Timothy Gomez
Position title: Principal Investigator | Professor
Email:
tmgomez
Phone: (608) 263-4554
Address:
RESEARCH INTERESTS - The long-term objective of our research is to better understand the intracellular signaling cascades and downstream molecular mechanisms responsible for the assembly of neural circuits during development. For this we must understand how developing axons and dendrites are guided to their proper targets where they assemble specific synaptic connections. Mutations in genes involved in axon guidance, circuit assembly and synaptic transmission are responsible for many deficits in cognitive function, including autisms, dyslexia and numerous other learning disabilities.
Current Graduate Students
Madison Dillerud
Position title: MCP student
Email:
dillerud
RESEARCH INTERESTS: My work focuses on the molecular mechanisms that control the development of human photoreceptors (PRs). I am interested in developmental changes that occur as PRs mature and become immobile, over a time when we discovered they switch from an axon extension, to a synaptogenesis phase. I hope to leverage my findings to support the reintegration of transplanted PRs in neurodegenerative disorders of the eye.
Tara Loughery
Position title: NTP student
Email:
loughery
RESEARCH INTERESTS: I am interested in the mechanisms used by developing motor neurons to exit the spinal cord and navigate to their targets in the periphery. In understanding how these cells initiate their journey and traverse diverse environments, I hope to apply this knowledge to future research in motor neuron regeneration.
Austin Pier
Position title: NTP student
Email:
pier2
RESEARCH INTERESTS: I am interested in the cellular and molecular mechanisms behind neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders, and utilizing stem cell models in combination with genetic, molecular biological, and biochemical techniques to study how different mutations cause these disorders.
Scientists
Current Undergraduate Students
* Denotes Hilldale Fellow