Jessica Wittnam

EDUCATION

College / University

Yale University

Highest Degree

Bachelor of Science in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology

Major Subjects

Cell Biology, Genetics, Immunology, Neurobiology, Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry

Country

USA

Lab Experience

Basic techniques in light microscopy, immunohistochemistry, molecular biology, tissue culture, and Drosophila genetics.

Projects / Research

2005 - 2006: Temporal analysis of TGF-Beta signaling during the development of the Drosophila neuromuscular junction. Dept. of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, Yale University
2005: Investigation of inversion polymorphisms in the human genome. Dept. of Genetics and Genomic Biology, Hospital for Sick Children, Canada
2005: Synergy between neuronal activity and retrograde TGF-Beta signaling at the Drosophila neuromuscular junction. Dept. of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, Yale University

Scholarships / Awards

2006 – 2007:	Stipend by the International Max Planck Research School
2005:	Alan S. Tetelman '58 Summer Traveling Fellowship
2002 – 2003:	National Merit Scholarship
2002 – 2003:	Amsco-Lowry Scholarship

SCIENTIFIC INTERESTS AND GOALS

I am interested in studying the mechanisms that govern synaptogenesis and synaptic plasticity, with a specific emphasis on how these phenomena allow an organism to adapt to external stimuli. I would also like to gain a greater understanding of neurodegenerative diseases and the body's response to neurological injury. Ultimately, I hope to apply this knowledge toward the treatment of neurological disorders.