OUR STUDENTS

Xuan (Anna) Li
PhD Student
The research goal is to explore the role of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in mediating the trafficking of GluA2-lacking AMPA receptors in NAc after prolonged withdrawal from cocaine administration.

Xiaoting Wang
PhD Student
The primary goal of my research is to investigate the relationship between AMPA receptor upregulation and signaling pathways that may be responsible for cocaine-induced structural plasticity.
 


Angela Bruno
PhD Student
 

Daniel Hafez
MD/PhD Student
"My research focuses on the relationship between neurogenesis and
Alzheimer's disease (AD).  Specifically,
stimulating certain pathways in an attempt to increase
neurogenesis while decreasing the pathology associated with AD." 
 

Andrew Scheyer
PhD Student
My research focuses on the electrophysiological consequences of cocaine withdrawal in
the nucleus accumbens.  Currently, I am investigating the changes associated with
the homeostatic regulation of calcium-permeable AMPA receptors in medium-spiny neurons,
and the implications this may have on glutamatergic transmission in drug-reward circuitry. 

Craig Werner
PhD Student
I am interested in investigating the role of the ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS) in the regulation of glutamate receptor transmission following exposure to drugs of abuse.  My work focuses primarily on the nucleaus accumbens, an area known to be important in addiction, with the use of molecular and biochemical techniques. 

Stanley Bazarek
MD/PhD Student
The focus of my research is to identify and recruit endogenous stem/progenitor cells from non-neurogenic regions of the brain parenchyma and direct their differentiation to a neuronal fate using viral gene delivery of various growth and transcription factors for the purpose of regeneration and repair. 

Interdepartmental PhD Program Graduates