Sang Wook Hong, Ph.D.
Dec. 5, 2017 György Buzsáki, M.D., Ph.D., New York University
Emergence of Cognition from Action
Neuroscience Student Organization Annual Retreat
Dec. 12, 2017 Steven Maier, Ph.D., University of Colorado at Boulder
Dissecting Prefrontal Circuits that Mediate Resilience in the Face of Adversity
Host: Randy Blakely, Ph.D.
2016 Seminar Series
Dates Seminar Information
Sept. 13, 2016 René Hen, Columbia University
Harnessing Hippocampal Neurogenesis to Improve Cognition and Mood
Host: Randy Blakely, Ph.D.
Oct. 4, 2016 Apostolos Georgopoulos, University of Minnesota
Informative Neural Interactions
Host: Scott Kelso, Ph.D.
Oct. 18, 2016 Paul Shaw, Washington University
Can Sleep Fix a Broken Brain?
Host: Alex Keene, Ph.D.
Oct. 25, 2016 Martin Sarter, University of Michigan
Regulation and Functions of Brain Cholinergic Systems: Translational Research Approaches
Host: Randy Blakely, Ph.D.
Nov. 1, 2016 Neuroscience Student Organization Kickoff
Host: NSO
Nov. 8, 2016 Kathryn Commons, Harvard University
Serotonin: The Fifth Discipline
Host: Robert Vertes, Ph.D.
Nov. 18, 2016 Alexandre Bonnin*
Neurodevelopmental Effects of Maternal Inflammation and Stress: A Novel Placenta-serotonin Pathway
Host: Randy Blakely, Ph.D.
Nov. 29, 2016 Aurelio Galli, Vanderbilt School of Medicine
From the Gut to the Brain: Hormonal Regulation of Brain Dopamine Homeostasis and Cocaine Reward
Host: Ken Dawson-Scully, Ph.D.
Dec. 9, 2016 Harold Sitte, Medical University of Vienna*
How Neuronal Membrane Lipids Impact the Activity of Amphetamine-Type Psychostimulants
Host: Nicole Baganz, Ph.D.
Dec. 13, 2016 Morgan Barense, University of Toronto
The Interface of Memory and Perception: Putting the Pieces Together
Host: Summer Sheremata, Ph.D.
Dec. 16, 2016 Lucia Carvelli, University of North Dakota*
Mechanisms of Action of Amphetamines: Insights from C. elegans Genetics and Physiology
Host: Randy Blakely, Ph.D.