Subhabrata Sanyal

Upon completing my Ph.D. at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR, Bombay, India) in the laboratory of Prof. K. S. Krishnan, (where I investigated the role of the “fusion protein” NSF in evoked neurotransmitter release at the Drosophila neuromuscular junction), I joined the laboratory of Prof. Mani Ramaswami at the University of Arizona in early 2000. The focus of the Ramaswami group coincided with my shifting interest in understanding learning and memory and neuronal plasticity using the same model preparation. In our group at Emory, we have continued and expanded this work, in a bid to address fundamental questions regarding neural development, the regulation of long-term plasticity, growth and activity-dependent remodeling of neuronal dendrites, and more recently, reverse genetic approaches in Drosophila that seek to closely approximate neurological disorders in humans. Albeit reductionist by its very nature, we firmly believe that genetic and molecular studies in Drosophila have the power to inform us and sometimes radically transform the way we think about the complexities of the human mind. In my rapidly diminishing spare time, I like to indulge in photography, painting and more recently, clay pottery.

Alysia Vrailas-Mortimer
Post-doc

In 2001, I recieved my B.S. from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, where I worked on identifying the DNA repair protiens in Maize under the direction of Ann E. Stapelton.   I then recieved an Intramural Training Award from the NIH and worked in the lab of Elise Kohn on the role of BAG proteins in breast and ovarian cancer.  

In 2002, I began life as a graduate student at Emory University in the lab of Kevin Moses.  In Kevin's lab, I worked on the role of MAPK nuclear localization in eye development as well as the relationship between the Hedgehog and Dpp pathways in controling various aspects of eye development.  I was awarded my Ph.D. in 2005, and in November of that year, I joined the Sanyal lab.  

I am currently working on the role of p38 MAPK in synaptic plasticity and learning and memory. Beside my interest in fly biology, I'm quite the cross-sticher and have recently taken up knitting (2 scarves down, 2 to go). I also enjoy cooking and exploring the Atlanta culinary scene. When the weather is cooler, I like to go hiking and being outdoors.

Amanda Freeman
Post-doc
Fellowship in Research and Science Teaching (FIRST) Fellow

While earning my undergraduate degree in Neuroscience from Baylor University, I worked in a laboratory that examined the electrophysiological correlates of schizophrenia.  I had the opportunity to apply this experience in electrophysiology to the study of brain activity during sleep and epilepsy through a summer fellowship at the National Institutes of Health.  After graduating from college, I continued working at the NIH for 2 years on a second fellowship which lead me to a laboratory working to identify the genetics of GI tract cancer.  

For my graduate work I moved to Emory University and re-entered the sleep field.  Propelled by the sleep disturbances that accompany Parkinson’s disease, I sought to establish dopamine’s role in the regulation of arousal.  My projected focused on novel neuroanatomical targets of dopaminergic projections and their physiological characterization. 

While my model may changed to the fruitfly, my post-doctoral project in the Sanyal lab will again focus on the neuroanatomy and electrophysiological characteristics of dopaminergic circuitry. 

When I’m not studying sleep, teaching about sleep, or sleeping – I can most often be found in the pottery studio or playing handbells.

Christina Timmerman
Graduate Student

I received my bachelor’s degree in Molecular Biology from Auburn University in the spring of 2007. As an undergraduate, I worked under Bruce F. Smith at Auburn’s Veterinary College. My project involved gene expression profiling of canine lymphomas with an ultimate goal in developing methods of gene therapy to treat these cancers.

I entered graduate school at Emory in the fall of 2007 and happily joined the Sanyal lab in summer of 2008.

Outside the lab, the majority of my free time is devoured by my terrier mix, Ollie. Other interests include, but are not limited to, spicy foods, Mel Brook’s films, video games, catching re-runs of Everybody Loves Raymond, and martial arts. 

Jingsheng Gu
Technician

I am from Beijing where I graduated from Southeast University School of Medicine. I have lived in Atlanta for 6 years. When I'm not taking care of the fly stocks in the laboratory, I enjoy taking care of small animals, including my son's rabbits.

Mallory Bowers
Research Specialist

I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Biological Basis of Behavior in December 2006 from the University of Pennsylvania. After graduation, I worked for one year at a start-up pharmaceutical company until I relocated to Atlanta and joined the Sanyal lab. I enjoy running, biking, and other outdoor activities. I completed the Philadelphia marathon in the fall of 2007 in 3 hours and 56 minutes. I hope to one day run a marathon in 3 hours and 40 minutes in order to qualify for the Boston Marathon. My other long-term goals include running an ultra-marathon, learning how to play the drums, and earning my Ph.D.