Neuroscience Graduate Program
Debbie Swierczek, Program Coordinator
School of Graduate Education
Knight Hall 247
Phone: 307-766-4128
Email: neuroscience@uwyo.edu
Debbie Swierczek
Program Coordinator
Transdisciplinary Programs
Phone: (307) 766-4128
Email: neuroscience@uwyo.edu
Lab: Dr. Yun Li
Email: nadhika1@uwyo.edu
Lab: Dr. Grace Shearrer
Email: makhmadj@uwyo.edu
Lab: Dr. Jared Bushman
Email:jallgoo1@uwyo.edu
Lab: Dr. Kara Pratt
Email: schhatwa@uwyo.edu
I investigate the development and differentiation of the Xenopus tadpole retinotegmental projection, a direct projection between retinal ganglion cell axons and neurons located in the midbrain tegmentum, to further characterize its role in processing visual stimuli. We use multidisciplinary approaches such as anatomical, molecular, and electrophysiological techniques to study these visual circuits.
Lab: Dr. Yun Li
Email: sgautam3@uwyo.edu
Project Summary:
Centered on systems neuroscience, I am using mouse models to investigate the function of prefrontal neural circuits and how their dysfunctions contribute to human brain disorders under the supervision of Dr. Yun Li. My main research project employs innovative techniques like miniscope in vivo calcium imaging and coupled with TRAP2 facilitated neuromodulation to understand the neural circuit based pathogenic mechanisms of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia.
Lab: Dr. Adam Nelson i
Email:
Lab: Dr. Yun Li
Email:
Lab: Dr. WIlliam Todd
Email:
Lab: Dr. Ram Shukla
Email:
Lab: Dr. Nicole Bedford
Email: dtaylo51@uwyo.edu
During my undergraduate, I cultivated a deep interest in the neural basis of motor control, and the urination circuit offers an unusually tractable model system in which to study the general principles of motor control. Unlike other motor behaviors that are executed by multiple muscles and complex muscle synergies, urination relies on only two muscles: the urinary bladder and urethral sphincter. Additionally, the neuronal projections that allow the brain to communicate with the lower urinary tract via the spinal cord are well-characterized. During my PhD, I will work to uncover how aging affects circadian regulation of this urination circuit.
Lab:Dr. William Todd
Email:gguidone@uwyo.edu
My research interests revolve around the neural basis of learning and memory through the view of the circadian rhythm. I am interested in extending this curiosity to touch on questions regarding the impact different circadian time points have on addictive behaviors with a focus on extinction related phenomena.
Lab:Dr. Yun Li
Email:djean@uwyo.edu
I study depression in the medial and prefrontal cortex and amygdala using a mouse model under Dr. Li. Depression is induced in the mice through chronic social defeat stress models and techniques such as grin lens imlantation and viral infections are used to study/manipulate the behavior of the mice. The main prupose of the research is to gain a better understanding on the neurobiology and molecular mechanisms of depression.
Lab:Drs. William Todd & Jonathan Prather
Email:qjeffs@uwyo.edu
Lab:Dr. Yun Li
Email:rthapa4@uwyo.edu
Lab:Dr. Kara Pratt
Email:uudoh@uwyo.edu
My research uses electrophysiological, immunohistochemical, molecular and behavioral approaches in developing Xenopus laevis tadpoles to study how neurons self-assemble into functional circuits that can transform external stimuli into perception.
Lab:Dr. Qian-Quan Sun
Email:ywang28@uwyo.edu
Identification of the neuronal circuits and mechanisms controlling emotional behaviors.
Lab:Dr. Kara Pratt
Email: kzheng1@uwyo.edu
My research interests are about the visual system of the Xenopus Laevis tadpoles. Currently, I'm focusing on the retinotegmentum circuitry and its function related to both visual and non-visual stimuli. I'm also interested in discovering the importance and functionality of hindbrain projection to the midbrain tegmental region.
Neuroscience Graduate Program
Debbie Swierczek, Program Coordinator
School of Graduate Education
Knight Hall 247
Phone: 307-766-4128
Email: neuroscience@uwyo.edu