Megan Lipton
Advisor's Name:
Maria Dadarlat
Email Address:
Training Group:
Integrative Neuroscience
Research Summary:
The sense of proprioception, or the brain’s awareness of the body’s position in space, is critical for tasks involving complex, multi-limb movements. For example, we rely on proprioception when hiking on uneven terrain or playing an instrument. Recent studies have highlighted the role of the mouse sensorimotor brain cortex during proprioceptive movement of a single forelimb. However, it remains unclear how proprioception of multiple limbs is represented in this brain area. I am employing a systems neuroscience approach to address this question, using mouse behavior, two-photon microscopy, electrophysiological recording, optogenetic tracing, and histological techniques.
Why did you choose to attend PULSe:
I was drawn to PULSe because of the first-year lab rotations. I knew going into graduate school that I wanted to focus my research in neuroscience, but I was unsure which specific subfield I wanted to pursue. Each rotation exposed me to a new subfield of neuroscience, which helped me decide ultimately which lab fit my interests the most. Additionally, these rotations allowed me to get an advanced start in training on techniques that I would eventually use in my permanent lab.