Han Wang, Ph.D.
Division of Biology and Biological Engineering
California Institute of Technology
ABSTRACT
Sleep is a fundamental process that is essential for survival, but remains one of the most intriguing mysteries in biology. Sleep disorders in humans are prevalent and abnormal sleep can lead to adverse effects on neuronal function and contribute to various diseases. However, it is unclear how sleep is controlled at the molecular and circuit levels. By studying stress-induced sleep in C. elegans, I identified several novel sleep regulators and discovered a new mechanism underlying sleep regulation by neuropeptide signaling. I have also been developing genetic tools for systematic dissection of neural circuits for sleep in C. elegans. Specifically, I engineered a “cool” GAL4 to develop a bipartite cGAL system and its split derivative that allow unprecedented genetic access to the C. elegans nervous system at single neuron resolution. I am currently working on the characterization of novel sleep regulators and using the cGAL system for functional circuit mapping for sleep in C. elegans.
Host: Dr. Annalise Paaby
Event Details
Hillary Young, Ph.D.
Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Biology
University of California, Santa Barbara
ABSTRACT
While we often think of the decline of wild animal life on our planet as merely a tragic consequence of other forms of global change, this defaunation is in fact a driver of global change in its own right, with cascading effects to ecosystem function. Here, I characterize the current Anthropocene defaunation event and, using a case study on zoonotic disease, explore how defaunation affects ecosystem function. Specifically I ask how we can understand the variability in these responses across environmental contexts in order to better predict and interrupt the negative functional consequences of this modern pulse of defaunation.
ABOUT THE SPEAKER
Hillary Young is a community ecologist in the department of Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Biology at UC Santa Barbara. Dr. Young received a B.A. degree in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at Princeton University. She then received an M.A. in Environmental Management at Yale University where she focused on applied forest management questions. Her PhD in Biology at Stanford University examined cascading effects of changes in plant communities on whole ecosystem and community structure. As a postdoctoral researcher jointly affiliated at Smithsonian Institution and Harvard University she examined the impacts of anthropogenic disturbance on mammal communities and ultimately, on zoonotic diseases.
Host: Mark Hay, Ph.D.
Event Details
Yi Gu, Ph.D.
Princeton Neuroscience Institute
Princeton University
ABSTRACT
The ability of knowing where we are and finding our way during spatial navigation is closely associated with an “inner GPS” in the brain, the hippocampal-entorhinal circuit. The medial entorhinal cortex (MEC) contains “grid cells”, which have one of the most mysterious activity patterns in the brain, as their firing fields lie on a triangular lattice when animals navigate in an open arena. These grid cells together may serve as a coordinate system allowing precise positioning during navigation. Here I will present my study on grid cells in understanding the formation of their activity patterns and their roles in path integration. First, combining cellular-resolution two-photon imaging and virtual reality, I revealed a topographical map of grid cells in the mouse MEC according to their firing properties. This map contributes to a foundation for evaluating circuit models of grid cell network and is consistent with continuous attractor models as the mechanism of grid formation. Second, I discovered a novel cell type, “cue cell”, in the MEC. Cue cells specifically encode landmark information during virtual navigation and are potentially important for correcting errors in grid cell network during path integration. In my future laboratory, I will develop multifaceted research programs to understand the MEC in both health and disease at the circuit and molecular levels.
Event Details
Nathan Klapoetke, Ph.D.
HHMI
Janelia Research Campus
ABSTRACT
Nervous systems combine lower-level sensory signals to generate higher-order representations for guiding natural and voluntary behaviors. In this talk, I describe my research on how looming is encoded by the visual system to enable flies to identify and escape threats. I will also discuss how the fly visual system is able to compute object shapes and motion in general, and how the underlying neuronal architecture can support a broad range of visually guided natural behaviors.
Event Details
Shannon Stephens
School of Medicine
University of California, San Diego
ABSTRACT
Reproduction is comprised of many complex behavioral and physiological processes. My research examines how the brain controls reproductive physiology and behavior, focusing on the role of kisspeptin in regulating reproduction. Kisspeptin, encoded by Kiss1, is a potent stimulator of the reproductive axis and humans and mice with mutations in Kiss1 or its receptor, Kiss1r, have severe deficits in puberty onset, gonadal sex steroid hormone production, and fertility. Thus, kisspeptin is required for reproduction. Despite much research, the mechanisms regulating Kiss1 neurons and the reproductive axis have yet to be fully characterized. My early postdoctoral research examined the regulation and function of hypothalamic Kiss1 neurons, demonstrating that progesterone acts directly on kisspeptin neurons to regulate female fertility. My research also showed that treatment with corticosterone, a stress hormone, impaired female fertility and this was likely the result of reduced hypothalamic Kiss1 expression and Kiss1 neuronal activation in corticosterone-treated females. Kiss1 neurons are located primarily within the hypothalamus but are also detected in other brain areas, such as the medial amygdala (MeA). However, virtually nothing is known about the regulation and function of Kiss1 neurons in the MeA, which is the focus of my ongoing and future research. The amygdala is implicated in regulating reproduction, as well numerous other behavioral and physiological events such as stress, anxiety, and social behavior. Understanding the regulation and function of Kiss1 neurons in the MeA may provide valuable insight regarding how the amygdala modulates reproductive hormones and how amygdala-dependent behaviors, such as stress, can alter reproduction.
Event Details
Zizhen Wu, Ph.D.
Department of Neuroscience
John Hopkins University
ABSTRACT
Auditory hair cells contain mechanotransduction channels that rapidly open in response to sound-induced vibrations. We found that auditory hair cells contain two molecularly distinct mechanotransduction channels. One ion channel is activated by sound and is responsible for sensory transduction. This sensory transduction channel is expressed in hair cell stereocilia, and previous studies show that its activity is affected by mutations in the genes encoding the transmembrane proteins TMHS, TMIE, TMC1 and TMC2. We show here that the second ion channel is expressed at the apical surface of hair cells and that it contains the Piezo2 protein. The activity of the Piezo2-dependent channel is controlled by the intracellular Ca2+ concentration and can be recorded following disruption of the sensory transduction machinery or more generally by disruption of the sensory epithelium. We thus conclude that hair cells express two molecularly and functionally distinct mechanotransduction channels with different subcellular distributions.
Event Details
You could say that Avery Skye Zickar has Georgia Tech in her genes. Her mother, two uncles, and one brother are alumni. That affinity – and knowing that academics at Georgia Tech would be top-notch – cemented her decision to attend Tech after graduating from Hillgrove High School in Powder Springs, Georgia.
Avery comes from a family that highly values education. In high school, she took Advanced Placement courses for a taste of college academics. “They prepared me well for Georgia Tech by instilling a good work ethic and minimizing procrastination,” she says.
At Hillgrove High, Avery performed with the marching band and the wind symphony. She was also a horseback rider, participating in a few competitions but mostly riding recreationally. “Looking back,” she says, “I did a decent job of balancing my commitments to school, work, family, and friends.
Avery is graduating with a B.S. in Biochemistry and a minor in Biology. She tailored her academic program with the intent to continue her education in the medical field. Throughout her undergraduate years, she says, “the Institute made me feel right at home.”
What is the most important thing you learned at Georgia Tech?
Georgia Tech honed my ability to solve problems. Throughout my time at Tech, I’ve had to find solutions to problems with homework, exams, personal conflicts, and community-wide issues.
My problem-solving skills will serve me well when I enter the working world. I am confident in my ability to tackle whatever life throws at me, thanks to my time at Georgia Tech.
What are your proudest achievements at Georgia Tech?
I received a bid from Tau Beta Sigma, the National Honorary Band Service Sorority, during spring 2015. Through that organization, I participated in service projects to benefit the School of Music and the Atlanta community.
I served as teaching assistant (TA) for Introductory Biology and Organic Chemistry 2.
I worked as a student assistant in the School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences’ office for over two years.
I was elected president of the Band Club and served the Georgia Tech Band program during the 2017-18 school year.
I was one of five finalists for Ms. Georgia Tech. Selection was based on interviews, grade point average, campus leadership, service, and love for the Institute.
These achievements contributed to my happiness and success at Tech.
Which professors or classes made a big impact on you?
I took CHEM 1211 and 1212 with Dr. Kimberly Schurmeier, who was also my advisor. She pushed me to be the best I can be in chemistry, even though I came to Tech without a strong chemistry background. She played in key role in my success in chemistry and in college.
Dr. Michael Evans helped me with Organic Chemistry 1, a well-known “weed out” course in my major. Although he wasn’t my professor, he went out of his way to help me understand the material.
Dr. Shana Kerr was also influential. She taught one of my favorite classes – Introduction to Organismal Biology. She was also the professor for the section of Biological Principles for which I was a TA in fall 2016. She taught me how to be an effective teacher, and I still use those concepts today.
I enjoyed working with Dr. Cameron Tyson as part of the BEST Study Abroad Program, first as a student and then as one of his TAs. A great professor, he taught us the foundations of Organic Chemistry 2. He also gave me a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to teach in France!
Finally, I recognize the two teachers I’ve had every semester since day one: Chris Moore and B.J. Diden, my band directors. They are extremely supportive of my own and other band members’ endeavors, always pushing us to perform to our highest levels.
These wonderful people made a big impact on my life, and I’m very grateful for them.
What is your most vivid memory of Georgia Tech?
The Georgia Tech versus University of Georgia (UGA) football game in 2014.
We stood in Sanford Stadium, surrounded by red and black, just three points from moving into overtime. Harrison Butker (now a kicker for the Kansas City Chiefs) scored a field goal from 53 yards, tying the game and putting it into overtime.
The band players were screaming; the drum majors were scrambling for us to play the fight songs. Within minutes, the Yellow Jackets intercepted the ball from UGA, and the game ended.
The stadium fell silent, except for the sliver of Tech fans, who went wild.
We ran to the buses and got out of Athens fast. It was such an unforgettable moment. I think about that game every time I look at the score on my RAT cap.
In what ways did your time at Georgia Tech transform your life?
I became a well-rounded individual, one more prepared to tackle life than the person I was in high school.
The “real world” seemed daunting. I thought it meant having to take care of myself without help from anyone. Tech taught me not only how to solve problems, but also that that we don’t have to solve problems alone. We can rely on loved ones, family, friends, coworkers, or peers for support.
I met incredible people on campus, many of whom I call my friends. Nothing seems insurmountable with them by my side. I hope to maintain these relationships for the rest of my life.
What unique learning activities did you undertake?
I participated in the BEST Study Abroad Program in summer 2016, taking Organic Chemistry 2, Cell and Molecular Biology, and Synthesis Lab. The program is eight weeks long, and courses are taught at CPE-Lyon University, in Lyon, France. I got a second summer abroad, when I returned to Lyon as a TA.
Between studying and gallivanting across Europe, I had many great experiences and learned a lot. The world extends beyond the U.S. borders; there are so many wonderful people, cultures, and histories to discover.
I learned about myself and what I can overcome – such as balancing the “study” with the “abroad,” navigating the Paris Métro system, or fumbling through several languages just to order lunch.
I came back stronger, wiser, and better.
What advice would you give to incoming undergraduate students at Georgia Tech?After my first year at Tech, I posted on Facebook what I felt summed up my experience:
“Say hello. Don't be afraid. Challenge yourself. Meet one professor. Find a passion. Pursue your passion. Make a friend. Define your values. Care about your appearance. Take a chance. Follow your heart. Fall in love. Lend a hand. Join an organization. Find your sphere of influence. Lift the fallen. Monitor your actions. Fail. Cry. A lot. Get mad. Get driven. Strive for your goals. Succeed. Give thanks. Relax. Breathe. Say goodnight, not goodbye.”
I think that says it all.
Where are you headed after graduation?
I will continue to work as an emergency medical technician (EMT) to accrue patient care hours in preparation for physician assistant (PA) school. Most PA schools require at least 1,000 hours. While I log those hours, I plan to get my Advanced EMT (AEMT) certification, which allows me to place intravenous (IV) lines and give other medications to patients.
I’d love to work in obstetrics and gynecology as a PA. Georgia Tech helped me complete all the courses needed for PA school. It also gave me important life skills to be a successful PA – problem solving, working in groups, and one-on-one interactions, which were instilled in me at Tech.
Sarthak Sharma hails from the small city of Meerut, in the state of Uttar Pradesh, in India. After going to school there, he moved to the state of Assam to pursue a Bachelor of Technology degree in Biotechnology from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati.
As an undergraduate student, and using computational approaches, Sarthak worked on the evolution of CRISPR-Cas systems. These systems form the innate immune systems in bacteria. “It was here that I learned about molecular biology and bioinformatics,” Sarthak says.
In IIT Guwahati, Sarthak joined the robotics club, participating in various intercollegiate robotics events. He also played for the institute's football club.
In his second-year at IIT Guwahati, Sarthak came across a piece of news: Georgia Tech researchers had combined biology and machine learning to seek biology-inspired – bio-inspired – solutions to various problems.
“This single article drove me to research various courses at Georgia Tech,” Sarthak says. “I found that the bioinformatics program at Georgia Tech was flexible and highly computation-oriented. It was perfect for someone like me – interested in computer science and biology. Not only was I impressed, I was inspired to join Georgia Tech.”
Sarthak started the Master of Science program in Bioinformatics in August 2017. In early 2018, he received the J. Leland Jackson Fellowship in Bioinformatics for the outstanding master’s student in the program.
For his research, Sarthak studied the nervous system of tunicates, “our closest living invertebrate relatives,” he says. His work resulted in first use of a technique called single-cell RNA sequencing to characterize the gene expression profiles of neurons in tunicates.
Sarthak has been working with Alberto Stolfi, an assistant professor in the School of Biological Sciences and a member of the Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience. “Sarthak’s accomplishments speak for themselves,” Stolfi says. “He so quickly and fundamentally elevated the research in the lab in such a short time. In addition, Sarthak is a courteous, kind, and mature student. Mentoring him has been a joyous experience.”
Sarthak graduates with a Master of Science in Bioinformatics.
What is the most important thing you learned at Georgia Tech?
The most important thing I learned at Georgia Tech is management – managing multiple projects simultaneously, managing stress, managing group work, and managing time.
I was aware that Georgia Tech is a tough school. I was also certain that it would be an enriching, albeit challenging, experience.
Georgia Tech met my expectations and then some! Instructions are excellent and instructors are very approachable. They are willing to attend to your problems almost anytime. Everyone at Tech is willing to give their time to you if you are interested in learning.
What are your proudest achievements at Georgia Tech?
Within one year, I submitted a paper as first author in the peer-reviewed journal Developmental Biology, and I received the Outstanding (Master’s) Bioinformatics Student Award. I am proud of these achievements because working on publishing a paper while taking difficult courses and maintaining a GPA of 4.0 was really challenging.
Which professor(s) or class(es) made a big impact on you?
Dr. Alberto Stolfi has been my research guide and mentor ever since I came to Georgia Tech. I was the first student in his lab. He has been a perfect leader for me. He clearly stated his research goals and his expectations of me. And then he gave me utmost freedom to deliver results.
Not only has he been understanding throughout, but he has also been extremely supportive of my career choices and aspirations. If ever I hold a leadership position anywhere in life, I hope I can be half as good a leader as he has been for me.
What is your most vivid memory of Georgia Tech?
I witnessed the first snowfall of my life at Georgia Tech. I was in Dr. Stolfi's office. We were discussing some project when he abruptly pointed toward his office window. It was snowing! We quickly finished the discussion, and I left for home early.
I walked in the falling snow for more than a mile, slipping almost five times on the way. In the evening, when the entire campus was covered in snow, I got together with a few friends and made my first snowman.
It's still as clear in my memory as if it happened only yesterday. It was a special day. Although I fell ill the next day, it was all worth it!
In what ways did your time at Georgia Tech transform your life?
I have made significant contributions to various projects, developed skills that I had never even imagined, and evolved work ethics that had seemed impossible to me.
Georgia Tech drove me to push myself and get out of my comfort zone. I am a very different person today from who I was before attending Georgia Tech.
What unique learning activities did you undertake?
I took a special-problems course to do research alongside my studies. This enabled me to apply my classroom learning to real-world problems and to devise new methods and tools for answering intriguing questions.
What advice would you give to incoming graduate students at Georgia Tech?Manage your time. Otherwise, you will be in a sea of problems.
Do not take anything for granted, especially your health. At times, you'll have deadlines, exams, and presentations in a single week. Make sure you give yourself enough time and space to unwind. It’s not always be possible, but do the best you can.
Challenge yourself by taking a tough course, if you find one that interests you, without worrying about the grade. You might never get the opportunity to study those subjects again.
Where are you headed after graduation?
I will not immediately go for a Ph.D. I’m looking for a bioinformatics software engineer position.
Georgia Tech stresses ethical behavior in the workplace. These principles will guide me in making tough decisions.
Georgia Tech has equipped me with a unique combination of technical and soft skills. My experience at Georgia Tech has made me capable of handling multiple projects simultaneously and work efficiently in both collaborative and independent work settings.
Robert Schulmann is an American historian who became known for his work on Albert Einstein. He studied history, receiving his doctorate in 1973 from the University of Chicago. In the early 1990s, he was an assistant professor of history at Boston University. Later he became director of the Einstein Papers Project. He is co-editor of the book "Einstein on Politics," based on Einstein's writings.
The lecture is part of Georgia Tech's 2019 Martin Luther King Jr Celebration, Jan. 10-Feb. 2.
Schulman will discuss the interplay the interplay of politics with Albert Einstein’s concerns for human rights and the trajectory of his professional career. How did a groundbreaking physicist come to be known as a keeper of the world's conscience?
The lecture will celebrate the 70th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations, proclaimed on Dec. 19, 1948.
Event Details
We will invite admitted prospective students to attend our EXPLORE Science and Math! program. EXPLORE Science and Math! is the Georgia Tech College of Sciences program for admitted prospective students and their guests.
The program introduces prospective students to the classes and research opportunities available to them as College of Sciences scholars. Members of the College of Sciences faculty and administration will be on hand to answer questions and offer guidance on academic advising. Prospective students will also attend a Science and Math fair that will include several campus-wide organizations, as well as students currently studying in their field of interest.
Space fills up quickly; invitees should register as early as possible. Register here.
Due to the popularity of this event, we can accommodate only admitted students and their guests. We encourage others with an interest in Georgia Tech's science and mathematics degree programs to attend one of our "It's All About Science and Math" open houses.
Schedule
9:00-9:30: Arrive on campus
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Park in Lot W21 (to be eligible for parking validation) and walk to the Clough Undergraduate Learning Commons room 144; click here for directions. Refreshments will be available.
9:30: Welcome and Overview of Opportunities in the College of Sciences: Interim Dean David Collard, Assistant Dean Cameron Tyson
10:15: Research Keynote Talks by Professors (Mini-research symposium)
12:00: Lunch-Meet with professors, advisors and students from your preferred major (a free box lunch and drinks are provided for students and guests)
1:00: Science and Math Fair
- Visit with faculty academic advisors, undergraduate researchers, the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid, the Office of International Education, the Pre-Health Advisor/Prehealth Panel, the Office of Housing, Arts at Georgia Tech representatives, Greek Life science and math majors, Honors Program representatives, Campus recreation representatives, the Office of Career Development and Discovery (co-ops, internships, career planning), GT campus safety, and lots of student organizations.
2:40: Student Panel
- Gain new insights from students – housing, class selection, getting a research position, study abroad, and much more. You ask the questions – What do you want to know?
3:15: Closing/Departure/Visit Residence Hall Option
- Option: GT Housing representatives will offer a visit to a GT campus residence hall/dorm room from 3:15-4:00pm. Please meet outside of room Clough 152 in the atrium. The tour will involve a 10-minute walk to west campus housing.
Questions? Please contact Cameron Tyson.
Event Details
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