Dr. Georgia Hodes 

Bio:
Dr. Hodes received a B.A. in Drama/Dance from Bard College and after college worked as an actor and designer in New York City. During this time, she decided a life in the arts was unsustainable and did post-baccalaureate training at Hunter College in experimental psychology. She obtained her Ph.D. from Rutgers University in the Behavioral and Systems Neuroscience division of the Psychology program where she trained in the laboratory of Dr. Tracey Shors. She went on to have 2 postdoctoral training positions, the first in Pharmacology with Dr. Irwin Lucki at the University of Pennsylvania and the second in Neuroscience with the Dr. Scott Russo at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai. She has received 2 NARSAD young investigator awards and is an author on over 70 publications. In 2016 she joined the faculty of the newly formed School of Neuroscience at Virginia Tech. Her research program examines sex differences in the peripheral and central immune system and how immune mechanisms interact with brain plasticity to drive behavioral differences in emotional processing of stress and mental health disorders.

Abstract:
The brain does not exist in a vacuum. The brain controls the body; however, the body also impacts the brain. This occurs through a variety of immune mechanisms, including cytokines and microbes produced in the periphery. When we get sick, our cells produce or suppress signals depending on the type of invasion. They tailor the environment to kill off an invading pathogen or our own injured cells. Cells then produce other signals to shut down this response and promote recovery and healing.  Like physical illness, mental illness, or even stress exposure, alters immune signaling in both the body and the brain. The fundamental question driving my research is how immune pathways contribute to the pathology associated with the development of mental illness, and why are some individuals more vulnerable than others to this type of immune dysfunction? 

Watch the seminar here!

Dr. Georgia Hodes 

Bio:
Dr. Hodes received a B.A. in Drama/Dance from Bard College and after college worked as an actor and designer in New York City. During this time, she decided a life in the arts was unsustainable and did post-baccalaureate training at Hunter College in experimental psychology. She obtained her Ph.D. from Rutgers University in the Behavioral and Systems Neuroscience division of the Psychology program where she trained in the laboratory of Dr. Tracey Shors. She went on to have 2 postdoctoral training positions, the first in Pharmacology with Dr. Irwin Lucki at the University of Pennsylvania and the second in Neuroscience with the Dr. Scott Russo at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai. She has received 2 NARSAD young investigator awards and is an author on over 70 publications. In 2016 she joined the faculty of the newly formed School of Neuroscience at Virginia Tech. Her research program examines sex differences in the peripheral and central immune system and how immune mechanisms interact with brain plasticity to drive behavioral differences in emotional processing of stress and mental health disorders.

Abstract:
The brain does not exist in a vacuum. The brain controls the body; however, the body also impacts the brain. This occurs through a variety of immune mechanisms, including cytokines and microbes produced in the periphery. When we get sick, our cells produce or suppress signals depending on the type of invasion. They tailor the environment to kill off an invading pathogen or our own injured cells. Cells then produce other signals to shut down this response and promote recovery and healing.  Like physical illness, mental illness, or even stress exposure, alters immune signaling in both the body and the brain. The fundamental question driving my research is how immune pathways contribute to the pathology associated with the development of mental illness, and why are some individuals more vulnerable than others to this type of immune dysfunction? 

Watch the seminar here!

Dr. Shane D'Souza

Bio:
Dr. Shane Peter D’Souza is a neuroscientist and vision researcher whose work spans developmental neurobiology, sensory physiology, and circadian biology. He earned his BS in Biology at the University of Kentucky and PhD in Molecular and Developmental Biology from the University of Cincinnati/Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, where he investigated how early light exposure shapes neural circuit development in the retina and brain. Now a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Pediatric Ophthalmology at Cincinnati Children’s, Dr. D’Souza’s research integrates molecular, anatomical, physiological, and computational approaches to understand how intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs) and other non-visual photoreceptors influence sensory-driven circuit refinement, photoreceptor abundance, and cross-modal communication in early life. His publication record includes discoveries on melanopsin-dependent regulation of rod photoreceptors, neuropsin and encephalopsin function in visual and non-visual systems, and the role of light-sensitive hypothalamic neurons in thermoregulation and metabolism. By combining high-resolution imaging, transcriptomics, biophysical modeling, and machine-learning, his work aims to uncover fundamental principles of sensory-mediated neural development and sensory adaptation across species. In his spare time, he enjoys studying the evolution of storm systems and serves as a storm spotter for NWS Wilmington, OH. In his spare-spare time, he writes and produces music from his living room.

Abstract:
Most mammals are born with immature, poorly developed sensory systems. As these systems come online, they use immature sensory experience to shape synapses, cell types, and their connectivity across the brain. In the visual system, this experience is thought to be passive, supporting and setting up later modes of image-forming vision after eye-opening.  However, little is known about the form and function of visual experience during the earliest period in a neonate’s life. Driven by this, we set out to generate a comprehensive map of visual system activity and neonatal behaviors in mice.  Using a host of machine learning-based approaches we developed an atlas perinatal visual system activity from the retina to several regions of the brain. Using a combination of chromatic stimuli and genetic loss-of-function mice, we identified the M1 intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cell (ipRGC) in the retina as the driver of early visual system activity, activating distinct brain regions during development. Using this atlas as a guide to assess behaviors, we find that this visual input drives the production of ultrasonic vocalization in neonates and “blinding” mice leads to an augmented vocal code.  Together, these data suggest that early visual system activity has an active role in supporting the development of neonatal behaviors and warrants a deeper exploration of early sensory activity across the developing brain.

Watch the seminar here!

Dr. Shane D'Souza

Bio:
Dr. Shane Peter D’Souza is a neuroscientist and vision researcher whose work spans developmental neurobiology, sensory physiology, and circadian biology. He earned his BS in Biology at the University of Kentucky and PhD in Molecular and Developmental Biology from the University of Cincinnati/Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, where he investigated how early light exposure shapes neural circuit development in the retina and brain. Now a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Pediatric Ophthalmology at Cincinnati Children’s, Dr. D’Souza’s research integrates molecular, anatomical, physiological, and computational approaches to understand how intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs) and other non-visual photoreceptors influence sensory-driven circuit refinement, photoreceptor abundance, and cross-modal communication in early life. His publication record includes discoveries on melanopsin-dependent regulation of rod photoreceptors, neuropsin and encephalopsin function in visual and non-visual systems, and the role of light-sensitive hypothalamic neurons in thermoregulation and metabolism. By combining high-resolution imaging, transcriptomics, biophysical modeling, and machine-learning, his work aims to uncover fundamental principles of sensory-mediated neural development and sensory adaptation across species. In his spare time, he enjoys studying the evolution of storm systems and serves as a storm spotter for NWS Wilmington, OH. In his spare-spare time, he writes and produces music from his living room.

Abstract:
Most mammals are born with immature, poorly developed sensory systems. As these systems come online, they use immature sensory experience to shape synapses, cell types, and their connectivity across the brain. In the visual system, this experience is thought to be passive, supporting and setting up later modes of image-forming vision after eye-opening.  However, little is known about the form and function of visual experience during the earliest period in a neonate’s life. Driven by this, we set out to generate a comprehensive map of visual system activity and neonatal behaviors in mice.  Using a host of machine learning-based approaches we developed an atlas perinatal visual system activity from the retina to several regions of the brain. Using a combination of chromatic stimuli and genetic loss-of-function mice, we identified the M1 intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cell (ipRGC) in the retina as the driver of early visual system activity, activating distinct brain regions during development. Using this atlas as a guide to assess behaviors, we find that this visual input drives the production of ultrasonic vocalization in neonates and “blinding” mice leads to an augmented vocal code.  Together, these data suggest that early visual system activity has an active role in supporting the development of neonatal behaviors and warrants a deeper exploration of early sensory activity across the developing brain.

Watch the seminar here!

Dr. Shane D'Souza

Bio:
Dr. Shane Peter D’Souza is a neuroscientist and vision researcher whose work spans developmental neurobiology, sensory physiology, and circadian biology. He earned his BS in Biology at the University of Kentucky and PhD in Molecular and Developmental Biology from the University of Cincinnati/Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, where he investigated how early light exposure shapes neural circuit development in the retina and brain. Now a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Pediatric Ophthalmology at Cincinnati Children’s, Dr. D’Souza’s research integrates molecular, anatomical, physiological, and computational approaches to understand how intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs) and other non-visual photoreceptors influence sensory-driven circuit refinement, photoreceptor abundance, and cross-modal communication in early life. His publication record includes discoveries on melanopsin-dependent regulation of rod photoreceptors, neuropsin and encephalopsin function in visual and non-visual systems, and the role of light-sensitive hypothalamic neurons in thermoregulation and metabolism. By combining high-resolution imaging, transcriptomics, biophysical modeling, and machine-learning, his work aims to uncover fundamental principles of sensory-mediated neural development and sensory adaptation across species. In his spare time, he enjoys studying the evolution of storm systems and serves as a storm spotter for NWS Wilmington, OH. In his spare-spare time, he writes and produces music from his living room.

Abstract:
Most mammals are born with immature, poorly developed sensory systems. As these systems come online, they use immature sensory experience to shape synapses, cell types, and their connectivity across the brain. In the visual system, this experience is thought to be passive, supporting and setting up later modes of image-forming vision after eye-opening.  However, little is known about the form and function of visual experience during the earliest period in a neonate’s life. Driven by this, we set out to generate a comprehensive map of visual system activity and neonatal behaviors in mice.  Using a host of machine learning-based approaches we developed an atlas perinatal visual system activity from the retina to several regions of the brain. Using a combination of chromatic stimuli and genetic loss-of-function mice, we identified the M1 intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cell (ipRGC) in the retina as the driver of early visual system activity, activating distinct brain regions during development. Using this atlas as a guide to assess behaviors, we find that this visual input drives the production of ultrasonic vocalization in neonates and “blinding” mice leads to an augmented vocal code.  Together, these data suggest that early visual system activity has an active role in supporting the development of neonatal behaviors and warrants a deeper exploration of early sensory activity across the developing brain.

Watch the seminar here!

Dr. Shane D'Souza

Bio:
Dr. Shane Peter D’Souza is a neuroscientist and vision researcher whose work spans developmental neurobiology, sensory physiology, and circadian biology. He earned his BS in Biology at the University of Kentucky and PhD in Molecular and Developmental Biology from the University of Cincinnati/Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, where he investigated how early light exposure shapes neural circuit development in the retina and brain. Now a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Pediatric Ophthalmology at Cincinnati Children’s, Dr. D’Souza’s research integrates molecular, anatomical, physiological, and computational approaches to understand how intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs) and other non-visual photoreceptors influence sensory-driven circuit refinement, photoreceptor abundance, and cross-modal communication in early life. His publication record includes discoveries on melanopsin-dependent regulation of rod photoreceptors, neuropsin and encephalopsin function in visual and non-visual systems, and the role of light-sensitive hypothalamic neurons in thermoregulation and metabolism. By combining high-resolution imaging, transcriptomics, biophysical modeling, and machine-learning, his work aims to uncover fundamental principles of sensory-mediated neural development and sensory adaptation across species. In his spare time, he enjoys studying the evolution of storm systems and serves as a storm spotter for NWS Wilmington, OH. In his spare-spare time, he writes and produces music from his living room.

Abstract:
Most mammals are born with immature, poorly developed sensory systems. As these systems come online, they use immature sensory experience to shape synapses, cell types, and their connectivity across the brain. In the visual system, this experience is thought to be passive, supporting and setting up later modes of image-forming vision after eye-opening.  However, little is known about the form and function of visual experience during the earliest period in a neonate’s life. Driven by this, we set out to generate a comprehensive map of visual system activity and neonatal behaviors in mice.  Using a host of machine learning-based approaches we developed an atlas perinatal visual system activity from the retina to several regions of the brain. Using a combination of chromatic stimuli and genetic loss-of-function mice, we identified the M1 intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cell (ipRGC) in the retina as the driver of early visual system activity, activating distinct brain regions during development. Using this atlas as a guide to assess behaviors, we find that this visual input drives the production of ultrasonic vocalization in neonates and “blinding” mice leads to an augmented vocal code.  Together, these data suggest that early visual system activity has an active role in supporting the development of neonatal behaviors and warrants a deeper exploration of early sensory activity across the developing brain.

Watch the seminar here!

Dr. Shane D'Souza

Bio:
Dr. Shane Peter D’Souza is a neuroscientist and vision researcher whose work spans developmental neurobiology, sensory physiology, and circadian biology. He earned his BS in Biology at the University of Kentucky and PhD in Molecular and Developmental Biology from the University of Cincinnati/Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, where he investigated how early light exposure shapes neural circuit development in the retina and brain. Now a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Pediatric Ophthalmology at Cincinnati Children’s, Dr. D’Souza’s research integrates molecular, anatomical, physiological, and computational approaches to understand how intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs) and other non-visual photoreceptors influence sensory-driven circuit refinement, photoreceptor abundance, and cross-modal communication in early life. His publication record includes discoveries on melanopsin-dependent regulation of rod photoreceptors, neuropsin and encephalopsin function in visual and non-visual systems, and the role of light-sensitive hypothalamic neurons in thermoregulation and metabolism. By combining high-resolution imaging, transcriptomics, biophysical modeling, and machine-learning, his work aims to uncover fundamental principles of sensory-mediated neural development and sensory adaptation across species. In his spare time, he enjoys studying the evolution of storm systems and serves as a storm spotter for NWS Wilmington, OH. In his spare-spare time, he writes and produces music from his living room.

Abstract:
Most mammals are born with immature, poorly developed sensory systems. As these systems come online, they use immature sensory experience to shape synapses, cell types, and their connectivity across the brain. In the visual system, this experience is thought to be passive, supporting and setting up later modes of image-forming vision after eye-opening.  However, little is known about the form and function of visual experience during the earliest period in a neonate’s life. Driven by this, we set out to generate a comprehensive map of visual system activity and neonatal behaviors in mice.  Using a host of machine learning-based approaches we developed an atlas perinatal visual system activity from the retina to several regions of the brain. Using a combination of chromatic stimuli and genetic loss-of-function mice, we identified the M1 intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cell (ipRGC) in the retina as the driver of early visual system activity, activating distinct brain regions during development. Using this atlas as a guide to assess behaviors, we find that this visual input drives the production of ultrasonic vocalization in neonates and “blinding” mice leads to an augmented vocal code.  Together, these data suggest that early visual system activity has an active role in supporting the development of neonatal behaviors and warrants a deeper exploration of early sensory activity across the developing brain.

Watch the seminar here!

Dr. Shane D'Souza

Bio:
Dr. Shane Peter D’Souza is a neuroscientist and vision researcher whose work spans developmental neurobiology, sensory physiology, and circadian biology. He earned his BS in Biology at the University of Kentucky and PhD in Molecular and Developmental Biology from the University of Cincinnati/Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, where he investigated how early light exposure shapes neural circuit development in the retina and brain. Now a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Pediatric Ophthalmology at Cincinnati Children’s, Dr. D’Souza’s research integrates molecular, anatomical, physiological, and computational approaches to understand how intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs) and other non-visual photoreceptors influence sensory-driven circuit refinement, photoreceptor abundance, and cross-modal communication in early life. His publication record includes discoveries on melanopsin-dependent regulation of rod photoreceptors, neuropsin and encephalopsin function in visual and non-visual systems, and the role of light-sensitive hypothalamic neurons in thermoregulation and metabolism. By combining high-resolution imaging, transcriptomics, biophysical modeling, and machine-learning, his work aims to uncover fundamental principles of sensory-mediated neural development and sensory adaptation across species. In his spare time, he enjoys studying the evolution of storm systems and serves as a storm spotter for NWS Wilmington, OH. In his spare-spare time, he writes and produces music from his living room.

Abstract:
Most mammals are born with immature, poorly developed sensory systems. As these systems come online, they use immature sensory experience to shape synapses, cell types, and their connectivity across the brain. In the visual system, this experience is thought to be passive, supporting and setting up later modes of image-forming vision after eye-opening.  However, little is known about the form and function of visual experience during the earliest period in a neonate’s life. Driven by this, we set out to generate a comprehensive map of visual system activity and neonatal behaviors in mice.  Using a host of machine learning-based approaches we developed an atlas perinatal visual system activity from the retina to several regions of the brain. Using a combination of chromatic stimuli and genetic loss-of-function mice, we identified the M1 intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cell (ipRGC) in the retina as the driver of early visual system activity, activating distinct brain regions during development. Using this atlas as a guide to assess behaviors, we find that this visual input drives the production of ultrasonic vocalization in neonates and “blinding” mice leads to an augmented vocal code.  Together, these data suggest that early visual system activity has an active role in supporting the development of neonatal behaviors and warrants a deeper exploration of early sensory activity across the developing brain.

Watch the seminar here!

Dr. Molly Schumer | Schumer Lab

Bio:
Molly Schumer is an Assistant Professor in Biology. She is interested in genetics and evolutionary biology. After receiving her PhD at Princeton, she did her postdoctoral work at Columbia and was a Junior Fellow in the Harvard Society of Fellows and Hanna H. Gray Fellow at Harvard Medical School. Current research in the lab centers on understanding the genetic mechanisms of evolution, with a focus on natural populations.

Abstract:
The diverse branches of life on earth trace to a common root. In the past two decades, a revolution in genome sequencing has allowed researchers to make unprecedented progress in understanding the evolution of life on earth at the genetic level. Our lab is interested in why and how new species arise, and what genetic changes underlie their ability to adapt to the environments in which they live. To study these questions, we use an interdisciplinary approach – melding genomics and evolution with molecular biology, behavior, and physiology. Our work leverages an emerging model system, swordtail fish or Xiphophorus, where we can study genetics and evolution  using experimental and natural populations.

Dr. Molly Schumer | Schumer Lab

Bio:
Molly Schumer is an Assistant Professor in Biology. She is interested in genetics and evolutionary biology. After receiving her PhD at Princeton, she did her postdoctoral work at Columbia and was a Junior Fellow in the Harvard Society of Fellows and Hanna H. Gray Fellow at Harvard Medical School. Current research in the lab centers on understanding the genetic mechanisms of evolution, with a focus on natural populations.

Abstract:
The diverse branches of life on earth trace to a common root. In the past two decades, a revolution in genome sequencing has allowed researchers to make unprecedented progress in understanding the evolution of life on earth at the genetic level. Our lab is interested in why and how new species arise, and what genetic changes underlie their ability to adapt to the environments in which they live. To study these questions, we use an interdisciplinary approach – melding genomics and evolution with molecular biology, behavior, and physiology. Our work leverages an emerging model system, swordtail fish or Xiphophorus, where we can study genetics and evolution  using experimental and natural populations.