Students are the heartbeat of the Neuroscience program. With their energy, creativity and fearlessness, they drive cutting edge research in diverse labs across campus. They are close-knit and supportive through their successes and challenges. Students are highly motivated and compete exceptionally well for national fellowships from NIH and NSF. The program actively recruits minority students, and women make up over half the current student population.

Current Students

 

NameMatriculatedMentorResearch

Victoria Chang

Victoria Chang

2022Rotating 

Daphne Quang

Daphne Quang

2022Rotating 

Maham Haq

Maham Haq

2022Rotating 

Haas, Ami

Ami Haas

2022Rotating 

Crystal Minjarez

Crystal Minjarez

2022Rotating 

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Jose Riguero

2022Rotating 

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Lisa Hirt

2022Rotating 

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Joy Adler

2022Rotating 

Kristen Schuster

Kristen Schuster

2022Rotating 

Paige Hoffman

Paige Hoffman 

2022AlexanderMy lab focuses on focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) using both resected human tissue of epileptic patients and a mouse model with constitutively active Rheb to produce upregulation in the mTOR complex 1 pathway. My research is focused on the developmental characterization of neuronal migration anomalies and axon proliferation in mTOR pathway-associated malformations of cortical development (MCD).

Nickole Moon

Nickole Moon

2022BaleMy research investigates stress-dependent molecular mechanisms underlying the epigenetic and mitochondrial regulation of cellular allostasis. Using a model of paternal stress in male reproductive cells, I study lasting changes in somatic cells and the secreted downstream signals, such as extracellular vesicles, necessary for sperm maturation that influence intergenerational differences in offspring neurodevelopment.

Graham Peet

Graham Peet

2021MacklinOne facet of Multiple Sclerosis is the development of autoantibodies that target the brain. I study the effects of these pathogenic autoantibodies on oligodendrocytes.

Lucas Blecker

Luke Blecker

2021Bankston/ProenzaI'm interested in the study of ion channels, how their structure relates to function, and how auxiliary proteins interact with ion channels. In particular, I am currently doing work on HCN, the hyperpolarization activated cyclic nucleotide sensitive channels, looking at regulation of the channel by divalent cations.

Mayra Bueno Guerrero

Mayra Bueno Guerrero

2021DabertrandMy research focuses on understanding the mechanisms which cause deficits in neurovascular coupling in Alzheimer's Disease, and trying to restore neurovascular coupling in this disease model.

Subash Lamichhane

Subash Lamichhane

2021ChristieMy research is focused on understanding the mechanism of endocannabinoid signaling in cerebellum learning. I use the bottom-up approach to study this mechanism. For my projects, I express biological sensors such as GRAB in cerebellar neurons to test their activities in response to endocannabinoid signaling and use pharmaceutical tools such as DART to manipulate their functioning from brain slices to live-behaving mice.

Tessa Allen

Tessa Allen

2021MacklinMy research focuses on oligodendrocyte dynamics in early development

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Aleezah Balolia

2021 (BSP)Franco 

Harrison Ramsay

Harrison Ramsay

2020KennedyOne facet of Multiple Sclerosis is the development of autoantibodies that target the brain. I study the effects of these pathogenic autoantibodies on oligodendrocytes.

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Kim Gagnon

2020Welle 

Luis Gomez Wulschner

Luis Gomez Wulschner

2020OhThe objective of my doctoral work is to understand the role of neuromodulator systems in synapse development. Specifically, how excitatory synapses mature in the developing prefrontal cortex.

Madisen Mason

Madisen Mason

2020FrancoI am developing a diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma mouse model using in utero electroporation. The goal of my research is to study how pediatric brain cancer mutations can alter the epigenome to promote tumorigenesis likely alongside normal brain developmental processes.

Matt Larsen

Matthew Larsen

2020BayerI am interested in the mechanisms of excitatory synaptic plasticity underlying learning and memory. Specifically, I study the role of CaMKII in long-term potentiation, and how its functions are impaired in Alzheimer's disease and Down syndrome.

Matt Sergison

Matthew Sergison

2020TollinI study the effects of aging on circuitry in the auditory brainstem. Specifically, I am interested in how aging can lead to dysfunction in auditory brainstem physiology, and how this could be the underlying cause of age-related impairment of spatial hearing behaviors.

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Becca Roth

2020Aoto 

Sarah Wolfe

Sarah Wolfe

2020SmithI am interested in understanding synaptic changes during inhibitory synaptic plasticity. I want to understand the mechanisms regulating de novo protein synthesis during late stages of inhibitory long-term potentiation (iLTP). In particular, I am interested in the role of different transcription factors in regulating microRNA (miRNA) expression during iLTP.

Jordan Hickman

Jordan Hickman

2020DenmanElectrical brain stimulation is a powerful clinical and research tool but how it affects neural activity and circuitry remains unclear. My project seeks to understand the neural response to electrical brain stimulation and its many parameters using high-density electrophysiological recordings in mice. The larger goal is that this may improve current uses of electrical brain stimulation and elucidate new uses.

Courtney Dobrott

Courtney Dobrott

2019PersonMy thesis work in the lab of Dr. Abigail Person focuses on how output from the cerebellum contributes to the control of skilled movements such as reaching. Using a mouse model, my project aims to investigate the underlying cerebellar control policies that shape the production of skilled movements. Spanning circuit and behavioral levels, I will develop novel behavioral assays, conduct cell type specific recordings in the deep cerebellar nuclei, and utilize a closed loop kinematic system to alter reaching behavior through optogenetics.

Christina Como

Christina Como
2019SiegenthalerMy research focuses on using molecular and bioinformatic approaches to elucidate signaling mechanisms between the meninges and developing brain, and the pathology that occurs in neurodevelopmental disorders. Specifically, I work to understand the cellular 'cross-talk' required for proper neurogenesis and neuron migration.

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Jose Vigil

2019QuillinanI study learning and memory in the context of neuronal injury.

Michael Stockton

Michael Stockton

2019HughesI use advanced microscopy techniques to study oligodendrocyte precursor cells and premyelinating oligodendrocytes in living mice. By implanting a glass cranial window and imaging the same region of the mouse cortex over the course of months, we can gain insights into how these cells respond to demyelinating injury, motor learning, and other interventions.

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Robin Vareed

2019Peters 

Samuel Budoff

Sam Budoff

2019Poleg-PolskyI am interested in the spatial organization of retinal cells. My main projects focus on 1) quantifying and comparing the spatial distribution of retinal cells across species using machine learning applied to historical data sources, and 2) developing methods for cell type-specific mapping of retinal cells via molecular techniques. The point of all this is that by understanding the spatial statistics of retinal cells, we can see the world through the eyes of other species; in so doing appreciating the elegant computational structures invented by natural selection.

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Keenan Kushner

2018Huntsman 

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Joshua Hunt

2018Poleg-Polsky and FelsonI am characterizing retino-collicular connectivity using cell-type specific 2P optical recordings in whole-retina explants or the superficial layer of the superior colliculus of awake mice. The goal of my research is map retinal ganglion cell subtype to visual behaviors focusing on peri-saccadic suppression of visual sensitivity.

JungMin Kim

Jungmin Kim

2018AotoI am interested in understanding drug-induced synaptic plasticity. I study the role of neurexins in addiction relevant circuitry.

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Natalie Carey

2018AppelI am interested in understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms through which oligodendrocytes myelinate axons during development

Roberto Ogelman

Roberto Ogelman

2018OhI study the role of serotonin in modulating excitatory synapse development in the mouse prefrontal cortex. I use in vivo chemogenetic and pharmacological approaches to examine how disrupting the serotonergic system affects dendritic spine development, along with electrophysiological and two-photon uncaging approaches to probe the mechanisms by which serotonin can modulate excitatory synapse plasticity.

Ronchen Huang

Rongchen Huang

2018WelleI use longitudinal in vivo imaging to study the effects of vagus nerve stimulation on myelin repair with cuprizone demyelination model. This work would inform us the future application of neuromodulation methods and development of new remyelination strategies to treat demyelinating disorders.

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Samantha Bromley Coolidge

2018AppelI study the interplay between the extracellular matrix and oligodendrocyte lineage cells in the development of myelin and white matter.

Theresa Welle

Theresa Welle

2018SmithMy thesis work focuses on understanding molecular mechanisms of inhibitory synaptic plasticity. I am investigating mRNA translation and its role in different forms of potentiation of inhibitory synapses. The overarching impact of this research will provide insight about how neurons strengthen inhibitory synaptic transmission to control cell excitability, sculpt neural circuits, and maintain an appropriate level of excitation throughout the nervous system, which is necessary for proper neural function.

Juan Santiago Moreno

Juan Santiago-Moreno

2018DenmanMy project studies how the mouse visual system represents, transmits, and transforms information about color and form in the visual scene. Specifically, I am interested in how interactions between the lateral geniculate nucleus of the thalamus (LGN) and primary visual cortex (V1) represent color spatially, and how that information is propagated further up the visual system hierarchy. To investigate this, I perform awake electrophysiological recordings using multiple Neuropixels probes to capture the activity of hundreds of neurons simultaneously.

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Hannah Actor-Engel

2017KennedyI'm interested in molecular changes involved in excitatory synaptic plasticity. Specifically, I'm looking at how acute doses of amyloid beta protein disrupts NMDA receptor function.

Katie Zent

Katlin Zent

2017Dell'AcquaI am interested in how neurons undergo long-term plastic changes in order to support learning and memory. Specifically, I am investigating how transcription factors are regulated in response to neuronal activity.

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Michael Thornton

2017HughesOligodendrocyte plasticity

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Monica Benson

2017TollinI study cochlear synaptopathy, specifically how loud noise exposure affects binaural hearing and hearing thresholds.

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Zoe Owrutsky

2017TollinDissecting the circuitry of sound localization in the auditory brainstem using ontogenetic and electrophysiological techniques in vivo.

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Taylor Yamauchi

2016FelsonCerebellar influence on orienting movements

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Brigit High

2016FingerTaste bud function

Alumni

NameGraduatedMentorCurrent Position
Emma Boxer, PhD2022Aoto 
Myriam Moreno Garcia, PhD2022Quillinan 
Nicole Rumian, PhD2022Bayer 
Spencer Bowles, PhD2022Welle 
L. Dailey Nettles, PhD2022Welle 
Sarah Zych, PhD2022Ford 
Jesse Gilmer, PhD2022Person 
Dylan Calame, PhD2022Person 
Stephanie Garcia, PhD2022Freed 
Anand Tekriwal, PhD2022Felsen 
Dylan Verden, PhD2022MacklinResearch Engagement Director, KIF1A.ORG
Nicholas George, PhD2021RestrepoScientific Consultant, The BioTeam, Inc.
Karlie Fedder-Semmes, PhD2021AppelScientific Grant Writer, EpiCypher, Inc.
Francesca Manzella, PhD2021TodorovicPostdoc, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis
Noah Goodson, PhD2020BrzezinskiDirector, THREAD
Shelly Jones, PhD2020SchoppaJuvenile Justice Resource Analyst, Colorado Department of Human Services
Matthew Becker, MD, PhD2020PersonMedical School (MD/PhD), University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
Theodore Doykos, PhD2020FelsenPostdoc, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
Alison Hixon, MD, PhD2019TylerMedical School (MD/PhD), University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
Marisa Deguzman, PhD2019FrankMedical Writer, Oxford PharmaGenesis
Eartha Guthman, PhD2019HuntsmanPostdoc, Princeton University
Julbert Caneus, PhD2018PotterScientist, Sanofi
Courtney Wilson, PhD2018KinnamonPostdoc, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
Christy Niemeyer, PhD2018PersonPostdoc, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
Alexander Ferber, MD, PhD2017TollinUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
Kelsey Anbuhl, PhD2017TollinPostdoc, New York University
Andrew Bubak, PhD2017SwallowAssistant Professor, Univeristy of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
Emily Sharpe, PhD2017ProenzaEngagement Manager, Trinity Life Sciences
Dayton Goodell, PhD2017BayerPostoc, University of Utah
Eamon Quick, PhD2017TylerAssociate Tutor, Swell Education
Elizabeth Gould, PhD2017RestrepoPostdoc, UT Health San Antonio
John Soltys, MD, PhD2016BennettNeurology Residency, University of South Alabama
Mario Lintz, MD, PhD2016FelsenPsychiatry Residency, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
Christopher Knoeckel, MD, PhD2016RiberaInstructor, Univeristy of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
Jason Smucny2016TregellasAssistant Professor, Univeristy of California Davis
Jennifer Pearson-Smith2016PatelScientific Program Manager, Taconic Biosciences
Jared Ahrendsen, MD, PhD2015MacklinResident, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
Ajay Thomas, MD, PhD2015Brooks-KayalBaylor College of Medicine
Joseph Zak, PhD2015SchoppaAssistant Professor, University of Illinois Chicago
Chelsea Corser-Jensen, PhD2015HeidenreichMedical Science Liaison, Adamas Pharmaceuticals, Inc
Scott Goulding, PhD2015CaldwellSenior Scientist, BioNTech S.S.
Vanessa Carmean, PhD2015RiberaChief Commercial Officer, Agathos
Tara Carlisle, MD, PhD2014RiberaNeuropsychiatry Fellow, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
Pirooz Parsa, PhD2014VijayaraghavanSenior Neurology Regional Medical Liaison, Bristol Myers Squibb
Jonathan Murphy, PhD2014Dell'AcquaPostdoc, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD)
Daniel Raible, PhD2014Brooks-KayalField Technical Consultant, Medtronic
Jonathon Keeney, PhD2014SikelaAssistant Professor, George Washington University
Pamela Lopert, PhD2014PatelPresident, Clinical Research Consultant, PNL Clinical Science Consulting LLC
Emily Aurand, PhD2014BjugstadDirector of Roadmapping and Education, Engineering Biology Research Consortium
Shane Rowley, PhD2014PatelSenior Scientist, Recursion
Kathryn Bercury, PhD2014MacklinMedical Science Liaison Lead, TG Therapeutics, Inc.
Cecil Saunders, PhD2013FingerAssistant Professor, Wake Forest University
Kalen Dionne, MD, PhD2012TylerInstructor, Washington University in St. Louis
Jennifer Whitesell, PhD2012SchoppaAssociate Director, Cajal Neuroscience
Frances Meredith, PhD2012RennieAssistant Professor, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
Arisa Oshimoto, PhD2012Restrepo 
Jonah Scott-McKean, PhD2012CostaPostdoc, Case Western Reserve University
Lisa Wilson, PhD2012RojasOwner, Skriv, LLC
Angela Rachubinski, PhD2011BjugstadAssistant Professor, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
Jennifer Thornton2011Tollin 
Heath Jones, PhD2011TollinCo-Founder, H Squared Capital, LLC
Nicole Gravagna, PhD2011RiberaSenior Product Manager, Human Centered Design, interviewIA
Dianna Bartel, PhD2011FingerSenior Scientific Account Director, Ashfield MedComms
Faye Doherty, PhD2011SladekIHC Director, Inotiv
Sruthi Thomas, MD, PhD2010SchoppaAssisitant Professor, Baylor College of Medicine
Melissa Wright, MD, PhD2010RiberaAssistant Professor, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
Joshua Ohrtman2010Beam 
Julie Milder, PhD2010PatelUS Medical Affairs Associate Director, Training and Excellence, Jazz Pharmaceuticals
Matthew Pink, PhD2010Dell'AcquaDirector, Business Developmen, Biodesix, Inc.
Eric Neeley, PhD2010LeonardSenior Director, IQVIA
David Cantu, PhD2010PatelDirector, Medical Affairs, Sunovion Pharmaceuticals
Marc Yonkers, MD, PhD2009RiberaOcuplastic Surgeon, Kaiser Permanente
Santiago Farias, PhD2009HeidenreichSenior Research Scientist, Gilead Sciences
Tianna Hicklin, PhD2009BrowningAssistant Editor, Science/AAAS Custom Publishing Office
Clint Perry, PhD2009Grichtchenko 
David Gire, PhD2009SchoppaAssistant Professor, University of Washington
Monique Beaudoin, PhD2009KrushelAssociate Research Scientist, University of Maryland Applied Research Laboratory for Intelligence and Security
Danielle Harlow, PhD2009BarlowSenior Medical Director, EMD Serono, Inc.
Wilder Doucette, PhD2008RestrepoAssistant Professor, Dartmouth
Seth Oliveria, MD, PhD2008SatherNeurosurgeon, The Oregon Clinic
Sarah Stephens, PhD2008Leonard 
Christy Rossi, PhD2008ArtingerAssociate Professor, University of Denver
Angela Tollefson2007Tyler 
Brian Gulbransen, PhD2007FingerAssociate Professor, Michigan State University
Michael Gaffield, PhD2007BetzResearch Fellow, Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience
Susan Goody, PhD2007BrowningSenior Director, Head of Toxicology, Moderna
Liam Breeze, PhD2006SatherTechnical Sales Representative, Molecular Devices
Dan Sdrulla, MD, PhD2005StaleyENT-Otolaryngologist, Denver
Christopher Dulla, PhD2005StaleyAssociate Professor, Tufts University
Ferogh Ahmadi, PhD2005ZawadaSenior Marketing Manager, Affymetrix
Enrique Alvarez, MD, PhD2004FreedAssociate Professor, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
Joyce Rohan, PhD2004SatherResearch Physiologist, Naval Medical Research Unit
Michael Lee, PhD2003LeonardProfessor, Univeristy of Minnesota
Lone Veng, PhD2002BrowningCEO, ResoTher Pharma ApS
Jo Velardo, PhD1996ZahniserDirector of Research, Homeland Security Studies and Analysis Institute

 

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