MCW Neuroscience Research Center Events and Seminars

On December 3, MCW faculty and NRC member Dr. Miranda Scalabrino presented her latest research in her talk, Neural Rewiring and Compensation During Retinal Degeneration. This presentation explores the brain’s remarkable ability to adapt to retinal degeneration, uncovering pathways that could lead to innovative treatments and improved quality of life for individuals experiencing vision loss. Dr. Scalabrino’s work distinguishes the retina’s positive and negative responses to inherited retinal diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa and congenital stationary night blindness. By leveraging adaptive mechanisms and employing a range of cutting-edge techniques—including electrophysiology, retinal imaging, histology, molecular biology, and behavioral analysis—the Scalabrino Lab is pioneering new biological therapies to halt blindness and restore vision.

This talk was recorded on 12/3/24.

NRC Seminar: Neural rewiring and compensation during retinal degeneration by Dr. Miranda Scalabrino 12.3.24

In this installation of the NRC Seminar series, MCW's own Dr. Antje Kroner-Milsch, MD, PhD, will unmask 'The Good, the Bad, and the Bloody: Tissue Hemorrhage After Spinal Cord Injury.' Dr. Kroner-Milsch, an Associate Professor in the Department of Neurosurgery, specializes in neuroinflammation related to spinal cord injury. Her research has focused on understanding the inflammatory response, especially the role of macrophages, in the aftermath of spinal injuries. Dr. Kroner-Milsch’s work aims to pave the way toward therapies that modify inflammation for improved recovery outcomes by studying how our immune system impacts healing and contributes to complications.

This talk was recorded on 11/5/24.

NRC Seminar: good, the bad, and the bloody: Targeting tissue hemorrhage after spinal cord injury by Dr. Antje Kroner-Milsch 11.5.24

Dr. Brett Foster's (Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania) cutting-edge research bridges basic science and clinical care and utilizes novel electrophysiological technologies to capture recordings directly from the human brain. His work delves into how sensory experiences are encoded into memory, how we reconstruct memories, and how the brain reactivates past events without sensory input. By leveraging invasive electrophysiological recordings and neuroimaging, Dr. Foster sheds light on the intricate processes that shape how we perceive the world around us.

This talk was recorded on 10/22/24.

NRC Seminar: When do human hippocampal ripple events occur? 10.22.24

For this installment of the NRC Fall 2024 Seminar Series, join us as Dr. Krista Lisdahl, PhD, Director of the Brain Imaging and Neuropsychology (BraIN) Laboratory at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, presents her latest research in her talk "Impact of cannabinoids on adolescent health: Overview of findings from the UWM BraIN Lab." Dr. Lisdahl will share her team's cutting-edge findings on how cannabinoid use affects adolescent brain development, cognition, and mental health, including the potential long-term consequences of early use. Her lab uses advanced neuroimaging techniques to examine the complex relationships between cannabinoid exposure, brain structure and function, and adolescent well-being, shedding light on the critical factors that influence vulnerability and resilience.

This seminar was recorded on 9/24/24.

NRC Seminar: Neuroscience & Justice Series 9.24.24

The Neuroscience & Justice Series aims to provide insight into the intricate connections between human behavior and the justice system. In our Fall 2024 installation, experts Dr. Todd Stollenwerk, Dr. Kimberly Stoner, and Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Cynthia Davis guide our exploration into the complex relationships between mental health conditions, cognition, and legal decision-making. Examining the intersections of mental health and the law aims to spark a nuanced conversation about justice, accountability, and protecting vulnerable populations. Join us for this unique opportunity to expand your expertise and help shape a more compassionate and informed approach to justice.

This event was recorded on 9/23/24.

Sponsored by the Neuroscience Research Center in partnership with the Comprehensive Injury Center at MCW, the Andrew Center for Restorative Justice at Marquette University Law School, and the Milwaukee Bar Association.

NRC Seminar: Mental Health & the Justice System - Challenges & Opportunities 9.23.24

Dr. Mathew Jones, PhD, a leading expert in GABAA receptor function and pharmacology, will present his latest research in the seminar "Epilepsy, Memory and Pattern Separation in the Dentate Gyrus". With a career spanning groundbreaking work on general anesthetic action, receptor kinetics, and pharmacological modulation, Dr. Jones has made significant contributions to our understanding of inhibitory transmission and network function in health and disease. Join us as he shares his recent findings on the circuit mechanisms driving temporal lobe epilepsy and associated cognitive dysfunction, offering new insights into the complex interplay between brain function and behavior.

This seminar was recorded on 9/10/24.

NRC Seminar: Neuroscience & Justice Series 9.10.24

Dr. Jonus Olofsson's presentation, titled "Prediction Error Signals and Connectivity Pathways Emerging from the Olfactory Cortex," will delve into his laboratory's research, which aims to comprehend the interplay between sensory and cognitive processes that influence our experiences, memory, and cognition. His studies have concentrated on how olfactory pathways integrate with our fundamental cognitive processes and the influence they have on language, emotion, and memory. Dr. Olofsson is a professor in the Department of Psychology at Stockholm University, where he completed his PhD in 2008.

This seminar was recorded on 8/1/24.

NRC Seminar: Dr. Jonus Olofsson 8.1.24

Within this talk, Dr. Sang Lee highlights his research program which focuses on developing a fuller characterization of the mechanisms behind synaptic plasticity, which is the ability of synapses—the connections between neurons—to change their strength over time, which underlies learning and memory. Of particular interest to Dr. Lee’s lab are the mechanisms behind synaptic loss and how these mechanisms are involved in the progression and development of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s Disease.

This seminar was recorded on 5/7/24.

NRC Seminar: Dr. Sang Lee 5.7.24

In this seminar, Dr. Kunal Gupta dives into his innovative research focused on improving outcomes for individuals with epilepsy, a disease that affects about 3 million adults in the US alone (CDC.gov). Dr. Gupta’s work aims to broaden our understanding of the molecular biology behind epilepsy and to develop novel approaches to treating epilepsy through deep brain stimulation and enhanced surgical procedures.

This seminar was recorded on 5.21.24.

NRC Seminar: Dr. Kunal Gupta 5.21.24

The Neuroscience & Justice Series aims to provide insight into the intricate connections between human behavior and the justice system. Our Spring event explores the devastating impacts of drug addiction and trauma on the brain, and how these effects extend beyond the individual, touching families and communities. Our speakers will delve into cutting-edge research and therapeutic approaches that reveal the potential for healing and change, highlighting the brain's remarkable capacity for resilience and recovery. At the heart of our discussion is also the transformative role of treatment courts. These specialized courts represent a radical shift towards compassion and rehabilitation in the justice system, providing tailored interventions that address the root causes of criminal behavior. By focusing on treatment and support rather than punishment, treatment courts offer a beacon of hope, guiding individuals towards a future free from addiction and crime.  

Sponsored by the Neuroscience Research Center in partnership with the Comprehensive Injury Center at MCW, the Andrew Center for Restorative Justice at Marquette University Law School, and the Milwaukee Bar Association.
This event was recorded on 4/23/24.

NRC Seminar: Neuroscience & Justice Series 4.23.24

Dr. Mayer's presentation will focus on his lab's groundbreaking work that is uncovering the pathophysiology of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) through the use of multimodal imaging techniques and biomarker assessment. Through his work, Dr. Mayer hopes to shine a light on the importance of tailored approaches when treating mTBI in veterans, children, and athletes. Dr. Mayer is the Director of the 3T Core and Professor of Translational Neuroscience at the Mind Research Network located in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and his work has been funded by the National Institutes of Health and the Department of Defense.

This seminar was recorded on 4.16.24.

NRC Seminar: Dr. Andrew Mayer 4.16.24

Dr. Ryan Lalumiere, a Professor of Psychology and Brain Sciences at the University of Iowa, using preclinical models of addiction, investigates the complex neural circuits and memory systems that fuel drug craving and influence the ability to resist drugs of abuse. His seminar “Frontal cortical systems in rats regulating the inhibition of drug-seeking behavior” offers a deep dive into the role of corticolimbic regions in managing drug-seeking behaviors, providing valuable perspectives on potential therapeutic strategies for addiction.

This seminar was recorded on 3/19/24.

NRC Seminar: Dr. Ryan LaLumiere 3.19.24

Dr. Pablo Nakagawa, an assistant professor at the Medical College of Wisconsin in the department of Physiology, in his lab investigates neural mechanisms behind blood pressure regulation and hypertension, focusing on the brain renin-angiotensin system (RAS). They employ genetic manipulation, fluorescent labeling, and circuit activity studies to understand RAS dysfunction and hypertension's neural basis. Using advanced radiotelemetric devices, they monitor cardiovascular function wirelessly in genetically engineered mice. Their research aims to uncover insights into hypertension and develop potential therapeutic approaches. During his seminar, Dr. Nakagawa underscores the significance of renin-expressing neurons in cardiovascular function and autonomic control.

This seminar was recorded on 2/6/24.

NRC Seminar: Dr. Pablo Nakagawa 2.6.24

Dr. Erin Calipari, a visiting associate professor at Vanderbilt University and the director of the Vanderbilt Center for Addiction Research, has a background in psychology and biology from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, completed her PhD in neuroscience at Wake Forest, and conducted her postdoc at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. Dr. Calipari has received numerous awards, including Mentor of the Year at Vanderbilt University, and is actively involved in the American College for Neurocycle Pharmacology. She is well-published, with 76 papers, and holds multiple grants, making significant contributions to the field.

This seminar was recorded on 1/23/24.

NRC Seminar: Dr. Erin Calipari 1.23.24

The Neuroscience & Justice Series aims to provide insight into the intricate connections between human behavior and the justice system. The Winter 2024 aspired to pave the way for upcoming occasions by exploring the Neurobiology of Stress, Trauma, and Psychological Distress from a Neurobiological Perspective. It also delved into the Impact and Significance of Understanding Trauma and Psychological Distress in the Justice System. Embark on an educational journey at the forefront of neuroscience research, designed to equip legal professionals and practitioners with a nuanced comprehension of the neurological effects of stress and trauma.

This event was recorded on 1/22/24. Sponsored by the Neuroscience Research Center in partnership with the Comprehensive Injury Center at MCW, the Andrew Center for Restorative Justice at Marquette University Law School, and the Milwaukee Bar Association.

NRC Seminar: Neuroscience & Justice Series 1.22.24

Dr. Ioachimescu has an extensive research history, with a primary focus on disorders of the pituitary. Her work includes the examination of the long-term effects of pituitary hormone alterations on both physical and mental health, as well as the identification of treatment targets and development of novel therapies for rare diseases of the pituitary, such as acromegaly and Cushing’s syndrome.

This seminar was recorded on 12/5/23.
*No presenter recording due to technical difficulties.*

NRC Seminar: by Dr. Adriana Ioachimescu 12.5.23

MCW's Student Interest Group in Neurology (SIGN) and the Neuroscience Research Center (NRC) teamed up to plan the first ever NeuroNight! The goal of NeuroNight is to highlight neuroscience research and topics for interested students, researchers, faculty, physicians, and other members within the MCW community focused around one main topic: "Modern Pandemics in Neuroscience".

This event was recorded on 11/9/23.

NRC Seminar: NeuroNight 11.9.23

The research that Dr. Beyder presents focuses on his work into understanding the molecular basis of gastrointestinal (GI) diseases and how mechanosensitive ion channel alterations in the gut play a role in GI disease presentation and persistence. By elucidating the role of these channels, Dr. Beyder hopes to discover novel therapeutic targets for patients suffering from a variety of GI diseases. Dr. Beyder is an Assistant Professor and consultant in the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at the Mayo Clinic.

This talk was recorded on 10/17/23. 

NRC Seminar: Dr. Arthur Beyder 10.17.23

Dr. Sachin Patel, the 2022 Medical College of Wisconsin Alumnus of the Year, gives an overview on the contributions of endogenous cannabinoids (endocannabinoids) to stress reactivity and the potential of cannabinoids. Dr. Patel is Chair and the Lizzie Gilman Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.

This talk was recorded on 9/9/2022.

NRC Seminar: Dr. Sachin Patel 9.9.22

Dr. Ross Collery discusses, in-depth, how he and his lab utilize cutting-edge techniques to study how alterations in retinoid transport influence the development of refractive error and retinal degeneration in the eye. Dr. Collery is an Associate Professor at the Medical College of Wisconsin Eye Institute and the Department of Cell Biology and Neuroanatomy.

This talk was recorded on 9/19/2022.

NRC Seminar: Dr. Ross Collery 9.19.22

Dr. Michael McCrea, the Shekar N. Kurpad endowed chair in Neurosurgery, gives a talk examining the potential of using blood biomarkers to detect brain injury after excessive trauma and the advantages of early stage detection of traumatic brain injury on patient outcomes. Dr. McCrea is also the Vice Chair of Research, Co-Director of the Neurotrauma Research Center, and Director of the Brain Injury Research Program at the Medical College of Wisconsin.

This talk was held on 10/4/2022.

NRC Seminar: Dr. Michael McCrea 10.4.22

Dr. Elliot Stein shares his research focused on understanding the neurobiological mechanisms of drug addiction using MRI-based imaging techniques, such as fMRI and PET, in both humans and preclinical models. Dr. Stein is a special volunteer at the National Institute on Drug Abuse at the National Institutes of Health.

This talk was recorded on 10/17/2022.

NRC Seminar: Dr. Elliot Stein 10.17.22

Dr. Markus Heilig, former Director of clinical and translational research at the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), discusses individual vulnerabilities in the development of alcohol-addiction like behaviors and the neurocircuitry implicated in its development. Dr. Heilig is the founding Director of the Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience and Professor of psychiatry at Linkoping University in Sweden.

This talk was recorded on 11/15/2022.

NRC Seminar: Dr. Markus Heilig 11.15.22

Dr. Allison Ebert, Associate Professor in Cell Biology, Neurobiology, and Anatomy at the Medical College of Wisconsin, discusses her work using induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to study motor neuron diseases, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), and the role that glial cells play in their development. Dr. Ebert is also the Director of the Neuroscience Doctoral Program at MCW.

This talk was recorded on 2/21/23.

NRC Seminar: Dr. Allison Ebert 2.21.23

Dr. Curt Sigmund, Chair and James J. Smith & Catherine Welsch Smith Professor of Physiology at the Medical College of Wisconsin, shares his research into renin-angiotensin system’s role in the central nervous system (CNS), the case for the physiologically protective effects of Angiotensin Receptor Type II ß-Arrestin pathway activation in the CNS, and his future approaches aimed at understanding the role of biased receptor signaling in numerous cardiovascular disease models using novel, transgenic rodent models. Dr. Sigmund is also the Associate Director of the MCW Cardiovascular Center.

This talk was recorded on 3/7/23.

NRC Seminar: Dr. Curt Sigmund 3.7.23

Dr. Matthew Hodges’s talk focused on the development of a new pre-clinical model of fentanyl use that is more analogous to humans. In doing so, Dr. Hodge’s research focuses on using this model to develop and test novel countermeasures to opioid overdose. Dr. Hodges is a Professor of Physiology at the Medical College of Wisconsin.

This talk was recorded on 1/31/2023.

NRC Seminar: Dr. Matthew Hodges 1.31.23

Dr. Qing-Song Liu, Professor of Pharmacology and Toxicology at the Medical College of Wisconsin, shares his research into the zona incerta, or the “zone of uncertainty”, and its contributions to reward signaling. Dr. Liu also discusses the therapeutic potential of deep brain stimulation of the zona incerta for the management of diseases such as Parkinson’s disease and novel use cases of non-invasive zona incerta stimulation for the management of substance use disorders.

This talk was recorded on 3.21.23

NRC Seminar: Dr. Qing-Song Liu 3.21.23

Dr. Jeffrey Binder, Director of the Language Imaging Laboratory, Vice Chair for Research, and Professor of Neurology at the Medical College of Wisconsin, discusses the main theories behind concept representation in the human brain, such as those used by AI for today’s natural language processing tools, and how his lab uses functional magnetic resonate imaging (fMRI) to test these theories of concept representation. Dr. Binder is also a Professor of Biophysics and Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, and the Director of the Stroke and Neurobehavior Programs in the Department of Neurology.

This seminar was recorded on 3/28/23

NRC Seminar: Dr. Jeffrey Binder 3.28.23

Dr. Yaroslav (Alex) Savtchouck, Assistant Professor in the Department of Biomedical Sciences at Marquette University, presents his research focused on cerebellar cortex information processing and a potential role for astrocytes in this process. Dr. Savtchouk shared how he uses cutting-edge techniques such as two-photon imaging and electrophysiology to interrogate this critical process. Dr. Savtchouk received his PhD from Penn State University and subsequently completed his postdoctoral training in the laboratory of Professor Andrea Volterra at the University of Lausanne in Switzerland.

This seminar was recorded on 4/4/23

NRC Seminar: Dr. Yaroslav (Alex) Savtchouck 4.4.23