Awarded in 2020
Home Department: Biology, Medicine
Faculty Advisors: Liqun Luo (Biology) and Jun Ding (Neurosurgery and Neurology & Neurological Sciences)
Research Title: The Role of Embryonic Neuronal Activity in the Development of Neural Circuits and Behavior
Research Description: Neuronal activity plays a pivotal role in assembling neural circuits. Early developmental activity in sensory systems often shapes the architecture of primary sensory circuits prior to experience. However, the role of the neuronal activity in shaping neuronal ensembles or neonatal behavior has not been well-studied. David will use genetic tools to target embryonically active neurons in the olfactory cortex of the brain and examine the function of these neurons in representing neonatally-experienced sensory information, as well as how their embryonic activity governs sensory-driven behavior and the development of circuit physiology. David’s research lies at the intersection of development, systems, and behavioral neuroscience.
WHERE IS HE NOW?
David is an MD-PhD student currently in his last two years of medical school here at Stanford, and is interested in pursuing an academic medical career in pediatric neurology or psychiatry.