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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!

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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!

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In the News All News »

Neuroscience Graduate Program and Department Expand Brain Awareness Week to Year-Round Initiative

The University of Virginia’s Neuroscience Graduate Program and Department of Neuroscience have transformed their annual Brain Awareness Week into a groundbreaking year-round outreach initiative. Building on their longstanding passion for…

Tsai-Yi Lu Selected for the National Institute on Aging’s Butler-Williams Scholars Program

July 2024 - Congratulations to Tsai-Yi Lu, Ph.D., for being selected to participate in the prestigious Butler-Williams Scholars Program sponsored by the National Institute on Aging (NIA)! The Butler-Williams Scholars…

John Lukens Featured in Interview with VPM

June 2024 - VPM's Morning Edition Host Phil Liles recently spoke with John Lukens, Ph.D., about recent advances in medicine, treatments and what’s on the horizon for the new Harrison…

Tajie Harris Appointed as Shannon Center Mid-Career Fellow

June 2024 - Congratulations to Tajie Harris, Ph.D., who was selected as a Shannon Center Mid-Career Fellow! The Shannon Center Mid-Career Fellowship program was launched last year to honor outstanding…

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!
 

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.