Assistant Professor, Brain Immunology & Glia (BIG) Center
Research Interests
I am broadly interested in understanding the beautifully complex mechanisms that guide nervous system development. The human brain is made up of billions of neurons that communicate with one another through trillions of specialized connections called synapses. Along with neurons, 50% of the human brain is comprised of a group of cells called glia. I have dedicated my scientific career to understanding how these glial cells- the underdogs of the neuroscience community – instruct proper nervous system assembly and function.
Professional Education
- BS: The College of New Jersey
- PhD: Washington University School of Medicine
- Postdoctoral Fellow: University of Oregon
Affiliations
- Center for Brain Immunology & Glia (BIG)
- Pathology & Immunology
- Neuroscience
Ackerman Lab
The Ackerman lab uses both zebrafish and fruit fly model systems to determine how distinct glial cell populations (individually and collectively) instruct nervous system development, from synapses to circuits.