Andres Villu Maricq
My research explores the molecular machinery that contributes to the information-processing capabilities of the nervous system, with a focus on the regulation and function of synaptic transmission. I use an interdisciplinary approach to address research questions, drawing upon my training and experience in biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, electrophysiology, biophysics and genetics. We have focused on the molecular machinery that contributes to the establishment and function of synapses in the model organism C. elegans.
Penny Brockie
Penny is interested in understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms that regulate synaptic function and the control of behavior, including learning and memory. Her focus is on mechanistic studies of altered synaptic function in a C. elegans model of Alzheimer’s disease.
Dave Madsen
Dave is one of the founding members of the lab, working with Dr. Maricq for over 25 years. Our research lab is a very collaborative atmosphere. As Lab Manager and Sr. Lab Specialist, Dave ensures that things run smoothly – supporting all lab personnel: making sure supplies, reagents, equipment and modern techniques are available; databases and software are up-to-date; budgets are maintained; and assisting on research projects to overcome inertial barriers to progress.
Jerry Mellem
Jerry applies advanced electrophysiological techniques to understand how genes modulate neuronal circuits to control behavior in C. elegans. His primary focus is on how glutamate receptors are localized to specific synapses and regulated to control the electrical activity of neurons and contribute to learning and memory.
Pablo Maldonado-Catala
Pablo studies how different classes of receptors contribute to navigation. Through behavior analysis and functional imaging, he hopes to uncover the fundamental mechanisms that underlie behavior.
Ning Lei
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Danlei Wang
Danlei is passionate about figuring out how the elegant neural circuit design responds and adapts to the ever changing environment. She is an adaptable person herself, and had pocketed records of visiting and living in multiple places across the continents.
Emily Norman
Emily is currently a second-year graduate student in the Neuroscience Program at the University of Utah. She joined the Maricq lab this past summer and is looking forward to continuing her research here. Emily is currently studying kainite receptors in the C. elegans neuron RIA. She plans on taking a forward genetics approach to find candidates crucial for either kainite receptor function or trafficking to the membrane.