Trainees

Integrative Pathobiology Graduate Group

Moshiri Lab

Project:  My research investigates how Müller glia can be reprogrammed to generate new neurons and promote retinal regeneration. I focus on the role of Sonic hedgehog signaling in regulating this process.

Fun Fact:  I spent one summer seeing the world through Chuck E. Cheese's eyes by dancing as the mascot.

Integrative Genetics and Genomics Graduate Group

Marsh-Armstrong Lab

Project:  I am looking to understand the mechanism of axonal debris clearance in the optic nerve by astrocytes and how the dysfunction of this process leads to neuroinflammation, specifically with glaucoma related stressors. 

Fun Fact:  I love painting and miscellaneous crafts in my free time. I've just always had an eye for bringing the vision to life.

Integrative Genetics and Genomics Graduate Group

Accorsi Lab

Project:  I am investigating the molecular profile of the cellular population that initiates proliferation during camera-type eye regeneration in a novel model organism: the Golden Apple Snail. 

Fun Fact:  I love puzzles and cross stitching, call me grandma :)

Neuroscience Graduate Group

Usrey Lab

Project:  My project explores how the pulvinar, a higher-order thalamic structure, helps control visual attention particularly in conditions of uncertainty. Through the selective silencing of V1 inputs to the pulvinar, we can determine the role of this early, indirect cortical pathway and observe the resulting effects on behavior. This work sheds light on basic attentional mechanisms relevant to disorders like schizophrenia where thalamocortical connectivity is disrupted.

Fun Fact:  I have aphantasia so I can't "see" images in my head!!