Goals & training

Mission of the lab:

1) To study how neurons arise and form circuits in the developing brain

2) To study the mechanisms that underlie cellular degeneration in Parkinson’s disease

3) To provide a supportive environment in which students can become strong scientists*

4) To use innovative imaging methods in the nervous system to generate high-quality, impactful images that help inspire enthusiasm and interest in science

* What are the lab's priorities for training a "strong scientist"?

  • able to work independently

  • exhibit strong technical and analytical skills, as well as fundamentals of asking scientific questions and designing appropriate controls

  • develop a strong ethical sense of research conduct, especially toward animals and toward data collection/analysis

  • have patience to watch and closely analyze the data in a non-biased way

  • use creative, innovative ideas; be able to think outside of the box

  • be hard-working and productive

  • have high standards for data interpretation (must be convinced before assuming something is true)

  • excel at presenting one's work, in both oral and written formats, in particular learning to write and publish solid publications

  • work with a unified team of students/scientists that cares for, collaborates with, and supports one another

Techniques

Some of the techniques students learn in the lab include the following:

  • Zebrafish mating and microinjection

  • Confocal microscopy (including in vivo imaging of living zebrafish larvae)

  • Three-dimensional digital reconstruction of confocal image stacks

  • Molecular biology - manipulation of fluorescent protein DNA constructs

  • Immunohistochemistry

  • Rigorous statistical analysis

  • Preparation of figures, manuscripts, and oral presentations

To learn about some of the ongoing research projects to which you might contribute, please visit the Research page.