Dr. Shana Augustin is a postdoctoral fellow at NIAAA in the Laboratory for Integrative Neuroscience under the mentorship of Drs. David Lovinger and Steven Vogel. After receiving her B.S. in Biology from the University of the Virgin Islands, Dr. Augustin took part in a year-long postbac experience at Emory University. For her subsequent Ph.D. work in Neuroscience, Dr. Augustin worked with Drs. Xiaoxi Zhuang and Daniel McGehee at the University of Chicago. Her work focused on elucidating the role of cAMP in corticostriatal synaptic plasticity. For her postdoctoral work, Dr. Augustin chose to work with Dr. Lovinger to continue examining cellular mechanisms of corticostriatal synaptic plasticity with an emphasis on determining the locus of D2 dopamine receptors involved in the induction of endocannabinoid-dependent synaptic plasticity. Dr. Augustin became interested in studying the interaction of GPCR-mediated intracellular signaling molecules (e.g. cAMP and PKA) that affect synaptic transmission and behavior. To do this, she utilizes deep-brain imaging techniques in animals engaged in behavioral learning tasks. Dr. Augustin’s independent research program will use an integrative approach combining advanced imaging techniques with brain slice physiology and behavioral measurements to investigate the molecular mechanisms in cortico-basal ganglia circuits that regulate synaptic transmission and motor behaviors.
Read the RFAs:
- BRAIN Initiative Advanced Postdoctoral Career Transition Award to Promote Diversity (K99/R00 Independent Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
- BRAIN Initiative Advanced Postdoctoral Career Transition Award to Promote Diversity (K99/R00 Independent Clinical Trial Required)
For more information about the program: