Dr. Ortiz-Gonzalez is a physician-scientist specializing in pediatric neurogenetics. Her clinical work focuses on finding a unifying genetic diagnosis for children with rare neurodevelopmental disorders. Her research is informed by her patients and focuses on understanding how genetic changes, in particular those affecting mitochondrial function, cause disease so we can develop better treatments for these children in the future.
Dr. Anderson’s research interests focus on the molecular and cellular mechanisms that govern the development of the mammalian forebrain. In his research on the development of the cerebral cortex, he is particularly interested in understanding the molecular underpinnings behind the fate determination and axon targeting of subclasses of GABAergic interneurons implicated in the neuropathology of schizophrenia.
Dr. Kennedy's current research focuses on epilepsy genetics and epilepsy surgery, including stereo-EEG, hemispherotomy, corpus callosotomy, and vagal nerve stimulation.
Dr. Gonzalez-Alegre's long-range research goal is to advance the application of precision medicine in the neurology clinic. His research focus revolves around genetic disorders that affect the brain, spanning from the diagnosis of novel genetic disease in the clinic to the identification of novel molecular targets using disease models and the design of early-phase human clinical trials.
Dr. Marsh's research program focuses on understanding how changes in brain development lead to epilepsy, intellectual disability, and autism. He combines molecular and physiological tools in mouse models to ask questions about the interaction of normal development with single gene mutations to determine how the brain responds to perturbations in development.
Dr. Goldberg's research program focuses on investigating cerebral cortical circuit function and dysfunction in neurodevelopmental disorders. Using a variety of research techniques, Dr. Goldberg has a specific research interest in the workings of neuron subtype called GABAergic inhibitory interneuron and the role of interneuron dysfunction in disease.
Dr. Akizu's research focuses on cerebellar ataxias and motoneuron disorders, with the specific goals of uncovering the particularities of these neuronal types, understanding disease mechanisms, and exploring treatment options.
Dr. Ahrens-Nicklas works to understand why patients with inherited biochemical disorders often suffer severe, untreatable neurologic and cardiac symptoms. She strives to elucidate the link between biochemistry and network excitability, in order to drive new approaches to therapy.
Katherine Helbig’s research focuses on identifying new genetic causes of epilepsy and understanding how genetic variation leads to seizures. An additional research focus is improving access to genetic services for people with epilepsy and investigating the impact of genetics on health outcomes.
