Peter Brunjes
My lab is involved in studying the organization,
function and development of the vertebrate brain. We always have a number of
projects underway with a focus on understanding the development of the ventral
forebrain. Most of our work centers on studies of the olfactory system, for a
number of reasons, including:
- It is strictly organized, with a relatively
small number of cell types located in clear layers.
- The organization is highly conserved across
all vertebrates and even some invertebrates
- Since it is a portion of a sensory system, its
function is quite easy to manipulate
We have examined a number of topics. Currently we
are primarily focused on "higher order" olfactory structures, such as the
Anterior Olfactory Nucleus and Piriform Cortex.
Our previous work has examined:
1) The role of function in
the development of the olfactory system
2) How innervation
patterns influences brain development
3) Evolutionary
differences in patterns of brain development.
Present and former
lab members
If you came in the door of 077 Gilmer Hall now
you might meet:
- Kurt Illig, PhD
- Rachel Kay
- Nicky Hamlin
- Michael Kennerson
- David Colen
- Joanna Wang
- or even, Peter Brunjes
We are closely affiliated with two programs here
at UVa that you might be interested in:
Program in Sensory and Systems
Neuroscience
The
Neuroscience Graduate Program
Contact: 102 Gilmer Hall, Box 400400; University
of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904-4400.
Phone: 434-924-0693