Research Assistant Positions: Neural Mechanisms of Heart-Brain Communication
Luis Hernandez-Nunez, PhD, and Prof. Florian Engert, Molecular and Cellular Biology-FAS
academic year 2023-2024


Project 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. Our team uses a multidisciplinary approach that combines control engineering, systems neuroscience, and genetics to uncover the neural and molecular mechanisms underlying cardiac control. Requirements and Expectations: Sophomores, or Juniors concentrating in any Neuroscience track, Integrative Biology, MCB, HDRB, Bioengineering, Physics, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, or Computer Science who are planning to conduct thesis research are encouraged to apply. RAs are expected to spend 12 hours at the lab per week. Additional Information: The specific project will be decided based on the student's concentration, interests, and future goals. About PI: Luis is a Warren Alpert distinguished scholar, a Burroughs Wellcome Career awardee, and a Life Sciences Research Foundation postdoctoral fellow. He obtained his PhD in Systems Biology from Harvard in 2020. About the position: Depending on the student's course load and concentration this can be research for credit or a paid position. 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. (posted 10/23)