Graduate Student Research

Biomedical Sciences Department Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience Ph.D. Candidates

Kelsey Benton

Mentor: Gasser

Research Interest: In Dr. Paul Gasser’s lab, I study signal transduction pathways activated by norepinephrine in astrocyte nuclei. I also study the role of organic cation transporter 3 (OCT3) in regulating monoaminergic signaling

Devan Gomez

Mentor: Hearing

Research Interest: Enduring adaptations in ventral tegmental area dopamine neurons associated with opioid withdrawal and reward-related behavior

Christopher Chen

Mentor: Savtchouk

Research Interest: Our brains contain molecules called excitatory amino acid transporters (EAATs) that regulate a critical neurotransmitter called glutamate. I investigate how each of the four different types of EAATs regulates glutamate using computer and live tissue modeling.

Greg Simandl

Mentor: Baker

Research Interest: Third year graduate student in the Baker lab investigating the role of astrocytic signaling mechanisms in sophisticated forms of cognition, specifically behavioral control.

Carli Batsel

Mentor: Blackmore

Research Interest: My project is centered around the molecular control of axon growth after spinal cord injury.

Elaine Grafelman

Elaine Grafelman

Mentor: Wheeler

Research Interest: I am a member of the Wheeler lab, where I study how the brain uses dopamine to understand and respond to aversive life events

Jenree Maglasang

Mentor: Gasser

Research Interest: I study how norepinephrine regulates the expression of genes that are important for maintaining the supportive function of astrocytes.

Shalana Atwell

Mentor: Blackmore

Research Interest: I study how to promote axon regeneration after spinal cord injury

Bridgitte Cote

Mentor: Wheeler

Research Interest: I study how neurons in the nucleus accumbens respond to both rewarding and aversive stimuli

Ellie Marino

Mentor: Arble

Research Interest: My current research project is focused on metabolic hormones and how they are influenced by the molecular clock in conditions such as obesity and sleep apnea. While most of my research has been on the brain, I have recently begun incorporating the spinal cord into my project, as well.