Research Assistant Position: Neural Circuitry of Heart/Brain Communication
Dr. Luis Hernandez-Nunez and Prof. Florian Engert, Molecular and Cellular Biology/FAS
Spring 2022 and/or Summer 2022
 

Research Assistant sought for research project “The heart and the mind: Uncovering the neural circuits that communicate the heart with the brain and vice versa.” Brief Research Description: How do the brain and heart modulate each other’s function? The heart-brain communication axis is central to vertebrate health and survival. For example, when an animal perceives a threat, during its response the brain modulates heart function, and neural feedback from the heart modulates brain activity. We know that the intracardiac nervous system (ICNS), composed of all the heart neurons, communicates with the central nervous system (CNS) through the autonomic nervous system (ANS), and vice versa. However, our understanding of the neural control of cardiac function is limited to knowing some of the brain regions involved in the process; we do not understand the computations carried out by the neural circuits within and between the cardioregulatory areas of the CNS, ANS, and ICNS. My research is focused on uncovering the systems-level neural mechanisms underlying cardiac control. To do that we study the function of the cardioregulatory neural circuits in the CNS, ANS, and ICNS, and the interactions between these systems. Requirements and Expectations: Be taking, or have taken LS1a or LS1b or LS50. RAs will spend ~10-12 hours at the lab per week during the Spring term. During the Summer, interns will be full-time at the lab. Additional Information: The RA students will receive thorough training in neuroscience research methods (behavioral assays, neurophysiology, 2-photon microscopy, light sheet microscopy, etc) and will be mentored on reading and thinking critically about scientific literature. This is an excellent position for any student interested in a career in basic science or biomedical research. Guidance on applying for funding for the summer term will be provided. Affiliations of PI Hernandez-Nunez: Center for Brain Science, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, and Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology. To Apply: Please send an email to Luis (luishernandeznunez@fas.harvard.edu), with your major (if declared), your year (freshmen, sophomore, junior, senior), and your availability to chat. You can also attach your CV if you have one ready but that is not needed. (posted 2/2022)