We study how genetic changes that accumulated over the last 6 million years of human evolution influence specialized features of brain development using single cell genomics, cerebral organoid models of ape brain development, and genome engineering.
John D. Wiley Seminar Series
Seminar – Yong-hui Jiang, MD, PhD – Topic: Genetic and Epigenetic Bases of Human Diseases and Neurodevelopmental Disorders
I am physician scientist active both in basic research and clinical practice. My research interests are to 1) uncover the genetic and epigenetic bases of neurodevelopmental disorders or rare diseases with neurodevelopmental defects; 2) model genetic diseases using human patients derived cellular models and genetic mutant mice; 3) understand the circuit and molecular mechanisms underlying autism spectrum disorder; 4) develop novel molecular and epigenetic targeted therapies for genetic and epigenetic diseases.
Seminar – Gabriel Dichter, PhD – “Reward Processing in Autism”
We are dedicated to the use of neuroscience methods to better understand psychiatric disorders. Research methods include psychophysiology, functional MRI, PET/MR, eye-tracking, and behavioral approaches. Our strategy is to first validate methods in non-clinical contexts, then to apply paradigms in psychiatric conditions, and finally to test our measures as potential mechanistic endpoints in clinical trials.
Seminar – Karen Adolph, PhD – “Learning to Move and Moving to Learn”
Adolph received her Ph.D. from Emory University and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Albert Einstein College of Medicine. She directs the Databrary Project and PLAY Project. She is a Fellow of the American Psychological Association and Association for Psychological Science and Past-President of the International Congress on Infant Studies.
Seminar – Matthew Maenner, PhD – Topic: Epidemiology of Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities
I study the frequency, causes, and consequences of developmental disabilities (such as autism, cerebral palsy, and fragile X syndrome). I’m passionate about using data to better understand the situations of persons with disabilities.
Seminar – Randolph Ashton, PhD – “Bioengineer Human CNS Development within Standardized Screening Platforms for Toxicology and Drug Discovery Applications”
The goal of Ashton’s research is to bioengineering human tissues that can be used as tools or therapeutics to prevent or cure central nervous system (CNS) disorders. His lab currently melds state of the art biomaterial approaches with novel human neural stem cells derivation protocols to bioengineer brain and spinal cord cells and tissue models in vitro.
Seminar – Genevieve Konopka, PhD – Topic: Using Comparative Functional Genomics to Study ASD, as well as Human-Specific Gene Expression Profiles and How They Are Correlated with Cognition and Disorders
The research in the Konopka lab focuses on understanding the molecular pathways important for human brain evolution that are also at risk in cognitive disorders such as autism, schizophrenia, and Alzheimer disease.
Seminar – Jed Elison, PhD – Topic: Using Advanced Imaging and Behavioral Methods to Study Developmental Processes of Social Communication During Infancy and Early Childhood
Dr. Elison, Director of the ELAB, is an associate professor at the Institute of Child Development. He completed his graduate training at the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill and postdoctoral training at the California Institute of Technology. His research interests include the developmental processes and neural mechanisms that support specialized information processing, as well as the putative mechanisms that underlie atypical development.
Seminar – Tarik Haydar, PhD – Topic: Forebrain Development and Down Syndrome
The Haydar Laboratory is focused on forebrain development and function. A major focus is the study of how forebrain stem and progenitor cells generate the extraordinary level of neuronal diversity and circuit complexity during development.
Seminar – Nicola Grissom, PhD – Topic: Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Normal Behaviors and Psychiatric Vulnerability
Dr. Nicola Grissom is an Assistant Professor in the Psychology Department. Originally from Hawai’i, she obtained her undergraduate degree at Reed College in Portland, Oregon, her Ph.D. from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, and conducted her postdoctoral training at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia.