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Ari Penalva |
The Utah CTSI had the privilege of talking to Ariadne Penavla, a PhD candidate in Utah’s Department of Neuroscience and Anatomy and Douglass Lab. Ms. Penalva has been a participant in the MSCI program for 2+ years pursuing a dual degree. We thank her for taking the time to answer our questions about her research and how the CTSI has impacted it.
What is your research area?
Neuroscience, particularly systems and behavioral neuroscience.
What makes it cool or relevant?
My specific research is focused on investigating how a specific type of neurons, known as oxytocin neurons, modulate social behaviors. This is relevant both to increase our understanding of how these neurons work/where do they project (adding more to our knowledge of the brain, of which we truly know very little), and to further elucidate what happens in disorders characterized with impaired socialization, such as autism.
How does it help the world?
Understanding how specific neurons talk to each other, the context in which they activate, and the behaviors resulting from them is huge for us to better understand the basis for a lot of neurological disorders, and to be able to develop better and more specifically targeted treatments for them.
How has the CTSI helped you?
CTSI has helped me to bring a more translational focus to my basic science research and has provided me with ample networking and alternative career opportunities from which to learn. Thanks to CTSI I have the tools to pursue a more clinically and translationally driven career in the future, as well as a community that will support me in reaching those goals.
Learn more about the MSCI program.
Tell us how we can help your research.