Joyoti Arikkath, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
E-mail: jyothi.arikkath@unmc.edu
Research Interests: Dr. Arikkath aims to understand the molecular mechanisms that regulate neuronal structure and plasticity and elucidate how these mechanisms influence neural circuit formation and function. It is becoming increasingly clear that aberrant neural circuit formation and /or function underlies the pathology of a number of neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders. Thus, identifying core components of these pathways would provide better tools for therapeutic intervention in these devastating disorders.
For more information on Dr. Arikkath: Web Site
Woo-Yang Kim, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
E-mail: wooyang.kim@unmc.edu
Research Interests: We are interested in how a small number of neural stem cells generate many type/number of nerve cells and how they eventually form anatomical and functional brain during development. Abnormal neurogenesis and/or defective brain formation is associated with many neurodevelopmental and psychiatric diseases including autism, mental retardation, and schizophrenia. Despite the importance, regulatory mechanisms of neural stem cells and neurogenesis remain unclear. Thus we are trying to identify cellular signaling molecules and mechanisms that control neural stem cells and neurons using transgenic mice and cell culture models. Students will be exposed to a various neurobiological research techniques from the molecular/cellular level to the whole animal.
For more information on Dr. Kim: Web Site
William B. Rizzo, Ph.D.
Professor
E-mail: wrizzo@unmc.edu
Research Interests: Sjogren-Larsson syndrome (SLS) is a human disease affecting children. It has a number of symptoms, including mental retardation. SLS is caused by mutations in the fatty aldehyde dehydrogenase gene, which is involved in the metabolism of lipids. We are interested in discovering and characterizing mutations in this gene and how they affect SLS development and how the enzyme functions.
For more information on Dr. Rizzo: Web Site
Shelley D. Smith, Ph.D.
Professor and Interim Director
Hattie B. Monroe Molecular Genetics
E-mail: ssmith@unmc.edu
Research Interests: Our research has focused on the identification of genes for neurodevelopmental disorders, specifically language/learning disorders and hearing loss.
For more information on Dr. Smith: Web Site
