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Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy Systems Neurobiology Group

The Systems and Behavioral Neurobiology Group consists of faculty from a variety of disciplines who have a particular interest in the brain mechanisms underlying behavior. Researchers use an array of modern neurochemical, electrophysiological, neuroanatomical, computer modeling and behavioral assays. These methods allow us to piece together the neural processes by which the brain produces adaptive and maladaptive behaviors. A fundamental goal is to decipher the basic mechanisms of numerous neurological and psychiatric disorders.

The main research topics of the group are the cellular, network and behavioral mechanisms of sensory information processing, attention and alertness, sleep-wake cycles and learning and memory, as well as the disorders that are associated with these processes, such as: epilepsy, autism spectrum disorders, attention-deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD), stress/anxiety, depression, schizophrenia and drug abuse.

The research teams in the group are composed of faculty, postdoctoral fellows, technicians, graduate students and visiting scholars. If you are interested in working in the laboratory of one of the faculty you should contact them directly following the links provided below.

Download the Systems and Behavioral Neurobiology Flyer [pdf]

About the Research Group

This group of researchers is dedicated to studying sensory and motor systems at the Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy of the Drexel University College of Medicine. Interacting scientifically and forming collaborations, this group conducts state of the art studies that provide basic science utilized to shape the design of future clinical trials. Faculty members in the group include: Jessica Ausborn, PhD; Jessica Barson, PhD; Simon Danner, PhD; Rodrigo España, PhD; Wen-Jun Gao, PhD; Simon Giszter, PhD; Michel Lemay, PhD; Yanchun Li, PhD; Sergey Markin, PhD; Ramesh Raghupathi, PhD; Ilya Rybak, PhD; Natalia Shevtsova, PhD; Dong Wang, PhD; and Barry Waterhouse, PhD. They are aided by postdoctoral fellows and graduate students who come from all over the world to contribute to these experiments. These students and fellows are supported by training grants, foundation funds and NIH funds.

Jessica Ausborn, PhD

Jessica Ausborn, PhD

Associate Professor
Department: Neurobiology & Anatomy
Research Interests: Computational modeling of neurons and their interactions; brainstem and spinal control of locomotion and respiration; sensorimotor integration
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Jessica R. Barson, PhD

Jessica Barson, PhD

Associate Professor
Department: Neurobiology & Anatomy
Research Interests: Neural basis of ingestive behavior, alcoholism, neuropeptides
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Simon Danner, PhD

Simon Danner, PhD

Associate Professor
Department: Neurobiology & Anatomy
Research Interests: Computational modeling of neural control of locomotion
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Rodrigo España, PhD

Rodrigo España, PhD

Professor and Interim Chair
Department: Neurobiology & Anatomy
Research Interests: Hypocretin/orexin, dopamine, norepinephrine, neural basis of addiction, behavioral pharmacology, sleep/arousal, fast scan cyclic voltammetry, multi-unit electrophysiology
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Wen-Jun Gao, PhD

Wen-Jun Gao, PhD

Professor
Department: Neurobiology & Anatomy
Research Interests: Synaptic signaling and regulation of prefrontal neuronal circuitry and neurobiology of schizophrenia
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Simon Giszter, PhD

Simon Giszter, PhD

Professor
Department: Neurobiology & Anatomy
Research Interests: Spinal cord organization and control of limb biomechanics
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Michel Lemay, PhD

Michel Lemay, PhD

Adjunct Faculty
Department: Neurobiology & Anatomy
Research Interests: Neural Engineering
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Sergey Markin, PhD

Sergey Markin, PhD

Research Assistant Professor
Department: Neurobiology & Anatomy
Research Interests: Computational neuroscience, motor control, modeling neural control of respiration and locomotion
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Ramesh Raghupathi, PhD

Ramesh Raghupathi, PhD

Professor
Department: Neurobiology & Anatomy
Research Interests: Cell death and plasticity after traumatic injury to the mature and immature brain
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Ilya Rybak, PhD

Ilya Rybak, PhD

Professor
Department: Neurobiology & Anatomy
Research Interests: Computational neuroscience, motor control, modeling neural control of respiration and locomotion
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Natalia Shevtsova, PhD

Natalia Shevtsova, PhD

Research Assistant Professor
Department: Neurobiology & Anatomy
Research Interests: Computational neuroscience, motor control, modeling neural control of respiration and locomotion
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Dong Wang, PhD

Dong Wang, PhD

Assistant Professor
Department: Neurobiology & Anatomy
Research Interests: Neural ensemble dynamics underlying learning and memory consolidation; emotion; learning and memory; neurobiology; prefrontal neuronal circuitry; sleep neurobiology; systems neurobiology
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Barry Waterhouse, PhD

Barry Waterhouse, PhD

Adjunct Professor
Department: Neurobiology & Anatomy
Research Interests: Neurophysiology and Neuroanatomy
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