Virginia Tech School of Neuroscience Faculty Recruitment Seminar

Jessica L. Bolton, Ph.D.
Postdoctoral Fellow
University of California-Irvine

  • October 23, 2018
  • 11:00am –12:00pm
  • Fralin Auditorium

An adverse early-life environment has been increasingly implicated in the etiology of many chronic health problems and mental disorders. This epidemiological evidence has fostered the field of “developmental programming,” which is based on the idea that alterations of the early-life environment during a sensitive period may “program” or shift the normal trajectory of development, ultimately resulting in significant changes in adult physiology and behavior. My overall research goal is to understand the cellular and molecular mechanisms of developmental programming of brain and behavior relevant to mental health, with a particular emphasis on the role of microglia in this process. Currently, my research employs a translational rodent model of early-life adversity to probe the mechanisms of long-lasting emotional vulnerabilities such as anhedonia. In this Research Forum, I will discuss my recent findings as well as plans for the future development of my research program. This work is important because an enhanced understanding of the underlying processes of developmental programming is a prerequisite for the development of better therapies and interventions for at-risk children.

For more information, contact Jonathan Hedrick at: hedrick1@vt.edu

Watch live via: https://www.youtube.com/user/fralinlifescience/live