Larissa Rays Wahba
Program: Neurosciences
Current advisor: Bryan Copits, PhD
Undergraduate university: Washington University
Research summary
Processing and integration of sensory stimuli is a core feature of our nervous system that allows us to perceive the world around us. Furthermore, distinguishing between noxious and innocuous sensations is needed for survival. Sensory circuits can become aberrantly activated in the absence of sensory cues following an insult, which results in chronic pain. Plasticity of these circuits is central to this maladaptive response, but unfortunately, we still lack a comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanisms that coordinate this response. My project is centered around understanding how astrocytic adhesion molecules – specifically the neurexin family – contributes to the assembly, formation, and coordination of sensory signaling and processing in the spinal cord.
Graduate publications