Abstract:

How are transient stimuli converted into lasting internal representations? And are there unique strategies to achieve memory on different time scales. Our lab addresses these questions by bridging functional genomics with systems neuroscience to provide cross-disciplinary insights. On one hand, we perform genetic mapping in outbred mice for unbiased discovery of genes, cell types, and circuits relevant for memory across different time scales. In parallel, we develop and apply methodologies to record and manipulate high resolution neural activity from relevant circuits in the behaving animal. In this talk, I will discuss how these approaches have led to insights into the genetic contributions and long-range circuit dynamics that facilitate both short- and long- term memory. 

Biography:

Priya Rajasethupathy obtained her bachelor's degree from Cornell University, and subsequently obtained an MD (2013) and a Ph.D. in Neuroscience (2012) from Columbia University, in the lab of Eric Kandel. She did her post-doctoral work at Stanford University in the lab of Karl Deisseroth. Currently, she is an associate professor at The Rockefeller University where experiments in the lab are aimed at understanding genetic and neural circuit computations that support memory. Priya is a Searle Scholar and has been a recipient of an NIH New Innovator Award, and Presidential Early Career Award.