Fall 2018
Tulane Brian Institute faculty, Dr. Andrea Zsombok, receives NIH supplement for Alzheimer's research
Andrea Zsombok, recently received a $334,000 supplement to her current National Institute of Health grant that supports research into the brain's role in diabetes. Diabetes is associated with an increased risk for all dementias, including Alzheimer's disease.
Tulane Brian Institute faculty, Dr. Stacy Drury, is a guest on the podcast "What Up, Get Up Nation."
Listen to podcast featuring Dr. Stacy Drury.
Tulane Brain Institute faculty, Dr. Laurie Earls, named a 2018-2019 Duren Professor
Newcomb-Tulane College has appointed Laurie Earls (right), Adam McKeown and Christopher Oliver as Duren Professors for 2018-19. The trio was selected on the basis of their commitment to undergraduate teaching and their innovative proposals.
Summer 2018
Tulane psychiatrist wins national award for research that shows how trauma seeps across generations
The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) has selected Tulane child psychiatry professor and Brain Institute faculty member Dr. Stacy Drury to receive the 2018 Norbert and Charlotte Rieger Award for Outstanding Scientific Achievement.
New Orleans Charter Science & Math High taps neuroscientist as principal
Former Neuroscience Graduate student Monique Cola, PhD now serves as principal of New Orleans Charter Science & Mathematics High School (Sci High).
New Tulane study explores root causes of hearing loss
A Tulane University researcher has been awarded a $1.8 million grant to develop a better understanding of healthy human hearing and lay the groundwork for future treatment of hearing disorders. The five-year grant from the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) will allow Hai Huang, assistant professor of cell and molecular biology, to study how auditory signals are processed with normal hearing and altered during hearing loss. View additional coverage at The Advocate.
Tulane Brain Institute receives $1 million pledge from the Priddy Family Foundation
Tulane University’s Brain Institute has received a $1 million pledge from the Priddy Family Foundation to endow and establish the Priddy Family Spark Research Endowed Fund. The fund will provide competitive awards to faculty for early-stage research support that advances the research priorities of the brain institute. View additional coverage at NOLA.com.
Tulane Brain Institute receives $1 million grant from Louisiana Board of Regents
Tulane University’s Brain Institute has received a 5-year, $1 million Comprehensive Enhancement Grant from the Louisiana Board of Regents that it will use to purchase scientific instruments for its facilities. The grant is the result of the combined efforts of 25 faculty members from the Tulane Brain Institute uptown and downtown campuses and Tulane’s National Primate Research Center in Covington. View additional coverage at NOLA.com.
Jill Daniel named first Gary P. Dohanich Professor in Brain Science
From early in development to the golden years of aging, Tulane University neuroscientist and Professor of Psychology Jill Daniel studies brain mechanisms by which hormones affect one’s ability to learn and remember. Daniel is the founding director of the transdisciplinary Tulane Brain Institute, which was established in 2016 to coordinate and expand neuroscience research and education across all campuses of the university.
Children’s book inspires the next generation of doctors
Dr. Ashley Denmark’s daughter, Olivia, had a front row seat for watching her mom become a physician. When Denmark started medical school, she was nine months pregnant with Olivia, who is now 6 and who serves as the inspiration for a new children’s book, Olivia’s Doctor Adventures, published earlier this year. Denmark earned a master’s degree in neuroscience from Tulane in 2010 before studying medicine at the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine in South Carolina.
Science of Trauma
Dr. Stacy Drury, Associate Director of the Tulane Brain Institute, explains how exposure to violence can be toxic to the brain and body. Read about the Science of Trauma on NOLA.com. See additional coverage on New Orleans FOX8.
Lab uses face-processing data to investigate early learning
A newly published paper co-authored by Julie Markant, assistant professor in the School of Science and Engineering and member of the Tulane Brain Institute, proposes a new theoretical model to examine the ways infants learn and retain information.
Spring 2018
Neuroscience and dance set the stage for a career helping others
When Sophie Rhines arrived at Tulane University, she was not set on a specific major or a specific path for post-graduation plans. She knew she enjoyed science, but she also wanted to fit her love of dance into her college education.
From China to America, Neuroscience grad finds home at Tulane
Mimi Chen was born in China, grew up in Australia and later moved to America at 8 years old when her father accepted a job in Washington state. While this much travel at such a young age would have been difficult for some, Chen said it helped her become who she is today and who she hopes to become.
Neuroscience Student wins Runsdorf Excellence in Public Service Award
Rimawi co-founded the student organization Bridging Generations, an intergenerational project partnered with five different elderly centers.
Fall 2017
Impulse control subject of Tulane Brain Institute study
A Tulane University researcher is studying why males have more impulse-control issues than females, with the ultimate goal of developing more effective preventative and treatment strategies.
Study looks at link between traumatic stress and alcohol abuse
Sufferers of PTSD are more likely to abuse alcohol, but Tulane University researcher Jeffrey Tasker is hoping a study of the brain can provide insight to the problem and catch it before it escalates.
Tulane Brian Institute researchers focus on epilepsy, autism, and schizophrenia
Tulane University’s Laura Schrader, a cell and molecular biology professor and Brain Institute member, received a two-year grant from the National Institute of Health to study the role of a Shox2, a protein in the brain important for development and function of the thalamus.
Depression treatment may be improving, Tulane study says
In a new study published in the journal Cell Reports, researchers associated with the Tulane Brain Institute say they have moved a step closer to improving treatment for chronic depression.
Summer 2017
Tulane Neuroscience student spends summer conducting vital tumor research at NIH
Tulane rising sophomore James Rogers made the most of his summer in a big way. Rogers was selected for an internship at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and worked in the Neuro-Oncology Branch (NOB) of the National Cancer Institute (NCI).
Upward Bound student learns the lab
On the cusp of her senior year at Edna Karr High School, Tulane Upward Bound student N’Dea Preatto hoped her summer internship would be a chance to apply her interest in forensic biology. In the end, the depth of exposure her lab time in the Tulane School of Science and Engineering provided would exceed her expectation.
STEM program brings teens to Tulane
The Tulane Science Scholars Program (TSSP) gives high school students from around the country the opportunity to take college-credit courses in science and engineering during the summer.
Neuroscience majors TURN to research
For 10 years, the Tulane Undergraduate Research in Neuroscience (TURN) Program has provided promising students the opportunity to engage in cutting edge research.
Brain Institute faculty member Anne Robinson, will lead the Tulane team that will explore ways to lower the price of drugs
Tulane and three other universities have received a $6.1 million grant from the National Science Foundation to study ways to lower the cost of drugs for illnesses such as Crohn's, breast cancer, and multiple sclerosis.
Spring 2017
Researcher emphasize importance of studying both sexes in clinical models
Over the last decade, many drugs that have been pulled from the market due to toxicity were withdrawn because they affected women more than men. It turns out, the studies that brought the drugs to market were designed using only male cells and animal models, a common flaw a Tulane endocrinologist is working to help correct.
Weiss Fellow excellence in teaching award given to Brain Institute Faculty
One of two recipients of the 2017 Suzanne and Stephen Weiss Presidential Fellowships is Brain Institute Member Dr. Beth Wee, senior professor of practice in the Department of Psychology and associate dean for undergraduate studies in the School of Science and Engineering; director of the master’s and undergraduate neuroscience programs; and adjunct faculty in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. Dr Wee was honored for her excellence in teaching as part of the 2017 Tulane Commencement ceremony.
Brain Institute Faculty awarded $1.9M to improve menopausal hormone therapy
Dr. Sarah Lindsey--Assistant Professor in the department of Pharmacology and member of the Brain Institute--has been awarded $1.9 Million dollars by the National Institutes of Health to study estrogen's effects on cardiovascular health. Post-menopausal women are at a higher risk for cardiovascular disease later in life. Dr. Linsey's research aims to clarify the relationship between estrogen replacement therapy and specific estrogen receptor targets, hoping to help identify targets for future therapies.
Fall 2016
Tulane celebrates the launch of the new Tulane Brain Institute
The launch celebration was done in conjunction with the 30th anniversary of Neuroscience at Tulane University. The full-day event included alumni talks, a keynote address by Dr. Fred Gage of the Salk Institute, and a ground breaking ceremony for the Brain Institute's footprint at Flower Hall. View Nola.com coverage.
With college nearly complete, Devon Walker looks to life's next chapter
Walker's path through life has changed significantly since he suffered a cervical spinal injury in 2012. He sets his sights on outreach and community engagement with the creation of the Devon Walker Foundation, a global awareness campaign for visibility, treatments & research on spinal cord injuries.
How can stress cause anxiety? Blame the brain's cannabis
A recently published study by Brain Institute faculty Dr. Jeffrey Tasker has implicated the endocannabinoid system in stress and anxiety response. According to a recently published paper in the Journal of Neuroscience, stress contributes to a state of anxiety by prompting the production of a natural cannabinoid that disrupts the regulation of the amygdala.
Students flex their knowledge of neuroscience
This summer, 14 undergraduate students participated in the Tulane Undergraduate Research Program in Neuroscience. Over the course of 10 weeks, students were immersed in research, took turns giving oral presentations, and created professional posters for a culminating poster presentation.
Brain Institute affiliated biotech startup receives $455,00 in research grants
AxoSim, founded in 2014 by two Tulane University researchers, is developing a 3D research model that mimics actual human tissue in testing. View additional coverage from the New Orleans Advocate.
Brain Institute Faculty named 2016 Oliver Fund Scholar for work on memory and aging brains
The $40,000 prize supports outstanding faculty research initiatives. Dr. Mostany is pioneering investigations into synaptic dynamics in aging brains using two-photon microscopy. This technique allows researchers to study precisely the same neurons in the mouse brain over the course of a lifespan, a feat impossible with other techniques.
Spring 2016
Researcher explores effects of cannabinoids on blood pressure
Andrei Derbenev, PhD, Associate Professor of Physiology and member of the Neuroscience program has received a $1.5 million NIH grant to study the effects of cannabinoid compounds on blood pressure & hypertension. Cannabinoid compounds --found naturally in marijuana--have received a lot of attention for their potential to treat many medical conditions. Dr. Derbenev and his group hope to increase the scientific knowledge of how these compounds interact with the autonomic nervous system.
Study explains how low testosterone raises diabetes risk
Neuroscience faculty member Dr. Franck Mauvais-Jarvis has published a ground-breaking study that links testosterone to diabetes risk. View additional coverage on NOLA.com.
Tulane Alum Shares Career Findings with Students
Dr. Steven Paul graduated from Tulane University with three degrees--a BA in Psychology & Biology, a MS in Anatomy & Neuroanatomy, as well as a MD--and has gone on to have an illustrious and productive career in neuroscience research and treatment. He returned to campus to share his story with students & the future of gene therapy for Alzheimer's disease.
Tulane Neuroscience Professor and Alum Makes Strides in Stroke Research
Dr. Sheryl Martin-Schild, the director of the Level1 Comprehensive Stroke Center, has helped create one of the best stroke centers in Louisiana.
Neuroscience Engineer makes "nerve-on-a-chip" for safer drug research
Dr. Michael Moore, associate professor of biomedical engineering is leading a study that could uncover improved ways of screening chemotherapy drugs for neurotoxicity. View additional coverage on NOLA.com.
Tulane makes list for excellence in undergraduate Neuroscience
Since its inception in 2000, the undergraduate neuroscience major has continued to grow. A recent nod by the educational website study.com highlights Tulane along side MIT, Vanderbilt & John Hopkins for excellence in undergraduate education.
Neuroscience faculty discovers new non-addictive alternatives to morphine
Led by Neuroscience faculty member James Zadina, PhD, researchers at Tulane University and Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System have developed a painkiller that is as strong as morphine but isn’t likely to be addictive and with fewer side effects, according to a new study in the journal Neuropharmacology. View additional coverage on NOLA.com.
Fall 2015
Neuroscience Faculty receives NSF award to investigate adolescent brain development
Yu-Ping Wang, an associate professor of biomedical engineering, biostatistics and bioinformatics at Tulane University, is part of a newly awarded NSF grant totaling $5.9 million. The NSF grant is part of an initiative called Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research. The money will be used for developing computational neuroscience programs in addition to continued training and education of Tulane undergraduate and graduate neuroscientists.
Spring 2015
Neuroscience Program Highlighted in Tulane Magazine Cover Article
The rapidly growing field of Neuroscience and its representation at Tulane is the cover story on the June issue of Tulane Magazine. Several Faculty members have been profiled as part of the cover story.
Neuroscience student awarded opportunity to work with rescued animals
Neuroscience rising senior and honors student Kimbery Micotto received funding from Timothy Sykes Daytrading Award for the Talented to work with veterinary services in Guatemala.
Neuroscience Engages Girls in STEM
Neuroscientist and Tulane Graduate Dr. Monique Cola shows students human brains at a recent STEM Sister Summit event.
Two Tulane teams win in international Neuro Startup Challenge
Triple Grad Honored to Speak at Commencement
Neuroscience Graduate Matthew Marx is honored to speak at Tulane's 2015 Graduation Commencement Ceremony
Neuroscience Prof Receives Outstanding Faculty Researcher Award
Catherine and Hunter Pierson Chair in Neuroscience Professor Dr. Jeff Tasker receives acknowledgment for 24 years of research excellence at Tulane
Unraveling the link between diabetes and the brain
Neuroscience Faculty member Dr. Andrea Zsombok investigates neural regulation of diabetes.
Neuroscience major a strong contender for Senior CLASS award
Jamie Kaplan, a senior neuroscience major, is one of 10 finalists for the NCAA Division-1 Senior CLASS award. Update July 23: Jamie has been named American Honoree for NCAA Woman of the Year Award!
Fall 2014
Biomedical Team Creates ‘Nerve on a Chip’
Biomedical team creates ‘nerve on a chip’ Michael J. Moore and J. Lowry Curley first met in the laboratory as professor and student. Now the two Tulane University researchers have started a new biomedical company that’s winning praise and awards.
