DNALC Meet a Scientist! Alexa Pagliaro

How maternal experience shapes brain activity

"In the Shea Lab, we study the neural circuitry that supports social communication and behavior. The onset of maternal experience and the communication between a mother and her offspring provide an ideal context in which to probe these topics. Newborn mouse pups produce ultrasonic vocalizations when they are separated from their litter, and mothers learn to respond to these cries by retrieving the pups back to the nest. We study the changes in brain activity that underlie this form of learning, and how certain disruptions to these changes impair pup gathering behavior in a mouse model of Rett Syndrome."

~ Alexa Pagliaro, Graduate Student in the Shea Lab, CSHL

Fans of the DNA Learning Center all have one thing in common, a fascination with science and all things DNA! With some of our in-person activities limited, we have created an opportunity to learn that is informative and fits into any schedule. These virtual events will be 30 minutes with time for your questions. Each month we will feature CSHL scientists who will share their stories with you, including:

• What got them interested in science?
• What are the most exciting things they are working on?
• What challenges did they overcome to achieve a career in research?

Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory is consistently ranked one of the world’s premier research institutions. Join us for this opportunity to learn and be inspired by world-class scientists.

Details:

• These events are free.
• All talks are 30 minutes with time for questions.
• Talks are open to (and appropriate for) high school audiences and the public.
• Once registered, you will be provided a Zoom link