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Neuroscience

Neuroscience is a discipline encompassing all aspects of behavior, cognition and perception at the molecular and cellular levels as well as in the whole organism.

As a growing and highly collaborative department we are committed to carrying out cutting-edge interdisciplinary research employing a wide range of state-of-the-art techniques. Over the last few years, our work has yielded major breakthroughs. The achievements are in large part because of the contributions of exceptional trainees — graduate students and post-doctoral fellows — and we welcome other motivated trainees to join us.

Highlights

Andrea Merchak and Alban Gaultier

Scientists Uncover How Fermented-Food Bacteria Can Guard Against Depression, Anxiety

Congratulations to recent alum Andrea Merchak and the Gaultier Lab for publishing their findings on how Lactobacillus, a bacterium found in fermented foods and yogurt, helps the body manage stress and may help prevent depression and anxiety!

Click here to view the publication

Heather Ferris and Thaddeus Weigel

Alzheimer’s Discovery Suggests Light Sensitivity May Worsen Symptoms Late in the Day and Contribute to Disease Progression

Congratulations to Thaddeus Weigel and the Ferris Lab for publishing their recent findings related to light sensitivity and Alzheimer's!

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Hannah Ennerfelt and John Lukens

Discovery Holds Key to Boosting Brain’s Ability to Fight Alzheimer’s, MS

Congratulations to Hannah Ennerfelt and the Lukens Lab for publishing their work related to Alzheimer's disease and multiple sclerosis!

Click here to view the publication

In the News All News »

John Lukens Appointed to Direct UVA Harrison Family Translational Research Center in Alzheimer’s and Neurodegenerative Diseases

May 2024 - Congratulations to John Lukens, PhD, who has been appointed as the inaugural Director of the University of Virginia’s Harrison Family Translational Research Center in Alzheimer’s and Neurodegenerative…

Tajie Harris Featured in The New York Times and Time Discussing Brain Parasites

May 2024 - Tajie Harris, PhD, was recently featured in The New York Times and Time discussing the effects of parasites on the human brain. Visit this link for more information!

BBC Features the Gaultier Lab’s Research into the Role of the Microbiome in Mood Disorders

March 2024 - A recent BBC Food article featured the Gaultier Lab's research into the role of Lactobacillus on mood disorders. Click here to read the article!

Aida Lopez Receives iPRIME Fellowship

February 2024 - Aida Lopez, a 3rd-year Neuroscience Graduate Program student in the Eyo Lab, received funding through the iPrecision immunomedicine (iPRIME) Fellowship Awards Program for her project “P2RY12 regulation…

Neuroscience Faculty Among Winners at School of Medicine Shark Tank Competition

February 2024 - The Shark Tank Competition was the highlight of the second day of UVA's School of Medicine research retreat. With $500,000 total being awarded, five teams pitched their…

Implant Prototype Featured in UVA Today

December 2023 - Neuroscience professor and chair Harald Sontheimer was featured in UVA Today, highlighting his work on a "deep brain implant" that may treat or even reverse the degenerative…
 

Disorders

We study multiple human neurological disorders from cellular and molecular to translational through animal models of disease.

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Support Our Mission

Every neuroscience researcher is dedicated to better results for patients. Your donation, whatever its size, can help ensure we are able to offer the best care based on medical research.

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